The Renting Process
Property Search
Most property searches begin online but to arrange any viewings you will need to contact one of our offices and register your details with a lettings negotiator. They will be able to discuss your requirements and arrange viewings at any properties you may be interested in.
Make an Offer
Once you have found a suitable property, 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
Once your offer has been accepted you will be asked to pay a holding deposit which is usually the equivalent of two weeks’ rent. If for any reason you decide not to proceed with the rental of the property then the holding deposit will be retained against administrative costs already incurred. Otherwise it will be deducted from the first month’s rent. Paying a holding deposit does not legally oblige either party to enter into the Tenancy.
References
Your prospective landlord will be keen to make sure that you are a suitable tenant and that you have the ability to pay your rent. We are therefore required to carry out reference checks on all adults who will be living at the property. We will instruct an independent referencing agency to do this and you will be charged for this.
Tenancy Agreement
We will draw up the relevant paperwork, forming an Agreement to be signed by both Landlord and Tenant. There will be a charge to both parties for doing this.
Rent and Deposit
The first month's rental payment is required in advance prior to the commencement of the tenancy. You will also be asked to pay a security deposit which, subject to the inventory check out report, will be reimbursed to you at the end of the tenancy. We are legally required to register your deposit in a Government backed scheme where your deposit will be protected. Sullivan Thomas is a member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Inventory
The inventory is a detailed schedule of condition and contents report. Each tenancy has an inventory check in and check out which is 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.
ARLA (Association of Residential Letting 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.
