Guide to Renting a Property

You’ll benefit from first class service every step of the way, so renting your new home is an easy process.
Our team of highly experienced and professional property managers and administrators manage many properties for both private and institutional landlords.

We’ll help you find your new home, arrange your viewing and help you complete all of your paperwork too.

Finding your new home and arranging a viewing

If you think you’ve found your ideal new home and want to arrange a viewing, then either call us on 01733 344222 or email enquiries@jolliffe-daking.com. Or if you’d rather speak to us in person then just come to our city centre offices at 37 Broadway, opposite the Broadway Theatre.

We’ll arrange a viewing time to suit you, and meet you at the property to show you around and answer any questions you may have. Some landlords may want to show you around the property themselves, and we can arrange that too.

How to apply for a tenancy

Once you’ve found your new home the first thing you’ll need to do is complete a tenancy application form, and fill in information for employer, character and landlord references, if relevant. We’ll also need your proof of identity and proof of residency, and will carry out a credit check.

Please note:

  • We can only accept your application once you’ve viewed a property
  • Your application form must be delivered to our offices in person to meet identification requirements

Holding deposit and fees

When you submit your application you’ll need to pay a holding deposit equivalent to one weeks rent which will be credited towards your first month’s rent. However, this doesn’t guarantee your tenancy. On payment of the holding deposit you will receive a document entitled “Your Holding Deposit Explained” which explains what happens to that holding deposit and the circumstances in which the holding deposit will/will not be returned.

Read More: Tenant Fees Schedule and Your Holding Deposit Explained.

Your application process – references and credit checks

We’ll contact your landlord and start your referencing process once your completed application form, proof of identity, proof of residency, pre-tenancy deposit and letting fee have been received. This normally takes five to seven working days.
You’ll need to let all your referees know that they’ll be asked to provide you with a reference.

Your deposit

You’ll need to pay a deposit for your letting, which will be an amount equivalent to five weeks rent. Your deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy as long as all your rent has been paid and your property is left in a satisfactory condition. We aim to return your deposit within three to five working days.

We’re a member of the Tenant Deposit Scheme which ensures your tenancy deposit will be securely held and any disputes about its return are resolved quickly, cheaply and fairly.

Read More: Tenant Fees Schedule and Your Holding Deposit Explained.

Your tenancy agreement

Most properties are let on Assured Shorthold tenancies with an initial fixed term of six months. This means that you, the tenant, are committed to pay the rent for six months, and your landlord can’t ask you to leave the property until the six months are up.

After this initial period the tenancy can continue if both you and your landlord agree. You then have to give one month’s notice if you want to move out, while your landlord must give you two months’ notice if they ask you to leave the property.
All notices must run from a rent day.

Your new home and moving in

Once your referencing process has finished we’ll agree the start date of your tenancy with you. You’ll need to come to our office on the agreed day to sign your tenancy agreement and other documentation. You’ll also need to pay your first month’s rent and deposit by banker’s draft, although your future monthly rental payments will be made by standing order.

After you’ve signed the tenancy agreement we’ll give the schedule of condition of the property and the inventory of contents. It’s a good idea for you to check that these documents are accurate when you move in, and make a note of any variations. You can then sign the documents and return a copy to us.

Once you move into your new home you’ll need to arrange for all the utilities to be changed to your name.

Routine visits

You’ll have peace of mind when you rent through us as we’ll visit you seven days after you’ve moved in to check you’ve settled in happily and see if you have any issues.

You’ll then be visited about every three months, at a time that’s convenient for you, for the whole of your tenancy period. These visits are so you can raise any issues you may have, and for us to check that everything is as it should be with the property.

Repairs and maintenance of your property

During your tenancy you should get in touch with us if you have any major maintenance problems. However, as tenants you are responsible for minor items of maintenance and repair, such as changing light bulbs and unblocking sinks if needed.

You’re also responsible for taking proper care of your property. This includes things like keeping the property clean and in a good state of repair. If you, your family or guests cause any damage to the property then you’re required to repair the damage. If you go away during the winter months please ensure the property is adequately protected from frost damage.

When you move out

You’ll need to return your keys for the property either when you move out, or on the last day of your tenancy. We’ll then carry out an end of tenancy inspection of the property.
Your deposit should be returned to you within ten working days as long as all the rent has been paid and the property left in a satisfactory condition.

For a first class professional service contact Jolliffe Daking LLP now, please telephone 01733 344222 , email: enquiries@jolliffe-daking.com or call into our office at 37 Broadway, Peterborough for further advice and information