Holding Deposit - £200 per property
Once we have found you a suitable property, a Holding Deposit is then required to verify your serious intent to proceed with the rental of the property, and if the Tenancy does proceed, the Holding Deposit will be deducted from your final bill.
You will be required to provide photo identification and proof of address at this stage. Vincent Chandler accepts an EU driving license or valid passport and a utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old.
Referencing
All tenants are referenced by Blinc Tenant Referencing an independent referencing company. Applicants will receive an instructing email to log on and complete their personal information online. Once tenants have passed the referencing process usually taking 2 to 3 days, these references may be passed to the landlord so that they can make a decision on granting the tenancy. Tenants are responsible for any administration charges levied by their bank in relation to obtaining a reference. Referencing is now paid for by the Landlord
Guarantor (where applicable)
If a tenant has a low credit score after referencing, it is common to obtain a guarantor who will stand surety and guarantee rent payments. The guarantor will pay the rent if the tenant defaults and will pay the landlord’s losses, expenses or damages where the tenant fails to carry out his obligations under the tenancy agreement. Guarantor referencing is now paid for by the Landlord.
Inventory Check-In
Your landlord will be given the option of commissioning a detailed independent inventory and schedule of condition to be carried out directly before you move in. This is a very important document in the lettings process as it safeguards both the property and your tenant deposit. The inventory report includes many photographs along with a detailed condition of the property including fixtures and fittings, meter readings etc, and will be used in the unlikely event of an accident or dispute regarding the deposit. Both landlord and tenant will receive a copy of the report to read and sign, and given 7 days to respond with any discrepancies. A Check-Out report equal to that of the Inventory will be carried out at the end of the tenancy and both will be paid for by the Landlord
Tenancy Agreement
Tenants will be required to sign an AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) agreement. Vincent Chandler will email this legally binding tenancy agreement for tenants to read through, seek advice where necessary, and then attend Vincent Chandler’s offices to sign. Before signing this contract, it is strongly suggested that all tenants read through it thoroughly to understand fully their responsibilities.
Security Deposit - 5 Weeks' Rent
The landlord or agent is required to protect all tenants’ deposits under a statutory tenant deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving a deposit. A deposit equivalent to 5 weeks’ rent must be paid before the tenancy begins. Vincent Chandler registers deposits with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) and will provide information regarding this once the deposit has been paid. For full information please visit the DPS website
Please Note: 1 Months Rent - payable in advance
The first instalment of rent must be paid as cleared funds before the tenancy begins. Thereafter, rent is payable by standing order to arrive on the date stated in the tenancy agreement.
Fees & Charges
Amendment to AST - £50
Payable if an additional tenant is added to the AST or if the tenant requires any other amendments.
Call-out £60
In the event that a Vincent Chandler member of staff is required to make an out-of-hours visit for a non-emergency event, for example if the tenant locks himself out of the property, a call-out charge is payable. Tenants are advised to call the emergency number first in order to seek clarification.
We are pleased to be members of the Money Shield client money protection insurance scheme
Independent redress is provided by the Property Ombudsman Scheme
