Advice for Tenants
Renting a Property can seem daunting. There is much to do in a short space of time. Our role is to make the process as smooth as possible. Refer to our jargon buster to explain any unfamiliar terms. In the event of emergencies out of business hours we have contractors ready to help
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The First Step
Tell us what you want! We recommend beginning your search around 4-6 weeks prior to your target move date.
You need to make sure you have set an affordable budget which allows for all additional costs such as council tax, utility bills etc. Decide on the area, type of accommodation and whether you want a furnished property or not. You may need to compromise on some wishes so be prepared to be a little flexible. Give consideration to the length of the tenancy. Remember, if you agree a fixed term and there is no break clause, you will be obliged to pay rent for the term agreed. You need to make sure you are clear as to your future plans.
Finding a Property
If you are not used to the London Rental Market, you should be aware that it moves very quickly indeed. Properties often rent within hours so when we call you, try to arrange a viewing as soon as possible. If you miss our call, ring us straight back or it may be too late. We will meet you at our office and take you to view the property in order we can answer any queries and assist you in making a decision as soon as you are ready to do so. If you see a great property on your first viewing - don't delay - it may not be available tomorrow. Search available properties by clicking here.
Offer
Upon finding a suitable property, make an offer to your negotiator who will ask for a holding deposit. You will complete a Holding Deposit Receipt on which all your requirements are clearly stated. The Holding Deposit is £300.00 per person and will be refunded in its entirety should your offer not be accepted or in the event the Landlord chooses not to proceed. Payment of a holding deposit reinforces that you are serious about your offer and will add weight when submitted to the landlord and is often the first question the landlord asks us!
Offer accepted
Once the Landlord accepts your offer, Bushells will cease marketing the property. Reference checks will be made at this stage. - We will ask you to provide bank details and the contact details of your previous landlord, along with those of your employer. Depending on the result, we may ask you for a suitable guarantor.
You will be sent a specimen, standard Tenancy Agreement and other necessary documentation which should be read through thoroughly.Your Negotiator will be pleased to help should you have any questions.
We will confirm the agreed tenancy in writing and provide details of the balance of move in monies required. This must be received in cleared funds before the commencement of the tenancy. Acceptable methods of payment are debit / credit card, bankers draft and bank transfer. Please bear in mind that your tenancy cannot commence until cleared funds are received and this may take a few days. We will pass on the charge for card payments, currently 2.5%.
Move in monies consist of:
a) Rent for the first month (less Holding Deposit)
b) Security Deposit - equivalent to six weeks rent
d) Referencing Fees
e) Administration fee
Future rental payments for monthly rent are taken by standing order in advance so please have your bank account details available to complete the form. Please note the signature must be an original as faxed copies are not accepted by the banks.
We strongly recommend that you take out insurance to cover you personal belongings as the Landlords insurance will only cover items belonging to them.
Moving in
Provided that all payments have cleared, documents and references are in order, your keys will be available for collection on the start date of the tenancy when you will be asked to sign your tenancy agreement and complete the standing order forms. We will ask you to make an appointment to attend our offices to complete this process in order to ensure someone is available to help you without delay. We will also require sight of original photographic identification, in the form of a passport or driving licence together with proof of address (bank statement, utility bill etc.,)
You will need to inform your utility providers that you have moved into the property and ensure that all accounts are transferred into your name as quickly as possible
Please ensure you attend the appointment with the Inventory Clerk at check in as this is an important record of the condition and contents of the property. A copy of the inventory check-in report will be sent to you shortly after move-in. It is imperative that you bring any discrepancies to attention immediately this is received.
We will provide details of who you can contact in the event of any issues arising during your tenancy. Where we manage the property, we will inform you accordingly or provide details of the landlord. In the latter case, we are still here to help should you require any advice.
