If you agree some or all of the following documents may be requested by Harveys Property Management:

• References from previous Landlords – you may be asked to give the details of where you have lived within the last three years.
• A credit check – this will allow them to see if you have a good history of paying your bills.
• Your bank details including bank name, account number and sort code.
• Details of your employment including your employer, job title, payroll number, salary and previous employer.

In the event that the information highlights any potential risk, you may be asked to provide a guarantor. A guarantor will be contractually liable both financially and legally should you fail to pay the rent during your tenancy or in the event of damage to the property.If a guarantor is needed they will need to fill out an online Guarantor Application Form

Be aware that should you fail any of the necessary checks you may not get your Holding deposit back. Check with us before agreeing to hand over any cash or signing any forms.

The Tenancy Agreement

Assured Shorthold Tenancies are the most common form of tenancy agreement and they set out the duties of both tenant and landlord. The most important aspect of the agreement is that the landlord has the right to repossess the property at the end of the agreed term. Despite its name, the agreement does not have to be short and can continue as long as both parties are happy to do so. There is no minimum term specified either although the renter has the right to remain in the property for at least six months.

There are specific requirements linked to an Assured Shorthold Tenancy that include:

• The tenant(s) must be an individual and not a company
• The property must be the main home of the occupant.
• The property must be let as separate accommodation.
• The landlord is obliged to provide the tenant with two months’ notice if they want to terminate the agreement.

The agreement will most likely contain the following information:

• Your name, your landlord’s name and the address of the property which is being let.
• The date the tenancy will commence.
• The duration of the tenancy from the start to the agreed finish of the occupation.
• The amount of rent payable, how often it should be paid when it should be paid and when it can be legally increased.
• The agreement should also state what the payments are expected, including Council Tax, utilities, service charges.
• What services your landlord will provide, such as maintenance of common areas.
• The notice period which you and your landlord need to give each other if the tenancy is to be terminated.

This is one of the most important documents in the renting process and can often be key in deciding how much of your deposit you get back at the end of your agreement. You should therefore be extremely thorough and give it your full attention while taking the necessary precautions to protect your interests.

How is the inventory prepared?

The inventory is a simple list detailing every item contained within the property and the condition each listed item is in on the day you move in. This may be prepared by us or by an independent inventory company. Either way you should go round the property with the  Harveys Property Management and agree the state of each item before signing anything.

When will the inventory be checked again?

It is not uncommon for  Harveys Property Management to schedule in regular three or 6 monthly inventory/property inspection checks at the property in order to assess any damage that may have occurred. . It is most common however for a final inventory check the day you are scheduled to move out.

What happens after my initial 6 months AST

So you’ve come to the end of your time at the property. You now have two options to consider: Extend the agreement or move out. Remember, you need to provide one months’ notice in writing to your landlord, stating either your intention to vacate the property or to ask permission to stay on beyond your initial agreement. Providing your landlord is happy with you and the condition of the house or flat, you’ll most likely be allowed to continue with your occupancy. If you decide to move out, then it’s worth putting in a bit of work to get the property up to scratch to maximise the chances of getting your full deposit back. As long as the condition of the property is the same as when you moved in (barring normal wear and tear) you’ll have no problem. Here is what you should do:

• Give the property a thorough clean, including carpets, windows, walls and furniture.
• If it’s your responsibility, tidy up the garden and clear away any rubbish.
• Return all of the keys to the Landlord.
• Remove all of your personal belongings.
• Be satisfied you’re leaving the property as you found it.

What is a Final Inventory Check ?

You’ll have the opportunity to run through the inventory checklist on the day of departure. It’s important that this job is done before you leave the property to avoid you being accountable for any damage that occurs after you’ve left. If there is any damage you should agree with the landlord the cost of repairing or replacing such items.

If an agreement cannot be reached as to the damage of particular items, which items have been damaged, or repair costs, then you should make sure you take photographs. Get your own repair cost estimates and write to the landlord with your findings and work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

If both you and the landlord are satisfied the property has been left in an acceptable state and you have made your final rental payment there should be no problem getting your deposit back.