Renting

The Renting Process

ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents)

Sullivan Thomas is a member of this professional body which carefully monitors its members and provides a bonding service to protect both Landlords’ and Tenants’ monies. Their website is worth visiting if you require any further information.

Register with Sullivan Thomas

Search for properties

Most people prefer to carry out their initial search on the web to establish what sort of things are available and our website address is www.sullivanthomas.co.uk. However, experience has shown us that there is no substitute for dealing directly with our negotiators who will have seen all the properties in question and will be able to discuss your requirements in more detail. Please contact us:

Parsons Green, Fulham: 020 7751 8898
Bishop’s Park, Fulham: 020 7731 1333
Wandsworth Common: 020 8682 3121

Viewings

Contact the relevant office to arrange an appointment to view.

Making an Offer

Once you have found a suitable property through Sullivan Thomas, our lettings negotiators will put your offer forward to the Landlord. Before negotiations begin, it is worth considering your proposed timing and any specific requirements.

Holding Deposit

Holding Deposits are required when a Tenant makes an offer on a property. If, for any reason, the Tenant decides not to go ahead, the holding deposit will be retained against administrative costs already incurred. Otherwise it will be offset against the first rent and full deposit payments. Paying a holding deposit does not legally oblige either party to enter into the Tenancy.

References

We will instruct an independent referencing company to carry out references. The cost of doing this is the responsibility of each prospective Tenant.

Tenancy Agreement

We will draw up the relevant paperwork, forming an agreement to be signed by both parties. There will be a charge to the Tenant for doing this.

Rent and Deposit

The first rental payment is required in advance prior to the commencement of the tenancy. A damage deposit is also required from the Tenant which will be reimbursed to you at the end of the tenancy, subject to the comments of the inventory report.

Sullivan Thomas are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, deposits@tds.gb.com.

With effect from 6 April 2007, in compliance with the Compulsory Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme requirements introduced under the Housing Act 2004, Landlords and Agents are required to safeguard Tenant’s deposits paid in relation to an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) either by sending the money to the administrator of the Custodial Scheme, or by joining one of the two available Insured Schemes.

The Scheme has two main purposes; to safeguard tenancy deposits to ensure Tenants will get back all or part of their deposit to which they are entitled, provided they have kept the property in good condition; and to facilitate the resolution of disputes arising in connection with such deposits.

Inventory

The inventory is a detailed schedule of condition and contents report carried out by an independent inventory clerk at the beginning and end of the tenancy. The Landlord will be expected to pay for the check-in report and the Tenant for the check-out report.