Tenants Guide
Before your property search begins it is important to understand the amount that you can comfortably afford alongside your other outgoing payments. You may also wish to consider the amount required to cover utility bills such as gas, electric, water and council tax. Looking for a home which suits you and your family can be difficult. By limiting your searches online you can see properties which are in your desired area; in your budget and the right size for you.
Once you have found a property which has caught your eye it is time to arrange a viewing. Contact the office and speak with an agent to find a time and date which suits you best. The agent may ask a few questions about your background which will help us to understand whether the property would be suitable for you. When viewing the property take your time looking around and don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
The next step after your viewing has taken place is to call the office if you are interested in completing an application. The agent will be able to send over the application form and explain the process of renting with us. Your initial application will then be forwarded on to the landlord who will confirm whether they are happy to proceed. Once we have received confirmation you will then hopefully receive a call with the good news!
Once everything has been agreed by yourself and the landlord, you will be required to pay a holding fee which is the equivalent of one weeks rent to secure the property. You will then be forwarded the full application through HomeLet which is an external referencing company. You will need to input your details and attach documentation such as: wage slips/tax return, bank statements, proof of address and photo ID. They will also require references from your employer as well as your current landlord if applicable, so make sure to inform your referees as having this ready will speed up the process. A credit check will also take place during this time. We will be in contact throughout the process to let you know how the application is moving forward.
When we have received the completed reference report and credit check we will let you know that your application has hopefully been successful. At this stage we can schedule your check in date when you will sign the contracts, collect the keys and pay the outstanding rent and deposit.
On your move in date you will be required to sign a tenancy agreement and inventory as well pay the outstanding rent and deposit. Once this is complete, you will be able to collect the keys to your new home!
Tenant Fees
Below you will find all permitted payments and additional fees that may apply when you rent a property through Kay Collins.
Before the tenancy begins
Holding Fee
Equivalent of 1 weeks’ rent
Deposit
Equivalent of 1 months’
Rent
Rent agreed per calendar month
Pet Rent
Additional £25 pcm (cats and dogs only)
The holding fee is payable in order to secure the property throughout the application process. The amount is then deducted from the first months’ rent upon a successful application. The holding fee is refundable in the case that the agent is responsible for withdrawal of the application, the holding fee is non-refundable if the applicant withdraws from the application or gives either misleading or incorrect information throughout the referencing process which leads to a declined application.
Below you will find all fees which may apply throughout your tenancy with Kay Collins.
During the Tenancy
Amendment fee
This cost is applicable where a tenant requests for details to be amended on the tenancy agreement. This charge is also applicable for the addition or removal of a tenant.
£50
Lost key/security device
The tenant is liable for loss of keys or security devices. If keys are unable to be cut, the tenant is liable for the cost of a lock change.
Up to £50
Late payment fee
If the rent is still overdue 14 days after the rent due date, there will be a charge of interest for the late payment of rent at a rate of 3% above the bank of England base rate.
Early termination fee
If early termination of the contract has been agreed by the landlord, the tenant is responsible for paying the landlord's letting fee along with the rent up to the date that a new tenant moves into the property.
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