1. Decide which property you would like to rent

Any viewings must be arranged via the agent and you should not under any circumstances visit the property directly without being accompanied. For security for both the current tenants and potential tenants, we arrange times and dates with each party.

2. Complete an Application form and Tenancy Agreement

You will be required to complete a Tenancy Application Form and tenancy agreement which must be completed in full and all requested details and paperwork relating to the application forms must be provided. You will also be required to leave a holding deposit fee to secure the property and this forms part of your deposit. You will receive a Holding Deposit form which acts as your receipt and gives you a detailed breakdown of monies paid and due. The holding fee is non refundable should you decide not to go ahead with the agreed tenancy. Most tenancy agreements are are 12 months on a joint tenancy basis and these can be supplied upon request for perusal prior to signing. We strongly advise that you do this prior to signing any agreements.

3. Complete the Guarantor Agreements

Students will be required to provide a Guarantor (where applicable). The guarantor must usually be in full time, fixed term employment and must be UK based and able to fulfil the terms of the tenancy agreement. The guarantor will usually be required to complete a separate application form. Most students will have individual guarantors who are usually a parent or family member. Please note that withholding a guarantor form will not absolve you from any contractual obligations and you will still be directly liable for any unpaid rent on a joint tenancy. It is the joint tenants responsibility to ensure all rent listed on the agreement is settled in full as per the agreement.

4. Rent payments and remainder deposit will be required on or before the agreed move in date in full.

Should the full monies not be received by the agreed start date we will be unable to hand over keys until this is paid in full. Rent payments are usually paid per calendar monthly or quarterly depending on the agreement and must be paid in advance on the same day by Standing order which we will set up for you on your day of move in. These can either be paid jointly or individually, however the total rent for the property must be paid in full during any given month. Your deposit (often called a “bond”) will be registered and held with a nominated bond scheme when received in full. This is held as security for any damages, interest on late rent payments or cleaning at the end of the tenancy, but will be returned in full should the property be returned as per the inventory (fair wear and tear accepted).

5. Meeting at the property (where applicable) to hand over keys to the property and complete an inventory.

The inventory must be completed in order to protect your deposit properly in the event of a dispute at the end of the tenancy. This will either be done on the day with the landlord/agent or handed to the tenant to be completed and returned within a 7 day period from the start of the tenancy. Should the inventory not be returned within a 7 day period, no changes or dilapidations will be approved. We will usually take accompanying photographs on the day as a visual aid to the inventory.

6. All safety documents will be handed to the tenant at the start of the tenancy alongside any property manuals (where applicable). These must remain in the property.

7. You will be responsible for arranging and payment of all household bills (gas, electricity, water and Council Tax if applicable).

Full time students will be exempt from payment of Council Tax, but you must contact York Council with details of your student status once you receive your first bill to notify them of this to avoid possible penalties.

8. Your landlord will be responsible for general maintenance to the property following your move in (this may be the agent nominated by the landlord, or the landlord directly.

The details will be listed on your tenancy agreement). This will include any breakdown of white goods or dilapidations (washing machine, fridge, oven etc but not accidental or deliberate damage to the property or it’s fixtures or fittings) as well as ensuring the fabric of the property is maintained. You will be responsible for ensuring the property is looked after to a good standard and reporting any maintenance for repair. For the terms please refer to your tenancy agreement for both landlord and tenant responsibilities in full. If you are still unsure, please contact your agent/Landlord for further details.

9. Fees 

In accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019 the following are permitted payments for AST tenancies:

- Rent
- A capped refundable Holding Deposit
- A capped Tenancy Deposit
- Payments in the event of a default
- Payment in the event of loss of keys
- Payment of £50 including VAT on a variation or change of a tenancy
- Payment on termination (surrender) of a tenancy
- Payment in respect of Council Tax, utilities (gas or other fuel, electricity, water or sewage, television license and communication services)

If you require any further details, please feel free to call, email or text one of our team.