Introduction

When you have seen the property you are interested in renting, all occupiers over the age of 18 will need to submit a formal application, and will be named within the Tenancy Agreement. References will be taken up on behalf of the Landlords, which normally include credit checks, current employment details, previous Landlord/Letting Agents references, and if self employed, accounts and income details for the past three years.
Identification documentation and proof of current residency must be provided for each adult wishing to live within the property. Landlords and Letting Agents are obliged to carry out Right to Rent checks to determine the immigration status of all prospective adult tenants before the start of a tenancy.

The Tenancy Agreement

This is a contractual Agreement between yourself and the Landlord. It is a legally binding document on both parties and clearly sets out the terms and conditions and the obligations of both parties during the period of the tenancy. Most tenancies will be of a standard Assured Shorthold format and will run for a minimum period of six months and thereafter on a month to month basis or such other period as may be agreed between the parties.
Before you can take occupation of the property, the Tenancy Agreement must be signed and we must hold cleared funds representing the deposit and the first month's rent.

Rent

The first month's rent is payable in advance with all future payments payable by standing order. In certain circumstances, alternative methods of payment may be allowed, although this should be agreed in advance either with ourselves or, with the Landlord.

Permitted Payments

Holding Deposit

One weeks rent. This is to reserve a property. Please note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant misleading or false information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other deadline for agreement as mutually agreed in writing).
Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year) Five weeks' rent.
This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy

Unpaid Rent

Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

Lost key(s) or other security Devices

Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord or any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security.
Variation of Contract £50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. (Tenant's Request)
To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Change of Sharer £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. (Tenant's Request)
To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Early Termination (Tenant's Request)

Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to the landlord's costs in re-letting the property as well as rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.

Deposit Protection service

It is a statutory requirement that all deposits are protected. Mckinlays currently use the deposit protection service. The legislation sets out clear time scales and the manner in which deposits and any disputes are to be dealt with at the end of a tenancy. For further information please visit the website https://www.depositprotection.com

Schedule of Condition & Inventory

Prior to your occupation of the property, a Schedule of Condition and Inventory of any contents at the property may have been prepared. If so, copies will have been provided to you at the commencement of the tenancy and it is imperative that you check its accuracy, sign and return to McKinlays within 7 days. Any discrepancies must be reported immediately, since this will form the basis of resolving any dispute relating to damage to the property or contents at the end of the tenancy.

Periodic Visits

Where properties are managed by McKinlays, they will be the subject to periodic inspections in order to confirm you are complying with your obligations under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement. The first visit will be 1 month into the tenancy and then every three months.

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