Tenants & Potential Tenants

We work closely with several hundred landlords in the region.  Our property websites – Rightmove, OnTheMarket and LiveLets are updated with available properties on a daily basis. Our inside knowledge of the rental market in this region means we know what might be available and when, giving you the advantage of being one step ahead of the rest when looking for a home to rent.

As qualified professionals, we have accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the National Association of Estate Agents.  Stephensons are members of Ombudsman Services Property Redress Scheme.  Client Money Protection is provided by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Tenant’s deposits are registered with The Dispute Service tenancy deposit scheme

All properties are let on Assured Shorthold Tenancies, usually for an initial period of 6 months.  The rent is due monthly in advance.  A deposit of 5 weeks rent is required.

Application Process

We require a holding deposit of 1 weeks rent. Following receipt of the deposit, we will proceed with references & credit checks. The parties have 14 days from receipt of the deposit to enter into a tenancy agreement unless an alternative timescale is agreed.

If the Landlord decides to proceed with the tenancy the holding deposit will be held towards the tenancy deposit.

Where the Landlord / agent decide not to proceed with the tenancy, the deposit will be refunded to the applicant unless:-

  1. The tenant fails a Right to Rent check regardless of when the deposit was accepted.
  2. The tenant provides false or misleading information to the Landlord or letting agent, which the Landlord is reasonably entitled to consider in deciding whether to grant the tenancy because this materially affects their suitability to rent the property.
  3. The tenant notifies the Landlord or letting agent before the deadline for agreement that they have decided not to enter into a tenancy agreement.
  4. The tenant fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into a tenancy agreement.

On receipt of satisfactory references each adult will be required to sign the Tenancy Agreement. We will require payment of the initial month’s rent & the Tenancy deposit (5 weeks rent less the holding deposit).  Payment can be made by bank transfer, debit card, bankers draft or Building Society cashiers cheque. We do not accept credit cards.

Client Money Protection is provided by The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Stephensons Estate Agents LLP are members of the Ombudsman Services Property Redress Scheme.

Charges to Tenants

Where a tenant requests changes or amendments to a tenancy (e.g. change of sharer) we will charge £50 + VAT / reasonable costs if in excess of £50.Tenants will be charged reasonable costs for replacement of lost keys / security devices.

Referencing Requirements

All tenants will be referenced by Homelet, an independent referencing agency.

It is a Homelet requirement that a tenant’s gross monthly income is a minimum of 2½ x the monthly rent and that tenants should have been permanently employed in the UK for the previous 6 months. If you do not meet these requirements, an increased deposit, guarantor or 6 months’ rent in advance may be required. Guarantor’s monthly income should be 3 x the monthly rent.

Each applicant aged over 18 must complete the referencing forms and provide:-

Proof of residency :

  • Driver’s licence showing current address.
  • Council Tax bill.
  • Utility bill dated within the last 3 months (water, electricity, gas or landline phone – not mobile).
  • Letter from employer (on company headed paper), confirming the applicant’s current address.

Proof of identity

The Immigration Act 2014 requires all occupiers to prove their “Right to Rent”. Each applicant MUST in person at the office provide either:

  • Passport
  • National Identity Card
  • Biometric Residency Permit.

If the applicant does not possess these, other documents may be acceptable – please contact the office for details

Applicants please note:

  • All applications for tenancy are discussed with the landlord.  The submission of a completed application form does not guarantee the offer of a tenancy
  • Each adult will be required to complete application forms.
  • On receipt of satisfactory references each adult will be required to sign the Tenancy Agreement and we will require payment of the initial month’s rent and deposit by bank transfer, Bankers Draft or Building Society cashier’s cheque payable to Stephensons. Future rent payments will be required by Standing Order.
  • We can talk you through the process of renting your home, and answer all your questions about renting a property, from how to pay your rent through to deposit schemes, and your landlord’s legal obligations.

Book a free valuation

Stephensons Estate Agents