W J Meade

Tenant Guide

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Tenant Guide


WHY RENT?

The current property market has seen a spike in renting amongst the population, especially in areas where house prices vastly outweigh wages. According to new data provided by Zoopla, renting a property is now cheaper than buying in over half of British cities.

Although renting may be seen by some as a hindrance to getting onto the property ladder, it has become an increasingly important part of the way we live now. Whether you are a student, young professional, or a family struggling to get onto the property ladder, almost everyone will have been a tenant at some point in their life.

If you are still not sure whether renting is for you, the government have put together a comprehensive guide: How To Rent; The Checklist for Renting in England. Click Here to download.


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Budget

Before you begin the search for your desired home, you need to work out if you are financially equipped for this move.
It is advised that you spend no more than 30% of your household income on rent, therefore if you are earning £21,000 per annum, you should be looking at spending no more than £525 on rent. Once you have worked out how much you can afford to spend on rent, you can start researching areas and properties you can afford.

UP FRONT COSTS
Holding Fee, Deposite, Agent Fees, First Month's Rent

BILLS
Water, Service Charges, Council Tax, Electricity, Gas

OTHER MONTHLY COSTS
TV License, Broadband, Telephone Line

Check Out Our Affordability Calculator Below


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Your Property Search

Firstly, you should think about the type of property you want, and what features it must have to be suitable? What are your priorities and what are you willing to compromise on?
Things to consider: Storage space, parking, outdoor space, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms. You will probably have a location in mind already, but here are some things you need to consider…

How Close Is Your Workplace?
Where Are The Nearest Transport Links?
What Local Amenities Are Nearby?

Application Process

Before you start your application, make sure you have the following:

3 YEARS' ADDRESS HISTORY
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
CONFIRMATION OF EARNINGS
CURRENT LANDLORD DETAILS
BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
PROOF OF UK RESIDENCY

The agent will then carry out a referencing check based on the above. Once you have passed and then paid your deposit, the property will be secured.


Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Whilst you are living in the property, you are responsible for its upkeep and maintenance and you are expected to take reasonable care of the property and any of its contents. Below is a list of some of the responsibilities, you should refer to your tenancy agreement for more detailed clauses.

Pay the rent when it falls due
Changing fuses, light bulbs and replacing broken glass.
Keep the property properly ventilated so as to avoid damage caused by condensation.
Keep drains and gutters clear and maintain any garden attached to the property.
Ensure that all windows, doors etc., are secured and locked properly when the property is unattended.
Make sure that all rubbish is properly disposed of or made ready for collection.
Report any problems immediately they occur.
Not cause any nuisance or noise to neighbours or the neighbourhood.
Make sure that the property is returned at the end of the tenancy in a good, clean and presentable condition.
Not to decorate the property.
Not to keep pets/animals of any kind in the property.


Ending Your Tenancy

Usually the landlord must allow any fixed period of the tenancy to have expired, however, if you break any of the clauses in your tenancy agreement, you may be asked to leave before the period is up. Either way the landlord must give at least 2 months’ notice before they can get you to leave.
Once the check-out of the property is completed and any queries regarding deductions of deposits are dealt with, it will then be returned.

Important Information

DO:

Advise us of any change in your personal circumstances.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement.
Advise ALL relevant utility companies when moving in and out.
Give us a copy of any keys should you have the need to change the locks.
Advise the Royal Mail to have post re-directed. Applies to moving out as well.
Advise W J Meade or your landlord IMMEDIATELY of any repair or maintenance problem.
Always ask if you are in doubt.

Don't:

Alter the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement.
Move out without advising W J Meade or your landlord.
Use your deposit as your last month’s rent.
Change the names on the tenancy agreement or take in a “paying guest�.
Re-decorate or carry out maintenance, repairs or alterations without prior written consent • from W J Meade or your landlord.
Advise W J Meade or your landlord IMMEDIATELY of any repair or maintenance problem.
Refuse reasonable requests to access the property to carry out repairs, maintenance or inspections by your landlord/landlord’s agent or tradesmen.


TENANT TESTIMONIALS

WJ Meade were faultless in the whole process of our acquiring our new flat. Punctual, polite and always just a phone call or email away, Haris made the whole process very clear and simple. No hidden surprises, everything was up front and honest. Would strongly recommend

S.Gibson

Tenant

Thank you very much Michael Luckhurst and to you all, Highams Park Branch of W.J.Meade.You are all perfect and you do your job very professional, excellent...

Kemal, Biyen

Tenant

I am a tenant based in Enfield. Moved into my first home with my finance and we have had no problems at all! Members of the branch are extremely helpful, friendly and efficient. They are all reliable and such a pleasure to speak too.

Laura

Tenant

First time letting a property in UK and Michael and his team at WJ Meade ensured that I had a wonderful experience. I was able to move in one week after viewing.

Leandre

Tenant

Reviews from - www.allAgents.co.uk

Property Professionals since 1953