Do I have to pay any up front fees?

You will be required to pay for certain costs such as the inventory, the preparation of the agreement and for taking up references. The cost of this is dependent on how many people are taking the property.

What lease do I need to pay?

You will be required to pay one months rent in advance and also a deposit which is the equivalent of one months rent plus £100.

Do I have to supply references etc?

Yes you will need to supply addresses/contacts of the following: Bank or building society, employer, previous landlords and for some your solicitor and/or accountant. These are so we can write to confirm your ability to meet the rental commitment.

What is a tenancy agreement?

It is a legally binding document between you and the landlord, applicable only to you and the property you are renting that states the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy, your rights and responsibilities. Your agreement will most probably be an Assured Shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act as amended in 1996. For bona fide companies and/or rental values over £25,000 a year, the agreement will be drawn up under contract law.

How long does it all take before I can move in?

0161 Lettings expect to take a minimum of three working days but not normally longer than 5 days to: take up and confirm references; clear your cheque covering the first rent period and the deposit; arrange for inventories and the transfer of utility accounts into your name. You will not be allowed possession of the property until all this has been done.

What are my responsibilities?

These should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. If in doubt, ask the agent. There is a duty for professional agents to ensure that anyone entitled to rely on them is offered correct advice.

How long is a typical let?

Most agents require it to be a minimum of six months and occasionally write a tenancy agreement for longer than a year.

What happens if I want to stay on or leave early?

Tenancies are frequently renewed and we normally agree the terms for the renewal at the beginning and include them in the tenancy agreement. If you're likely to leave before the end of the original term agreed, you must negotiate break clauses to be written into the agreement. If not, you will remain responsible for the rent until the end of the term agreed, unless a new and satisfactory tenant can be found usually at your expense.

What else do I have to pay for?

The tenant pays the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water and telephone during the course of the tenancy, T.V. licence, etc as well as the Council Tax applicable to the property.

What must I do at the end of a tenancy?

Ensure you fulfil your obligations stated in the tenancy agreement to leave the property in the condition it was in at the start, or deductions will be made from your deposit. These will include thorough cleaning and all linen, used or not, freshly laundered. If you've moved furniture, return it to where you found it at the time of the inventory.

How do I get my deposit back?

After an inventory check and condition inspection, provided there are no missing items or damage, your deposit will be returned shortly after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against any rent payment due.

Who is holding my deposit?

Details of who has been holding your deposit will be detailed in your tenancy agreement. However, legislation states that if you sign an assured shorthold tenancy, that you must be provided with this information in a prescribed format.