Do I deal with Our House Estate Agents, or the landlord directly?

Initially you will deal with Our House from viewing to signing of the agreement. You will be dealing with either Our House Estate Agents or the landlord depending on the package the landlord has chosen but you will be notified either way when you move in.

How do I set up a viewing?

Get in contact with one of our friendly team either by phone or email, whichever suits you best and we will arrange the viewing for you.  

How do I make an application?

Once you have found a suitable property, you will need to complete a reference application form online. One will need to be completed for each person over the age of 18 that will be moving in. We utilise the services of a credit-referencing agency to take up the following references, here is an example of just a few of the references sought:

Confirmation of employment, salary confirmation.

Self-Employed (Accountants references, trading details etc).

Identification checks to comply with the Right to Rent Act 2016.

Landlord references.

Tenancy Agreement

Both the Landlord and tenant/s will be required to sign a tenancy agreement prior to the tenancy commencing, the agreement outlines both tenant and landlord obligations. Generally, most tenancies run for a period of six or twelve months, we will contact you at the end of the tenancy to see whether you wish to renew your agreement for a further period and will liaise with the landlord to organise the documentation. It is important you note that the agreement is made between landlord and tenant, we act for the landlord only.

By legal requirement we will issue you with a sample template agreement which we ask you read very carefully, should any questions arise regarding this legal document we advise you to seek independent legal advice.

Payment

Once a moving date has been agreed and references have all been approved by the landlord, the tenancy agreement will need to be signed by all parties and the initial monies in full will become due.

This is made up of the following:

Deposit normally equal to 4 to 6 weeks of rent (depending on the monthly rent). Rent is worked out on a per calendar month basis. The above monies need to be in a cleared form before the tenancy can commence, payment needs to be made by means of transfer directly into our client bank account and showing as cleared. The deposit must be paid in time for the deposit to be registered so that relevant paperwork can be provided.

Rental Payment

Rent will be paid to either Our House Estate Agents Ltd or the landlord directly, depending on whether we have been instructed to fully manage the property, or collect rent on the landlord's behalf. Again, you will be notified either way. Your initial rent payment will always come to us. 

Maintenance and repairs

We do get instructed to fully manage some of our landlord's properties, if this is the case, with your tenancy we will inform you prior to your tenancy commencing. If we are managing, then any faults with appliances or problems within the property will need to be reported to us and we will deal with the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. Failure to report an ongoing problem may turn the onus onto you; please report any problems you feel need attention. You can do this by calling the office direct or online through the portal. If we do not manage it, you will need to contact your landlord direct. 

Notice to end a tenancy

To terminate your tenancy subject to term, you will normally be required to give us at least one month notice in writing of your intention to leave, unless otherwise specified in your specific tenancy agreement.

Inventory

A well-prepared inventory and check-in report protects landlords and tenants alike, providing an accurate description of the condition and contents of a property at the start of a tenancy. Normally an inventory of the property condition, furniture and fittings and effects will be prepared by us on behalf of the landlord, or an independent inventory clerk instructed by the landlord prior to the tenancy commencing. Both landlord and tenant are asked to check the inventory within 14 dys to allow any changes to be made if necessary.

 The condition of the property and its contents at the end of the tenancy is then compared back to this report in the form of a check-out report. It is in a landlord's interest to ensure that inventories are prepared for properties that they own.

Deposit returns

When your tenancy ends, an inspection of the property will be carried out, either by the landlord or a member of Our House Staff and compared with the move in inventory. 

The landlord may propose deductions to the deposit for cleaning, damages, or unpaid rent (this is assessed by comparing the inventory check-in to the check-out) and provided you agree with this, the money will be returned to your account. We do always consider fair wear and tear. 

If you disagree with the proposed deductions, you should try and come to an agreement with the landlord. If this cannot be done, you will need to raise a dispute with the deposit protection service where an independent adjudicator will assess the evidence and decide how much of the deposit will go to your and/ or the landlord.

Tenants' obligations

The responsibility for the property lies with the tenant during the period of tenancy, always ensure that the property is fully secured and that during the winter months steps are taken to prevent freezing of the water and heating system.

Property Inspection

If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out inspections as instructed by the landlord, to assess the condition of the property and that everything is being kept in a satisfactory condition. We will always arrange this with you at a mutually convenient time.

Council Tax & Utilities

It is the tenant's responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay council tax to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this.

Wherever applicable VAT will be charged at the current VAT rate.