Frequently asked questions for Tenants

What is the difference between fully managed property and introduction only?

When you go to take over the property you are letting, we will act on behalf of the landlord and would be accountable for all maintenance and repair issues etc.

On Introduction only Solent Sales and Lettings will find tenants and arrange all the necessary paperwork and thereafter the landlord will take over the management so you would need to contact the landlord.

Furnished? or Unfurnished?

When a property is unfurnished you generally would have carpets throughout, curtains and some white goods. If the property is furnished, this will include table and chairs, beds etc and Solent Sales and Lettings will give you a full list of what is included.

What is a Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement?

This is most important as this is a legal and binding document. You have to pay the rent until the end of the agreed term and could be liable if you break the terms of the agreement.

Fees?

If you wish to proceed with taking one of our flats or houses on the portfolio then a one-off admin. fee is payable. Please call us for further details.

Insurance?

No, unfortunately not as public liability would not be available and cover the loss if a claim was made .However we can recommend a specialist policy to suit a landlords particular circumstances to cover any contingency.

Advise please on safety regulations etc?

All your contents need to be insured as the landlord has to insure the building but not your goods. Solent Sales and Lettings are willing to recommend a special negotiated price on an insurance policy so that you can be safeguarded should anything might happen whilst being in the property. Please call again and would be happy to discuss in greater depth.

References?

It is in everyone's interest that you can afford the rent on the specific property you hope to move into. We as a company have a number of reference companies who check verification of your employment, past addresses etc. Solent Sales and Lettings would be more than happy to discuss this further and the quicker it is sorted, the quicker you can move in.

Guarantor?

Should there be a problem with your references then we would seek your permission for a guarantor to support your tenancy. They would however be responsible for all monies due and any agreements that have been laid out with the assured shorthold tenancy.

Deposits?

As a rule of thumb the deposit required is normally equal to one month and one weeks rent. This deposit since April 2007 has to be held in one of the Tenancy deposit protection schemes so agents cannot hold a deposit under these rules. There are two types of approved schemes, a custodial scheme and two insurance based schemes. Basically they have come into force to promote good practice in deposit handling, assist in the resolution of disputes and encourage landlords and tenants to make a clear agreement at the start of the lease about the condition of the property. Further details on all the schemes are available on request.

Length of time to move in?

Usually Solent Sales and Lettings can move the process fairly quickly and allow up to 2/3 weeks for all the references to come in.

How to pay the rent and how much to have ready to move in?

The best way to put this in place is with a standing order or direct debit from your bank, so that you can be assured for peace of mind the landlord is up to date with the money. Please make sure you have a full months rent, your one months deposit, insurance premium and in clear funds else we have to wait until your cheques clear which can be up to 7 days.

Bills?

All the bills relating to the property, council tax, water, gas, electric, etc will be your responsibility and in fully managed properties, we will let the services when you are moving in etc.