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We care about our tenants.
For a start, our landlords know that a happy tenant is usually a good tenant.
So we make sure our landlords are aware of what constitutes an acceptable environment (small repairs and good decoration being two important factors) and we will not handle properties where landlords do not comply with safety procedures. It is in their interest to get this right.
With our fully-managed properties, response to problems is swift and initial 6 week visits then quarterly property visits (always booked in advance with you) ensure everything is in good working order. Emergencies and repairs receive our prompt attention. We think communication is important; we keep in touch and will encourage you to keep in touch.
Landlords have obligations, but so do tenants - so we make it easy for you to have a trouble-free tenancy.
What is more, we offer a great deal of support for the first-time tenant.
The property of your choice
When you have found the property of your choice, you need to apply to us quickly, as there is often considerable demand.
References
You will be asked to fill in an application form which will enables us to take up references from employers or accountants, bankers and your previous landlord and to conduct a credit check.
The Deposit
Deposits are equal to six weeks’ rent in most cases.
If Castles does not manage the property, your landlord will receive your deposit and hold it until the end of the tenancy. If we do manage the property, your deposit is paid into a separate client account and held there until the end of your tenancy. It is refundable then, subject to the property being in the condition in which it was described in the inventory. To avoid any problems over this, a comprehensive inventory is carried out at the beginning and referred to at the end of the tenancy. This protects both you and the landlord and will be signed by both parties
The Rent Payments
Payments are made by Standing Order on the date agreed in the tenancy agreement.
Rent is paid one month in advance, the first month being payable by banker's draft or cash before you occupy the property.
The Tenancy Agreement
Tenancy agreements are generally Assured Shorthold, for a minimum period of 6 months. They are renewable, if conditions have been adhered to.
The agreement sets out the terms and conditions of tenancy. It is important to read it in full before signing. This is a legally binding contract for the period of time stated and cannot be terminated prior to the end date.
Housing Benefit
We do not have a specific policy regarding Housing Benefit but some of our landlords will not accept Housing Benefit claimants, so please check with us.
Insurance
You are responsible for insuring the contents you take into the house. The landlord will insure the building and its contents.
Details are available for this insurance and for the protection plan which covers your rental in the event of ill-health, redundancy, etc, should you wish for one.
Utilities
The tenant is responsible for paying services such as gas, electricity, water, sewage and council tax unless otherwise stated. All services will automatically be transferred to the tenant's name by us or by the landlord. Tenants must contact the telephone company directly and must also obtain their own TV licence.
Property Visits
These are made within the first 6 weeks and then at 3-monthly intervals and are an opportunity for you to talk over any problems. However, we would urge you to report any problems when they occur. A property visit will always be booked in advance with you.
Terminating the Tenancy
You will have to give one months' notice, to expire on the last day of the tenancy period. Your landlord must also do this if he wishes to take back his property. A tenancy can be extended on the same terms, by mutual consent, or by putting in place a new agreement.
Checking In and Checking Out
We agree a mutually convenient time for this process. At check-in, keys are only released on our having from you a signed tenancy agreement, a signed inventory and all monies paid (and cleared, where necessary).
At check-out, we will check the property against the inventory after we receive the keys on the next working day. This will enable us to deal with the release of deposit efficiently. You will be asked to hand over all keys, a forwarding address and meter readings.
From 1st October, if you enter into a new tenancy agreement, your landlord will have to supply an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
WHY DO I NEED AN EPC?
You will be able to see how energy efficient and environmentally friendly the property is and be able to assess whether you can save money on utility bills. It will also provide information on how to reduce the running cost of the property. So make sure your new Landlord has one!
WHAT IS AN EPC?
They tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient, with the lowest fuel bills - are in band A.
It also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency to save you money and help
the environment.
WHAT ELSE DOES THE CERTIFICATE DO?
EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.
Part of the EPC is a recommendation report which will list the potential rating that the property could achieve, if the Landlord made changes. It lists improvements that could be carried out and how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.
You can use this information to:
- Cut your fuel bills
- Improve energy performance in your home
- Help cut carbon emissions
HOW CAN I GET AN EPC?
You will need to speak to the Letting Agent or the Landlord and ask them to provide you with one.
WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO RECEIVE THE EPC?
The EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by the landlord to the prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity and no later than:
- when any written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information received from the prospective tenant.
- when a viewing is conducted.
- if neither of those occur, before entering into a contract to let.
DOES EVERYONE NEED AN EPC?
An EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. You will need a certificate if you are:
- A homeowner - all sellers of homes need to ensure they have a Home Information Pack for potential buyers which includes an EPC.
- A builder - buyers of newly built properties need to be provided with an EPC
- A Landlord - will need to provide an EPC which is valid for ten years to their tenant.
HOW CAN YOUR LANDLORD IMPROVE THE ENERGY RATING?
- Insulate the property
- If the boiler is over 15 years old - get a new one.
- Fit a hot water tank jacket
- Double glazing
- When buying new appliances, they should have a Energy Saving recommended logo - choose the most energy efficient
HOW CAN I IMPROVE THE ENERGY RATING?
- Fit energy saving lightbulbs
- Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree
- Turn appliances off and avoid standby
- Wash your laundry at 30 degrees
- Only boil as much water as you need
- Always turn off the lights when you leave a room
For more advice on energy efficiency visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
WHY ARE EPCS BEING INTRODUCED?
Domestic energy use accounts for 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. EPCs are being introduced as part of an energy saving initiative aimed at making buildings more energy efficient.
Further information:
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
www.communities.gov.uk/epbd
THE FACTS ABOUT EPCS
- It is mandatory for all new lets
- An EPC will not be required for a renewal of tenancy
- We still await confirmation of the situation where one or more of a group of sharers change
- It applies to all residential tenancies regardless of the tenure type
- An EPC must be available to any prospective tenant before they have committed to the property or have viewed the property
- The tenant must be provided with a copy of the EPC before the start of a tenancy
INSURANCE
Get an insurance quote, click here.
Tenant Insurance
This policy is available for all residential tenants (including students) living in flats, bed-sits, shared accommodation for properties of all sizes throughout the UK. Covers loss or damage as a result of all standard perils including:
- Fire, smoke, explosion, lightning, earthquake
- Storm or flood
- Theft or attempted theft consequent upon violent and forcible entry
- Escape of water
- Malicious damage consequent upon violent and forcible entry
- Riots or civil commotion
- Collision, falling trees or branches
- Lamp-posts, TV aerials or masts.
Additional benefits include:
- Accidental damage to home entertainment equipment
- Accidental damage to mirrors and glass
- Accidental loss of oil and metered water
- Temporary removal
- Alternative accommodation
- Tenants liability to the public up to £2,000,000.
Accidental damage to landlords contents
The policy includes full accidental damage cover to landlord’s contents which provides peace of mind for landlords, whilst helping to protect a tenant's deposit.
Personal Possessions
We offer additional cover for personal possessions provided that they belong to you or your family and that they are mainly used for private purposes. These include personal effects, valuables and money.
Get an insurance quote, click here.
