Tenancy Services

Tenant Information

• We conduct viewings from Monday to Fridays 9.00 – 5.00pm and every Saturday from 9.00 – 3.00pm. On occasions, we may have to contact current tenants to arrange access for your viewings.
• After viewing a property you wish to let, you will be required to pay a holding deposit.
• Having decided on a property, you will need to complete a written application form. At this time, we would recommend you advise us of your potential move in date – PLEASE BE AWARE WE WILL EXPECT YOU TO MOVE IN TO A PROPERTY WITHIN 21 DAYS AFTER PLACING YOUR FEE.
• We ask a company called FLS to conduct our referencing; they will contact your employers /current landlord etc for references and will confirm your financial background.

Referencing and Right to Rent Checks

You will be asked to complete an application before referencing can be undertaken, you should also provide an original photographic Identification (e.g. passport, National ID card, VISA, resident permit, driving licence) and Proof of Residence (e.g. original utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement all of which much be less than 3 months old) if you have any queries relating to this please speak to the branch you are dealing with.

You should be aware that the need for a guarantor may not become apparent until your referencing (including references for any joint tenants) has been completed. Where a guarantor is required they will need to complete an application form and provide photographic identification and proof of residence.

Referencing will cover a check against the credit file and public records of the individual, an Anti-Money Laundering check, confirmation of employment and salary details, confirmation of previous tenancy details, right to rent checks, reporting the results of all those checks to your prospective landlord to see if your application is acceptable

• Rents are quoted on a per calendar month basis. In addition the Tenant is responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. We also strongly suggest you take out tenants insurance.
• A bond is required prior to occupation. This is usually equivalent to one month’s rent unless specified. Where we manage the property, the deposit will be held by the Deposit Protection Service.
• The bond is held to cover any breakages, damage, rent arrears or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing the tenancy, at the end of your stay we will check the property in the presence of the tenant and assess any damages and deductions due if any.

Tenant fee schedule

For properties in Wales, the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 means that in addition to rent, lettings agents can only charge tenants the following permitted payments:

• Holding deposits (a maximum of 1 week’s rent);
• Security deposits; equal to 5 weeks rent
• Where required, utilities (electricity, gas or other fuel, water, sewerage), communication
• Services (telephone, internet, cable/satellite television), TV licence;
• Council tax (payable to the billing authority.
• Payments for the late payment of rent (where required under the tenancy agreement; Chargeable from 14 days arrears calculated on the interest at 3% above Bank of England base rate on the late payment of rent for each day that the payment is outstanding.

Chargeable permitted payments are as follows inclusive of vat:

• Loss of keys – Landlords and letting agents can charge a tenant a fee to cover the cost of replacing the lost key or security device (e.g. fob, electronic device for garage doors/ security gates)
• Early Termination – Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early; they shall be liable to the landlord’s costs in reletting the property as well as rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will not be more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy
• Company application fee £100.00 including vat

The landlord or agent will set out in writing to the tenant the basis for the charge(s) The cost to be paid within seven days of the written demand, which if not paid the tenant hereby agrees the outstanding sum can be deducted from the Deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Information for Tenants

Sage & Co Estate Agents Sample Tenancy Contract, Deed of Guarantor and Holding Deposit Information.

Sage & Co Estate Agents is a member of the Property Ombudsman & ARLA and holds client money protection insurance.