CHOOSING THE AREA YOU WANT TO LIVE IN

Do your research and figure out the specific areas you’d like to rent in. Make a list of the things that are really important to you, like transport links, schools, access to shops and use these to focus your search. Be sure to share your list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’ with the local estate agents so they can start working for you.

LEICESTER ESTATE AGENTS

Find the type of property you like in your preferred area/s from our extensive list and make contact with us. Make sure the you are registered on our system and take care to give us all your contact details – the lettings business is fast-moving and you don’t want to miss out on your ideal property. Be very clear about when you need to move into your rental property. If you need somewhere urgently, let us know. We will be sympathetic and will do all we can to find you a suitable place.

VIEWINGS

Try to be available and as flexible as possible. Yes, we’ve said it before, but the lettings business is incredibly fast moving and when a good property comes to the market there can be a rush to view and offers are often made immediately. You could miss out if you can’t make yourself available within 24 hours of the agent contacting you. Don’t necessarily be put off by details in the property. If you don’t like the wall colour, or the sofa isn’t big enough, have a chat with the agent. We encourage our landlords to be flexible and accommodate tenant’s requests whenever possible. If you want the landlord to undertake any improvement works, or add/remove furniture, put in your request as soon as you decide to make an offer. It can be much harder to get these jobs agreed once you have moved in.

CROSSING THE T’S AND DOTTING THE I’S

Once you’re happy to go ahead you’ll need to complete a tenancy application form and provide all relevant paperwork

All estate agents will need to conduct security checks on behalf of the landlord, so make sure you have details of all your previous addresses to hand. Likewise, let your employer, and any other referees, know to expect a request for a reference.

Full references are required for each applicant for a property to rent (but see below for exceptions, please call us if you require further assistance)

For Professional Applicants :

A Headed Letter from your Employer stating your position, salary and term

Photographic ID (passport or driving licence)

A Utility bill dated within the last 3 months

A Bank statement dated within the last 3 months

For Student Applicants : An acceptance letter from your university showing details of your course, start date and term

Photographic ID (passport or driving licence)

A Utility bill dated within the last 3 months

A Bank statement dated within the last 3 months

We may ask that in order to proceed with the let, a Guarantor is in place or alternatively payment for the length of the tenancy is made in advance.

The Guarantor will need to be a Professional in Full Time work and a Homeowner.

A Letter from your Employer on headed paper, stating position and term

Photographic ID (passport or driving licence)

A Utility bill dated within the last 3 months

A Bank statement/mobile phone bill dated within the last 3 months

Proof of Home Ownership

For Company Lets :

An Accountant’s Reference for the company

We will check the company is registered with Companies House

We may need to ask for evidence that the company’s accounts are in good order and up-to-date.

 

FEES AND CHARGES

RESIDENTIAL LETTING FEES

No application or administration fees are charged for residential letting

No contract renewal fees

No guarantor fees

No inventory fees

Late payment fees of £40.00 plus interest apply

Early termination fees of £175.00 apply

COMMERCIAL LETTING FEES

Commercial contracts fee £350.00

Renewal of commercial contracts £75.00

Late payment fees of £50.00 plus interest apply

 

MOVING IN

Look after the property as if it were your own. This reduces the likelihood of disputes over damage when the tenancy comes to an end. Remember that you should arrange insurance cover for your furnishings and personal property – the landlord is not responsible for insuring these items.

 

MOVING OUT If the property was professionally cleaned when you moved in, then the chances are you will need to arrange for the same to be done when you move out. Whoever is managing the property – be it the estate agent or the landlord – they will want to see a receipt for the cleaning. It goes without saying that you should leave the property in tip top condition and remove all your belongings, otherwise this will affect the amount of the deposit returned to you.