Tenant Referencing & Tenancy Start Documentation

So, what happens when your offer has been accepted by a landlord/agent.  The first stage is referencing but what are landlords and agents looking for?:

1.  We carry out a credit check to see if you have any County Court Judgements or IVA’s on your credit file. Sometimes would be tenants are unaware of these. It is worth checking your credit score before undergoing referencing.

2.  Legally, we have to ensure you are allowed to live and work in the UK – ID's accepted are Drivers Licence, UK Passport, Identity Card and bills or bank statements in your name from your current address within the last 30 days.

3.  We check for landlord references where applicable as this may be your first time renting.

4.  We check your income whether that be salary or benefits to ensure you can afford the property you are applying for. We use a rate to rent calculator. Your income should be less than 30 times the monthly rent. For example If you earn £30,000 per year then you should try to use £1,000 rent per month as your maximum rent. There are other scenarios that are taken into consideration such as lifestyle, car loans and so on but this is to ensure you can afford to stay at the property.

Prior to keys being handed to you at the start of a Tenancy, what should be issued by your landlord/agents?:

1.  Your tenancy agreement or Occupational Contract whether this be a hard or digital copy.

2.  Current How to Rent Guide in England and Tenant Handbook in Wales

3.  Gas Safety Certificate (should the property have Gas) these should be annual carried out by the landlords contractor.

4.  Electrical Inspection Condition Report (England Only) these are every 5 years and should be carried out by the landlords contractor

5.  Energy Performance Certificate Report with a grade of A-E these are every 10 years and show how efficient the property is. This is also to be carried out by the landlords contractor.

6.  Prescribed Information

7.  Information on where the tenants deposit is protected with the DPS, TDS or MyDeposits

A tenant should have paid their first months rent and deposit prior to gaining the keys. A tenant should also receive a copy of an inventory and schedule of condition within 7 days which should show what is in the property prior to a tenant moving in and what condition this is in. Tenants are allowed up to 7 days to disagree with the standard noted on the inventory and are asked for evidence of this.

Tenants should also receive confirmation of their deposit being registered and protected within 30 days of receipt.