Tenants guide

Tenants

Tenant Services

Headstart Properties UK Ltd offers a friendly, professional and personal service to all our prospective tenants. We will make the search for your ideal new home as stress free and smooth as possible. Our friendly and approachable lettings team will work with you to locate your perfect property. They will help you every step of the way to ensure that your move is as simple and straight forward as possible. Headstart Properties UK Ltd flexible approach means that we can offer viewing appointments to fit in with your timetable whether that is after work or at the weekend because we understand that you lead a busy and demanding lifestyle.

On this page you will find some useful and important information that explains the whole letting process from start to finish. However, if you have any questions or concerns we are always at hand to answer any of your queries – 01482 228298

Deposit

You will be required to pay a deposit for any property that is equivalent to one calendar month's rent . Your deposit will be paid into the Deposit Protection Service (www.Depositprotection.com.) within 14days from your check in date. Your deposit is then returned to you at the end of the tenancy after the final check out inspection is carried out and depending on the condition of the property based on the Inventory.

Tenants receive a certificate from the DPS with their own unique ID Number which is required by the Agent at the end of the tenancy in order for the money to be released by the DPS.

Application

Before the tenancy starts payable to Headstart Properties UK Ltd

Holding Deposit: 1 weeks rent

During the tenancy

- Payment of up to £50.00 (inc vat) if you want to change the tenancy agreement
- Payment of up to £50.00 (inc vat) for the reasonably incurred costs for the loss of keys/security devices.

You are happy for Headstart Properties UK Ltd to proceed with your application and obtain references on your behalf and on behalf of any other tenants concerned.

Period of Tenancy

We usually offer "Fixed Term" "Assured Shorthold" Tenancies for either 6 months. Tenancies are also "Jointly and Severally" liable.

Move in Procedure

Once the referencing is completed, Headstart Properties UK Ltd will contact you to set up a suitable appointment to move you in to your new home. A check in appointment will usually take place at the property on the date and time agreed. This is when you will sign the tenancy agreement and other documents. You will pay the first month's rent and deposit (equivalent to the first months rent). This amount must be paid in cleared funds. Please note that all the tenants named on the tenancy agreement must be present when the check in takes place. The deposit will be held in the Deposit Protection Service www.Depositprotection.com in accordance with its Terms and Conditions.

Rent

Your rent is always paid in advance and one month's rent is required at the start of your Tenancy and must be paid in full before the tenancy starts and before we hand over the keys. The rent must be paid in cleared funds, for example direct bank transfer, banker's draft or cash. Cheques will not be accepted. Rent is then to be paid on a monthly basis by standing order based on your original move in date. For example, if you moved into the property on the 15th June, your monthly rent will be due on the 15th of each subsequent calendar month.

Headstart Properties Uk Ltd will provide you with a standing order form on the day you check in. You will be required to complete and sign the form which we will then send to your bank. Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure your bank has set this up correctly to avoid missing your rent payment date as this is something we are unable to do. You can do this by contacting your bank directly.

Inventory

You will be supplied with a detailed photographic inventory upon check in, you have 7 days to check this and return it noting any discrepancies that you find. When the tenancy ends a check out report will be prepared in accordance with the inventory you signed at the start of the tenancy.

Inspections

Quarterly inspections are carried out on all properties fully managed by Headstart Properties UK Ltd. Any damage to the property will be documented with photographs and a report sent to your landlord.

Maintenance and Repairs

As the tenant, you will be required to report any maintenance issues or necessary repairs that are required as they occur. These must be reported to Headstart Properties UK Ltd (if we manage your property) or Landlord as soon as it comes to your attention. Failure to do so may result in you being liable for any permanent damage as a result as per your obligations as a Tenant.

Move Out Procedure

If a Tenant intends to vacate at the end of the fixed term, or at any later date, they agree to give the Landlord at least one month's prior notice in writing.

Whilst the tenancy is periodic the one month's written notice must expire before a rent due date.

So if you moved in on the 15th, then your month would end on the 14th of the subsequent month. When we receive your notice letter we will then send you a confirmation of receipt. The letter will outline the checkout process involved and will explain what you need to do in order to make sure the property and its contents are handed back in a satisfactory condition in order to ensure your deposit is returned in full. We will then contact you by phone during your final week to arrange an appointment to carry out the check out inspection and collect all keys/fobs etc. Please be ready to hand back the keys at the appointed time and have all your possessions removed from the property. Do not leave anything behind without prior consent as you will be charged for its removal. Please also ensure that the property is cleaned prior to the check out . We will also take final meter readings and provided you with a copy. You will also be required to provide your forwarding address and make sure that your mail has been re directed.

Return of Deposit

Your deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy, and is obviously dependent on the condition in which you leave the property upon departure. We have to carry out various obligatory checks and procedures on behalf of the landlord before we contact the Deposit Protection Service ( www.Depositprotection.com) to instruct them to return your deposit. Please note that it is not permissible for you to cancel your last month's rent payment because there is a security deposit. The deposit is legally a separate issue from rent payment and you will be in breach of your contractual agreement. The Landlord may choose to take legal action which could effect you in the future and CCJ lodged against you. This will affect future borrowing.

Utilities Charges

All monthly rents are exclusive of utility charges; you will be directly responsible for any Gas, Electric & Water bills. At the start of each tenancy we will take and issue you with the current relevant meter readings. You will then need to contact he relevant utility companies to set up your account and transfer the bills into your name.

Council Tax

We will notify the local authority when you have moved into the property at the start of your tenancy. They will then calculate your monthly council tax payment and send you your first account. It is then your responsibility to make sure the council tax is paid. At the end of the tenancy you must notify them to end your liability, (your last date will be the date you hand back the keys). Please contact your local council authority for more information.

Telephone

If you require the telephone line you are required to register your own account with the relevant provider. It is your responsibility to terminate your account upon departure. If the line has never been connected some landlords may be happy to pay for this, please note that this is totally at the landlord's discretion.

TV License

You are directly responsible for the payment of the TV license at the property.

Insurance

You are advised to obtain contents insurance for your personal possessions, damage to your possessions caused by any maintenance issues cannot be claimed though the landlords Insurance. Damage to any of the Landlords possessions may result in the tenant being liable to pay any excess charges. Speak to a member of our team for details.

Repairs

If you have a repair that you need to report please use the link below.