Brookbanks Estate Agents Swanley

Letting Agents in Swanley

The following are the most frequently asked questions when Tenants are considering renting a property...

Viewing Arrangements
All viewings are by pre arranged appointment and when we have to accompany you over the property this can only be done during our normal hours.

Application for a Tenancy
Applicants wishing to take up a Tenancy will be required to complete a confidential application form to provide personal and financial details. 
The completed confidential application form will be forwarded to a referencing and credit checking agency and we will normally receive a reply within 3 working days.

Information on Charges.
All rents are payable in advance by standing order only and are due on the same day of the month as the commencement of the agreement.

A security deposit equivilent to 5 weeks rent and the first months rent are payable by a bankers draft, or electronic bank transfer, to be cleared funds on or prior to the day of occupation. Personal cheques can only be accepted if paid 10 working days in advance of occupation.

We do not accept rent or deposit payments in cash (In exceptional circumstances and by prior arrangement cash may be accepted but a handling charge will be made)

other charges click here

Tenancy Agreement
The Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document between the owner of the property (The Landlord) and you (The Tenant). You should read the Agreement carefully and ensure you fully understand it.

The Agreement you sign is usually an Assured Shorthold, which means you can stay in the poperty for the period of the Agreement (provided all the obligations are met). If the Landlord wishes to end the tenancy you will be given two months notice to vacate the premises when the Agreement expires. You can only leave the property at the end of the end of the period stated in the Agreement. (If you wish to leave when the Agreement is due to run out you must notify us in writing giving a minimum of one months notice prior to ending the Agreement).

If you vacate the property early you will be responsible for the rental payments and utility/council tax bills for the remainder of the period.

Smoking
All our Tenancies are non-smoking unless specifically waived by the landlord.

Domestic Pets
Domestic pets are not permitted except if agreed in writing. The carpets must be profesionally cleaned, sanitised, deodorised and anti bacterial/flea treated on vacating the property. The original invoice will have to be supplied to confirm that this has been done.

Utility Supplies and Council Tax
you will be responsible for providing the utility providors of meter readings when you take occupation and when you leave. We reserve the right to advise utility suppliers and the local authority of your occupancy and provide them with your forwarding address when you vacate the property. Rents are quoted exclusive of Council Tax (unless otherwise stated) and Tenants will be responsible for payment. Tenants should request telephone service from their chosen provider and must advise the landlord or agent of the telephone number.

Insurance
Should the Landlord or an appointed agent wish to inspect the property they will provide a minimum of 24 hours notice of their intended visit. Fully managed properties will be inspected regularly. Please notify the Landlord or agent if you will be away for 1 week or longer.

Faults & Repairs
Many Landlords have service contracts and prefered contractors. If there is a problem with the property you are renting you must inform the landlord or the agent. Failure to do so may mean that you are liable for any deterioration or damage resulting from the delay. You must not instruct a contractor to undertake any work - if you do it will be at your own expense.

Changes to the property
Should you wish to make any changes to the property including decoration you must obtain written permission from  the Landlord or agent before any work commences.

Safety
When smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are fitted in the property you have an obligation to ensure that they are checked regularly, kept in good working orderand batteries replaced when needed. If you become aware of a fault you must immediately  notify the Landlord or agent.

If the property has either natural or bottled gas the law requires an annual Gas Safety Report.

The Garden
It is a requirement of our Rental Agreement that the Tenant keeps the grass cut, border and paths weed free and shrubs trimmed.

Vacating
You must vacate the property on the agreed date (usually midday on the last day of the Agreement). Your Landlord or his appointed agent will make an appointment to meet you at the property to carry out the 'check out' inspection, take meter readings and assess any dilapidations.

Return of Deposit
Your deposit will be protected under one of the deposit protection schemes.

With the exception of fair wear and tear, any damage or deterioration will be corrected and the cost deducted from the deposit. The deposit is refundable only after you have vacated the property and provided that:

• Your rent is paid up to date
• All bills relating to the property/tenancy have been paid
• The property has been well maintained and thoroughly cleaned including the carpets upon vacation
• All items listed in the inventory are present and in satisfactory contition.