New Tenants FAQ
Thank you for taking the time to have a look at our FAQ. Below we have compiled the most common questions and answers for new tenants. If you have any questions or would like more information about anything you see, please get in touch with the team or email us at rentals@alancooke.co.uk
I'm not sure which property I want
We can help you find your ideal property. Each of our advisers knows everything you might want to know about all of our properties and can do the searching for you.
To do this we need to know as much as possible about your requirements. This includes your budget and the date by which you need to move, etc. You can let us know all
about your requirements by emailing us, by phone or by visiting us where a member of staff can assist you with your search. We can even send you property details and
pictures by email, text or post.
What happens when I want to see a property?
Viewings can be conducted 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on Saturdays. You can book a viewing by phone or via email at rentals@alancooke.co.uk.
We will conduct the property viewing on behalf of the landlord and normally keep keys so we can access the property to suit your availability. You should also ensure that
anyone likely to share in the decision views the property as well. After the viewing we need to know if you have any questions or if you are interested in renting the
property.
I have seen the property that I want. What happens next?
If the property is suitable for you, do not delay your offer as it may be let to someone else the same day. When you make an offer you will need to pay us an
administration fee to cover our tenant vetting costs. You will also receive an application form for each tenant and if required a Guarantor application form as well.
These will need to be completed and returned to us ASAP to ensure we can commence processing your application.
Do I have to pay any other fees/deposits?
Once your application forms have been returned and processed you will need to pay the first month's rent, plus a deposit at the date of check in. This must be in
cleared funds which means cleared cheque, bankers draft, internet BACS transfer or cash.
Do I have to supply references etc?
When we have received your completed Application Form, we will write to the contact information supplied in the form and obtain references to confirm your ability to
meet the rental commitment.
When can I move in?
Once your application form has been processed, we will advise if there are any minor discrepancies and if further action is required, what that is. Once referrals have
been completed you will be issued with your check in date which is usually within 7 to 14 days.
What happens during check-in?
Check-In takes place at the Alan Cooke Estate Agent Meanwood office. Any moneys owed at this point will be collected and your tenancy agreement, inventory and other
important documents issued and signed. Once completed you will receive the keys and any codes to the property ready for you to move in.
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.
What are my responsibilities?
These should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement, which you should read carefully before you sign. In general, tenants are required to keep the property in
good condition and pay rent by the monthly due date.
How long is a typical let?
All our tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreements for a minimum period of 6 months.
What happens if I want to stay longer or leave early?
Tenancies are frequently renewed and we normally prompt your decision 2 months before the end. All tenancies need to be renewed 1 month before the expiry of the
current Tenancy to stay on. Should you wish to vacate, please contact us at the earliest opportunity and we can advise of the procedure for this.
If you are 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.
What else do I have to pay for? The tenant pays the utility bills such as gas, electricity, water, telephone, cable TV, internet and TV license during the course of the tenancy as well as the Council Tax applicable to the property. If the property is new and has not had telephone or internet services before - you may also need to pay to have the services.
What must I do at the end of a tenancy?
Ensure you fulfill 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, condition inspection and final bill validation have been completed (provided there are no missing items or damage) your deposit will be
returned within 14 days after you leave the property. You cannot set your deposit against any rent payment due.
Who will hold my deposit?
Alan Cooke retain your deposit in a designated client's deposit account. This will ensure the safety of the money and that the correct amount will be returned to you -
or apportioned to the landlord if anything is missing or damaged. This is fully compliant with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
What is the difference between a fully managed property and instroduction only?
If your property is let fully managed, then the Alan Cooke team will be your first point of contact for all maintenance and repair issues and we will act on behalf of
the landlord. Introduction Only means that Alan Cooke finds tenants for the property and arranges the paperwork, then the Landlord takes over the management and in
this scenario you would contact the landlord direct.
Fully furnished. Unfurnished. What is the difference?
Properties are let with different levels of furnishings. Broadly speaking, unfurnished means you can expect carpets, curtains and white goods only. Fully furnished
includes lounge furniture, a dining table, chairs, beds, etc, and, sometimes other household bits and pieces. We will issue you with a list showing what the property
includes.
How binding is the tenancy agreement I enter into?
A Tenancy Agreement governs all rents, which is a legal and binding document. You will be committed to paying rent until the end of the agreed term and you could be
liable to legal action if you break the terms of the agreement. If your circumstances should change for any reason during your tenancy, it is a good idea to tell us as
soon as possible.
How much are Alan Cooke's fees?
We charge a one-off administration fee which is payable when you have decided to proceed with the property of your choice. This fee covers our costs in the referencing
and administration of your application. For details of how much this will be please contact us or refer to your application form.
Do I need insurance?
Yes! Your contents need to be insured, as the landlord's insurance covers the actual property/goods, but not your possessions. We can help you arrange a
specialist insurance policy which covers all of your possessions. For details speak to a member of the team.
What about pets?
Most landlords are not keen on pets and more often than not there will be a clause forbidding pets. If you do have pets please let us know and we will do our utmost to
find you a property where pets are accepted.
What about smoking?
In the majority of cases all of our properties are no smoking and a there will be a clause forbidding smoking inside the property. If you do want a property you can
smoke in please let us know and we will do our utmost to find you one where it is accepted.
Who do you contact for references?
It is in everybody's interest to ensure that you can comfortably afford the rent on your chosen property. We work in conjunction with respectable credit
referencing companies to handle this on your behalf. The checks are as much as you'd expect, e.g. verification of employment, past addresses and so on. Sometimes a
guarantor may be required and we are always on hand with any questions you may have.
When might I need a guarantor?
If your financial reference is weak for any reason, we could ask for a guarantor to support your tenancy. This is a serious commitment, as the guarantor will be as
responsible as the tenant for all monies due and obligations agreed for the tenancy. Guarantors need to have strong financial references to show that they will not
suffer hardship should they be called upon to pay on your behalf.
Can't find what you are looking for?
If you cannot find an answer to a question you have here - give us a call. With our extensive experience there is not much we do not know about letting and one of the
team will be able to answer it for you.