Renting With Us
Before starting your search, you should have an idea of your basic requirements, such as price, location, size, and type of property. It is essential to budget and calculate your monthly expenses, including Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electric, Telephone, and Broadband. Auckland Estates’ staff will listen to your needs to understand what you are looking for to avoid showing you unsuitable properties. They also offer accompanied viewings that are flexible to suit your schedule, during the day, lunch breaks, evenings, or Saturdays.
Securing Your Property
Once you have found the property you want to rent, Auckland Estates will submit your offer to the landlord for consideration. They will also require a reservation fee, equivalent to one week’s rent, which will be subject to any conditions agreed with the landlord. While they conduct your references, the marketing of the property will be suspended. However, if you withdraw your application or provide false information, you will not receive a refund.
Referencing
Diligent, an independent referencing agency, will vet every prospective tenant over 18 years old intending to live in the property. Each tenant must complete a Diligent reference application form either on paper or online format. The application form asks for personal information and conducts a Credit Assessment.
Right to Rent Immigration Checks
Under Section 22 of the Immigration Act 2014, a landlord cannot authorize an adult to occupy a property as their only or primary home under a residential tenancy agreement unless the adult is a British citizen, European Economic Area (EEA), Swiss national, or has the Right to Rent in the UK. Auckland Estates reserve the right to obtain, check, and copy one or more original documents that demonstrate the Right to Rent in the UK for all adult occupiers for that property in the presence of the holder.
Signing Tenancy Agreements
Once Auckland Estates receives satisfactory references and Right to Rent Immigration checks, they will arrange for you to sign the Tenancy Agreements before or on the commencement date of the tenancy. The Tenancy Agreement is a legal and binding document that governs all rents. You will be obligated to pay rent until the end of the agreed term, and legal action could be taken against you if you break the agreement. If your circumstances change during your tenancy, it is advisable to inform your landlord or Auckland Estates as soon as possible.
Payment
Before the start of the tenancy, you must pay the initial rental payment and deposit. The deposit is equivalent to one week’s rent. Any payment made to Auckland Estates must be in cleared funds to their client account. Personal cheques are not accepted.
Moving In
Once all paperwork is completed, and payment has been made, Auckland Estates will arrange to hand over the keys to your new home.
Tenants Fees
A Holding Deposit of One week’s rent is payable at the start of the application to reserve a property. If any relevant person, including guarantor(s), withdraws from the tenancy, fails a Right-to-Rent check, provides materially significant false or misleading information, or fails to sign their tenancy agreement within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement), the Holding Deposit will be withheld.
Additional variable charges may apply during the course of the tenancy or at the end, and they are outlined in the Tenancy Agreement. These may include fees for late payment of rent, lost keys, or breach of the tenancy agreement. We are transparent about fees, and will explain any charges before you sign the Tenancy Agreement.
In conclusion, registering your interest to rent a property with Auckland Estates is easy, and our experienced team will guide you through the process. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your budget and requirements before starting your property search.
Auckland Estates will conduct thorough referencing and Right to Rent checks before arranging for you to sign the Tenancy Agreement and move into your new home. Be aware of any fees and charges that may apply during the tenancy and keep Auckland Estates informed of any changes to your circumstances.
TENANT FEES
Deposit
Deposit for a long let tenancy Equivalent to five weeks’ rent
Deposit for a short let tenancy £700 or equivalent to one weeks’ rent (whichever is greater)
Other fees
Changes to the contract, such as variations, novations, amendments, or the addition of new occupants at the tenant’s request during an ongoing tenancy: £50
Default fee of interest on late rent if rent is more than 14 days overdue: 3% above Bank of England base rate
Default fee for lost keys or other respective security devices: Actual cost of replacement
All fees unless otherwise stated are inclusive of VAT