Tenants information
References
We require all prospective tenants to complete a reference form. This will provide us with information to take up references from your employer, current landlord and bank/ accountant. If you are unable to supply us with sufficient details, we can often look at other ways of taking up references once we have found you a suitable property, so do not worry if you are unable to complete every section. For example, you may not have a current landlord (e.g. if you are currently living at home with your parents). Alphastar Lettings Ltd are able to look at each application on its own merit.
Holding Deposit
To secure a property for you while we take up your references we ask for a holding deposit (depending on the property this will be between £200 and £500). This is deducted from the final balance due on the day you move in. If you decide not to take the property the deposit is non refundable.
Security Deposit
The security deposit will usually be 1½ months rent. This is held by us in a secure tenant deposit account and all deposits are registered. The security deposit is refunded to you at the end of the term provided that the property is left in a clean and tidy condition. Any damage (other than acceptable “wear & tear”) will be deducted from the deposit.
Before you move in
Once satisfactory references have been obtained, an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement is drawn up (there is no fee to you for this). This will outline the amount due before you take up the tenancy. This will consist of the first months rent and the security deposit (less the holding deposit already paid). These 2 amounts must be cleared into our account (or paid to us in cash on the day) before the tenancy starts. Cheques need 5 working days to clear and therefore cannot be accepted on the day.
The Tenancy agreement must be signed and witnessed and returned to us prior to the start of the tenancy. Photo ID for each tenant must be verified by a member of our staff.
We will keep in touch with you about anything that needs to be done and are always at hand to answer any questions.
Moving in day
A time will be agreed with you in advance. A member of staff will meet you at the property to go through the inventory. Your bank details will be taken for the standing order, along with any cash that is outstanding. Meter readings will also be taken.
This process takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size of the property. Please bear this in mind if hiring removal vans, as your personal belongings cannot be moved into the property before the inventory has been finalised.
After You Move In
Once we have taken meter readings we will inform all the relevant authorities that you are now responsible for the bills. These will include council tax, electricity and water rates, and may include gas and telephone. Please note that you will need to change your current TV licence to your new address as soon as you move in - it may be advisable to do this before you move in!
Depending on the length of your agreement, we will visit the property at least once to carry out a periodic inspection. You will be given plenty of notice about this.
At Alphastar Lettings Ltd. we strive to provide a first class service for both our landlords and tenants. We aim to sort out any problems as soon as they occur and we are only ever a phone call away.