Discovering the U.K.

Funds due are as follows:

1. Agent's fee (this is usually equivalent to the holding fee – as above) 2. First month’s rent in advance 3. Security deposit (generally the equivalent of six weeks rent). This is a sum of money that is held by an independent party to cover the cost of any repairs of damages to the premises at the end of the tenancy It is essential to be able to pay the money for the above to the letting agent prior to the commencement of the tenancy start date, so that the agent has cleared funds in the client’s account. Until this is paid, the keys will not be released to you. If your company is assisting with these costs, notice of the requirement and the banker details of the Letting Agent need to be made available in plenty of time to enable the transfer to be made. Responsibilities of a Tenant The responsibilities of both tenant and landlord are detailed within the Tenancy Agreement, although some conditions may vary slightly from one property and landlord to the next. For instance, in apartment blocks, there are often rules that everyone in the building must abide by. Whilst tenancy agreements provide tenants with certain rights, they also contractually bind you to certain responsibilities. Breaking the terms of your tenancy agreement can lead to eviction from the property. A general guide to what is expected of tenants in the private rental sector in the U.K. is listed below. Please note that there is a slight variation in property law between England and Scotland although a tenant’s responsibilities are broadly the same in each country. Variations and additions to the terms may have been agreed to in your Tenancy Agreement; please read through the Agreement to ensure that you are aware of your own obligations whilst Tenant/Occupier of the property. If you require any further clarification on any of the terms, please talk to your Consultant who will be pleased to assist. Tenants in the U.K. agree to:  Pay the agreed rent in full and on time. Failure to make timely payments will result in a breach of contract and can incur monetary penalties  Pay any bills that you are responsible for (such as water, electricity, gas telephone, television licence)  Make sure no damage is caused to the property or its contents, whether by yourself or members of the household or visitors  Consult your landlord before making any alterations to the property; please ensure you obtain written permission  Report any damage or need for repairs to the landlord as soon as possible. (In general, landlords are responsible for repairs and maintenance of the exterior and the structure of the property, as well as the plumbing, wiring and central heating)  Responsibility for looking after internal decorations, furniture, and equipment as well as minor maintenance (such as checking that smoke alarms are working, changing light bulbs, etc.)

© 2016 Dwellworks

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Discovering the U.K.

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