How do I arrange to view a property?

Contact our office, and if you are not already registered with us we will take your personal details and note your requirements.  We will then arrange a mutually convenient appointment to accompany you to the property with a member of our team.

Are there any rules about what comes with a property if it is furnished, part furnished or unfurnished?

All Priory’s Properties are offered as unfurnished.  An unfurnished property would normally be provided only with basics such as carpets, curtains and light fittings.  Priory vet all properties through an inventory procedure which includes photographic records of every room.  This way you will know exactly what will be included in your property.

Now I have found a property to rent, what is the application procedure?

Firstly complete an application form, these are available by calling our office in Biddulph.  Check you meet the referencing criteria:
	Be in full time employment
	Have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years
	Be earning 2.5 times the monthly rent (this is a guideline only)

Do we have to include all occupants who wish to live at the property?

Yes, anyone over the age of 18 is required to complete an application form and will be asked to inform us of any children who will be residing with you.  We regret that due to legal restrictions we are unable to grant a tenancy to anyone under the age of 18.

Will I need to provide personal identification?

Yes, we request you submit a copy of your driving licence (photo edition) or passport and a current utility bill (e.g. council tax, electric or telephone).

Will I Need a guarantor?

Not always, however in certain circumstances, you may be offered the opportunity to support your application by supplying a guarantor.

To meet with the referencing criteria, a guarantor must:
	Be in full time employment
	Have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years
	Be a homeowner

What is a tenancy agreement?

Priory Letting Services will prepare an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement.  This document is legally binding and details the obligations and responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord.

How long will the tenancy agreement be for?

A minimum of 6 months.

What about the tenancy deposit?

A deposit of 1 months rent is required to be held during the tenancy against the satisfactory performance by the tenant of all various obligations under the tenancy agreement, but mainly those relating to the cleanliness and condition of the property.

Important legislative change

From 6th April 2007 the legislation governing the holding deposit changed.  This means that any deposit must be held by a regulated agent who is part of an approved scheme or by a government run scheme.  In the event of an unresolved dispute or stalemate over the allocation of the deposit, it can be referred to the scheme for a prompt, independent, third party adjudication – so providing a resolution which is fair to both landlord and tenant.

Am I allowed to keep pets?

Most landlords insist on no pets but permission could be sought prior to submitting an application.  If the landlord gives consent for pets to reside at the property for the duration of the tenancy, special clauses will be entered into the tenancy agreement to cover the tenants additional cleaning and maintenance obligations.  These may include the provision of the tenant(s) to provide proof  to the agent, following the termination of the tenancy, that the property has been professionally cleaned.

Do I need insurance?

This is strongly recommended.  Tenants are responsible for insuring any of their own possessions.  There are various specialist insurance products designed for tenants and rented property.  If you would like us to quote for your contents insurance please call our office on 01782 255552.

What about rights of access to the property, what are the rules?

A landlord or his agent, or someone authorised to act on his behalf has a right to view the property to access its condition and to carry out necessary repairs or maintenance at reasonable times of the day.  The law says that a landlord or agent must give a tenant at least 24 hours prior notice in writing (except in an emergency) of such a visit.  Naturally, if the tenant agrees to allow access without written this is perfectly acceptable.

How do I end my tenancy?

The law around ending a tenancy is relatively straightforward as long as the right timescales and procedures are followed, along with the use of the correct format of notice.  It is recommended that you end your agreement properly if you want to leave.  If you don’t you may still be liable to pay rent, even after you have moved out.  To do this, you have to give written notice to the landlord/agent.  You will not be able to end the agreement early if you have signed for a tenancy for a fixed period of time.

What is the notice period?

If a landlord wishes to gain possession, they must give a minimum of 2 months notice in writing to end at the end of a period.  If you wish to give notice, you must give a minimum of 1 months notice in writing to end at the end of the period. Therefore should you wish to give your notice to move out, this must be done on or before your payment date ie allowing at least 1 calendar months notice to the Landlord/Management Agent in writing.