Guide to renting

Allow us to take the strain out of finding your next property. We prepare full details for every home we offer to save you time looking at everything, know the area like the back of our hand so we can narrow it down for you.

Once you find something suitable, we'll walk you through the whole process of referencing, deposits and inventories. And if you have any questions, we're always here so just ask!

Helpful resources:

How to rent (gov) Guide

Condensation and Mould Advice Leaflet

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for tenants regarding renting a property:

1. What is referencing?
   • Referencing involves checking your suitability to rent a property. This process includes verifying your employment, checking with a previous landlord (if applicable), running checks with a credit referencing agency, confirming your right to live and work in the UK, and gathering your identification. It's important to disclose any credit or other issues that might affect the referencing procedure.
2. Why is a guarantor needed?
   • A guarantor may be required if the landlord is not satisfied with your income or if there are past credit issues. A guarantor is someone who lives in the UK and can cover your rental commitment if you cannot. The guarantor will also undergo referencing checks and must demonstrate earnings of 36 times the monthly rent and maybe be required to be a UK homeowner.
3. Why do I need to pay a tenancy deposit?
   • The deposit is necessary to protect the property against any damage during the tenancy. It can be used for cleaning and damages beyond normal wear and tear. An assessment will be conducted at the end of the tenancy, and the deposit can also be used for non-payment of rent.
4. Where will the deposit be held?
   • All deposits must be held in a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme, Robert Luff & Co holds deposits in DPS tenant information link below:
   • https://www.depositprotection.com/tenants/starting-a-tenancy/what-is-deposit-protection
     
5. What is a tenancy agreement?
   • A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the specific terms and conditions of the tenancy. It serves to protect the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. Customized tenancy agreements can be created to address specific circumstances agreed upon by both parties, including Let to Let agreements or Company Let Agreements
6. What happens if repairs are needed?
   • If the property is managed by the Robert Luff & Co, you can contact them to report issuesmaintenance@robertluff.co.uk ,they will inform the landlord and arrange for necessary repairs. If damage is caused by the tenant, they will be responsible for covering the cost of the repair. If the property is not managed by Robert Luff & Co , you would need to contact the landlord directly to report maintenance issues, this information is provided to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
7. Is the landlord allowed to enter the property?
   • Except in emergencies, the landlord and managing agent must give 24 hours' notice if they wish to enter the property.
8. What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
   • Tenants are obligated to comply with the terms outlined in the signed tenancy agreement, common duties include paying rent and household bills on time, reporting damage, and maintaining the property's cleanliness and overall condition outlined in the inventory.
9. Are tenants responsible for insurance?
   • Tenants are typically required to have a contents insurance policy that covers the value of their possessions, this is optional but is recommended. This insurance can also cover accidental damage to the landlord's possessions.
10. Could the landlord decide to increase the rent?
    • The landlord may have the right to review the rent after a specified period, which will be outlined in the tenancy agreement. Notice of a rent increase, if applicable, should be provided by the landlord or agent, and negotiations would be handled by the agent or the landlord.
11. Can I extend my lease?
    • In most cases, it's possible to renew the lease after the initial fixed term has ended. It's advisable to discuss lease renewal within the final few months of the initial term.
12. What happens if I want to move out?
    • There will be a notice period specified in the tenancy agreement that you need to serve before moving out. If you move out earlier than this period, you may still be liable for rent and potentially other fees.
13. When will the tenancy deposit be returned?
    • The tenancy deposit will be returned after a check-out service and an examination of the inventory have been conducted. The results will be reported to both the tenant and the landlord, and the deposit will be returned, minus any necessary deductions.