Lettings
As a rule, renting a property is a much simpler than buying a home. However, whatever your reasons for choosing to rent, it makes sense to ensure that you get the best advice from the outset so that you can be entirely satisfied with the property you choose as it will become your 'home'. If you take the right steps to renting then there should be no reason that this shouldn't be possible.
Whatever Letting Agent you choose to rent through their responsibility is to the Landlord, their client. However, at Rennie and Company we take very seriously our obligation as a duty of care to our tenants. We want you to enjoy your time at our properties and we will do everything possible to ensure a trouble-free tenancy. Here is a guide to help you understand what questions to ask, what your rights are and what responsibilities you have.
Rennie and Company are an established Lettings and Property Management Company with over 30 years’ experience in placing tenants and we offer professional care to both tenants and landlords alike. We are part of the independent redress scheme provided by The Property Redress Scheme and the DPS deposit protection scheme. We feel that it is important to you knowing that we are regulated, that your deposit is fully protected and that you have legal rights under the terms of your Tenancy Agreement.
Renting a property is a big commitment and we will help and guide you through the process, we may not offer gimmicks and promotions to secure your business, but we will provide you with peace of mind.
Finding a property couldn’t be easier;
- Visit our office or telephone to register your details
- Visit our website www.rennieandco.com which is updated hourly
- See all our properties on Rightmove and Zoopla
- Ask for our lettings list which is updated weekly.
References are taken up on all prospective tenants using an approved referencing company, in order to satisfy landlords that their property is likely to be well looked after and that the rent will be paid on time. THERE ARE NO ADMINISTRATION CHARGES TO APPLICANTS.. The guarantor will need to be a UK resident and will have to provide similar references to those required for the proposed tenant. The references will be forwarded to our client (the landlord) for their approval. If the references are acceptable we will draw up the tenancy agreement. In other cases it may be appropriate to ask that all the rent is paid upfront in advance at the start of the tenancy.
Tenancy Agreements
We have different forms of tenancy agreement, which specifically cater for both the landlord and tenants needs. It is important that you read your tenancy agreement carefully and make sure you understand all the clauses in it. Anything you do not understand can be explained by our Lettings Manager. Please note that unlike many of our competitors, we do not charge either tenant or landlord for tenancy agreements.
Inventory
Before the tenancy commences, subject to our landlord's consent, our inventory clerk will draw up an inventory to provide a detailed schedule of condition of the property together with its contents. The inventory is a form of protection against disagreements at the end of the tenancy. Preparation of the inventory is charged to the landlord.
Tenant Fee Information
Applicable to all new assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) signed on or after 1st June 2019
What permitted payments can I expect to pay if I rent a property with Rennie and Company?
Holding Deposit – capped at One week’s rent
Paid by you to reserve the Property. This will only be retained by us if any relevant person (including any guarantors) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days.
Deposit – capped at 5 weeks rent where the annual rent is under £50,000 and 6 weeks rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or higher.
This will cover damages and defaults by the tenant as detailed in the AST during the tenancy.
Late payment of Rent
Interest will be charged at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due date until paid in full. This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears with the interest calculated back from the first day of the arrears.
Lost Keys or security devices
Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant.
Variation or changes to an existing tenancy agreement - £150 (inc. VAT) per change.
This charge will cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents. This also covers costs in ‘change of sharer’ situations and covers the landlords costs in securing a new sharing and associated legal requirements in processing that new sharers application.
Early Termination as requested by Tenant
Should you wish to leave the property before the end of your tenancy agreement, and should the landlord agree to this, then you will be liable to cover the landlord’s costs of re-letting the property as well as any rent due under the terms of your tenancy agreement up until the point the replacement tenancy commences.
Utility Payments
Tenants will remain responsible, unless agreed otherwise, for all utility payments, TV licence and Council Tax accounts. Please refer to your AST for full information.
Independent Redress provided by The Property redress Scheme
