Tenants
I’ve seen a property I want to rent. What do I do?
Get in touch. If you’ve seen a property that you would like to rent, we will ask you to complete a Tenant application, which allows us to carry out a credit and reference check is required (per adult looking to reside in the property). If you have limited credit history we may ask for a Guarantor, who will also be subject to credit and referencing checks.
The following is required to process your application :
- Photographic identification e.g. passport or driving licence
- Proof of address e.g. recent bank statement or utility bill
- Completed credit and reference check
- Completed and signed Tenancy Application Form
Once your application has been processed and credit checks and references have been approved, you can expect to sign your lease agreement shortly thereafter at which point you will be asked to pay one-month rent and deposit on or before the date of the lease signing.
I’ve got limited Credit History
You may require a Guarantor if you have a limited credit history. Guarantor’s will be required to undergo a credit and reference check and will be required to sign a Guarantee Agreement. They will be liable for the rent if the Tenant defaults.
Will I require a Deposit?
Your deposit will be held by Safe Deposits Scotland in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme during your tenancy and is refundable after vacating the property providing that:
Your rent is paid up to date.
All utility bills relating to the tenancy have been paid (proof provided to us).
The property has been well maintained.
Any other lease obligations have been met.
Under no circumstances can the deposit be used as payment for the last month’s rent.
What type of Lease will I have?
For Residential Tenants, in the most part you will have a Private Residential Tenancy, based on the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2017 which introduced the new ‘private residential tenancy’. Its purpose is to improve security, stability and predictability for you as a tenant and provide safeguards for landlords, lenders and investors. The tenancy is open-ended and will last until you wish to leave the let property or your landlord uses one (or more) of 18 grounds for eviction.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-model-private-residential-tenancy-agreement/
All tenants over the age of 18 will be named on the Lease Agreement and will need to be present to sign the lease agreement. The agreement sets out both Landlord and Tenants’ responsibilities. Should you have any queries regarding your lease agreement, we are happy to assist you. You may also wish to seek your own independent advice before signing the Lease Agreement and we are happy for you to do so.
If you do not wish to continue the tenancy then appropriate written notice must be provided before the lease can legally end. The terms for how much notice required are noted in your lease agreement.
When do I get my keys?
Once all of the paperwork, guarantees and cleared funds (full deposit, credit and reference checks & rent in advance) are in place, you will be issued with a copy of the Lease and relevant documentation and a set of keys to your new home.
How do I pay rent?
Rent is payable every month by Standing Order from your bank account on the day you signed your lease. You will be supplied with a Standing Order Mandate by our office which you should complete and send to your own bank as soon as possible. This method of rent payment ensures regular, on-time payments and protects you against a potential bad payment history. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the standing order is cancelled with your bank at the end of the tenancy. Bank details available on request.
What are my other costs?
Lilac Lets will notify the relevant Utility companies and Council Authority of the tenancy; thereafter Tenants are responsible for their own payment of gas, electricity, council tax and water charges and TV Licences (if applicable).
Will you visit my rented property?
To ensure that no maintenance issues arise and to check that Tenants are fulfilling the terms and obligations of their lease, we carry out regular inspections of our rented properties. Tenants require to maintain the property to a satisfactory standard. Other than for emergency repairs, you will be given at least 48 hours notice of our visit which should not inconvenience you for long.
What if the property needs a repair?
Faults should be reported at the earliest opportunity, once we have been informed of a fault we shall contact the contractors and the landlord and we shall act upon their instructions. Small ongoing maintenance of the property e.g. replacing light bulbs are the tenants responsibility.
Will the property be safe?
Smoke, heat and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (where appropriate) are required to be fitted in the property. Under the terms of your agreement, you are obliged to ensure they are checked regularly and are in good working order. This is for your own safety. We recommend a daily check; however, they must be checked at least once a week.
If you are tenanting an HMO Licensed you are required to record all tests and any faults or defects in the log book provided. If you become aware of a fault you must notify us immediately.
Can I re-decorate?
We want you to enjoy your property and feel at home. Should you wish to re-decorate and personalise the property, please contact our office detailing the changes you would like to make and we will endeavour to inform you of the decision within 7 days. Please do not carry out any re-decoration of the property without written authorisation as this may result in you being held liable for any costs incurred by the landlord to restore the property to the original condition. As a general rule, nothing will be allowed that may devalue the property.
Will I need to maintain the garden?
If your property has a garden it is your responsibility to ensure the lawns are cut regularly and the borders are kept weed-free. In addition, the gardens must be kept tidy and free from refuse.
Do I need Insurance?
The landlord is responsible for insuring the building. Tenants are responsible for arranging contents insurance for their personal possessions. Neither the landlord nor Kingsley Wood will accept any responsibility for loss or damage to your possessions whilst occupying the property.
Should you not already have an existing policy, we will be happy to provide you with a quote.
What if I want be away from home for a time?
If you are going to be away from the property for more than 7 days at any one time you must inform us. This is so we can ensure the property is looked after in your absence and deal with any problems that may arise on your behalf. If you are away for a period of 3 days or more during cold weather, please ensure the heating system is set on a timer, to avoid frozen/burst pipes.
How do I vacate the property?
You must vacate the property on the agreed date, under current Private Residential Tenancy legislation you are required to give 28 days written notice to end your tenancy agreement.
We will carry out the final check-out inspection to ensure that the move out process is a smooth and simple procedure. The next step is then to approach Safe Deposit Scotland in order to have your deposit refunded direct to your bank account if you landlord does not wish to make a claim for any dilapidations.