Tenants

We care about our tenants.

Landlords know that a happy tenant is usually a good tenant.

We make sure our landlords are aware of what constitutes an acceptable environment, we do not handle properties where landlords do not comply with safety procedures. It is in their interest to get this right.

With our fully-managed properties, response to problems is swift and quarterly property visits (always booked in advance with you) ensure everything is in good working order. Emergencies and repairs receive our prompt attention. We think communication is important, we keep in touch and will encourage you to keep in touch.

Landlords may have obligations, but so do tenants - so we make it easy for you to have trouble-free tenancy with a great deal of support for the first time tenant.

When you have found the property of your choice, you need to apply quickly, as properties are in demand.

References

You will be asked to fill in an application from which will enable us to take up references from employers or accountants, bankers and your previous landlord also to conduct a credit check.

The Deposit

Deposits are equal to one month's rent plus £150.

If Minster Lettings does not manage the property, your landlord will receive your deposit and hold it until the end of the tenancy. If we do manage the property, your deposit is paid into a separate client account and held there until the end of your tenancy. It is then refundable subject to the property being in the condition in which it was described in the inventory. To avoid any problems over this, a comprehensive inventory is carried out at the beginning and referred to at the end of the tenancy. This protects both you and the landlord and will be signed by both parties.

The Rent Payments

Payments are made by Standing Order on the date agreed in the tenancy agreement. Rent is paid one month in advance, the first month being payable by banker's draft or cash before you occupy the property. A cheque is acceptable but the keys will only be handed over when the cheque has cleared.

The Tenancy Agreement

Tenancy agreements are generally Assured Shorthold, for a minimum period of 6 months. They are renewable if conditions have been adhered to. The agreement sets out the terms and conditions of tenancy. It is important to read it in full before signing. This is a legally binding contract for the period of time stated and cannot be terminated prior to the end date.

Housing Benefit

We do not have a specific policy regarding Housing Benefit but some of our landlords will not accept Housing Benefit claimants, so please check with us.

Insurance

You are responsible for insuring the contents you take into the house. The landlord will insure the building and its contents.

Utilities

The tenants are responsible for paying services such as gas, electricity, water, sewage and council tax unless otherwise stated. All services will automatically be transferred to the tenant's name by us or by the landlord. Tenants must contact the telephone company directly and must also obtain their own TV licence.

Property Visits

These are made within the first fortnight and then at 3-monthly intervals and are an opportunity for you to talk over any problems. However, we would urge you to report any problems when they occur. A property visit will always be booked in advance with you.

Terminating the Tenancy

You will have to give two month's notice, to expire on the last day of the tenancy period. Your landlord must also do this if he wishes to take back his property. A tenancy can be extended on the same terms by mutual consent, or by putting in place an new agreement.

Checking In and Checking Out

We agree a mutually convenient time for this process. At check-in, keys are only released on our having from you a signed tenancy agreement, a signed inventory (managed properties only) and all monies paid (and cleared, where necessary).

At check-out, we will check the property against the inventory on the final day (managed properties only). We will arrange a time which will be convenient for you. This will enable us to deal with the release of the deposit efficiently. You will be asked to hand over all keys.