Tenants FAQs

Renting a property FAQs

Find all you need to know about renting a flat or house, tenant referencing, tenancy agreements, and the cost of renting. Discover properties to rent near you with expert renting information. Let's get you settled!

A: The first step is to contact us to provide details about yourself and about the type of accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. We register your details so that we can contact you as suitable properties become available. It is wise to start looking about a month before you wish to move, as the more attractive properties are viewed and reserved quickly. Our tenancies are granted for a minimum term of 6 months.

A: Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you and will be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

A: Once you have decided on a property, you will need to apply for it and pay a reference and reservation fee. If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy the reservation fee will be refunded. However, the reference charge(s) would have already been incurred and cannot be refunded. A copy of the referencing report(s) can be provided upon request. 

If you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide accurate information in your application and you are rejected for the tenancy the reservation fee will not be refunded.

We use the services of an independent company to process your reference(s) and upon receipt of satisfactory results you will be able to rent the property. The referencing company will undertake a credit check(s), obtain references from your employer and your previous or current landlord or agent. Sometimes a guarantor will be recommended and you will be informed if this is required.

A: Rents are quoted per calendar monthly and paid monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs.

All rents are payable via a bank standing order from one designated account to DABORACONWAY's account if we are managing the property or to our client's bank account if we are not managing the property. Rent must be paid 5 days in advance of the rent due date, to allow for clearance.

Should you experience any financial problems during the course of the tenancy it is essential that you contact DABORACONWAY or your Landlord immediately.

A: A deposit of one month's rent must be paid and will be held throughout the tenancy term and will be registered with “my deposits” which is a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme. This is held to cover damage, breakages and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent. Please also note that a landlord may request a figure higher than one month's rent as a deposit. 

A: An Inventory and Schedule of Condition of the property will normally have been prepared, which includes: contents, furniture, fittings and effects etc... This  will be checked and agreed with you at the commencement of your tenancy.

It is important that you take care when agreeing the Inventory and Schedule of Condition at this stage as it will form the basis of any claim for damages by your landlord at the end of the tenancy when the Inventory and Schedule of Condition will be checked again.

A: You should be aware that responsibility for the property rests with the tenant as set out in the Tenancy Agreement. It is particularly important that any gas, electrical or water related damage is reported immediately and the property is fully secured when you leave it unattended at any time.

During the winter months, necessary steps must be taken to prevent the freezing of the water and heating systems. In leasehold properties, mainly flats and maisonettes, the tenant will be bound by the rules and regulations affecting all residents within the block contained in the head lease. Failure to advise the landlord or his agent of any defects will be seen as neglect and the liability will be that of the tenant.

CHARGES & PROCEDURES

If your rent remains unpaid for seven days a first reminder will be sent.

If your rent remains unpaid for fourteen days a second reminder will be sent.

Further reminders may follow at the same seven day intervals thereafter.

If the rent is late beyond 14 days we reserve the right to charge 3% over the Bank of England Base Rate for each subsequent day that the rent falls due and until the arrears are paid.

REPLACEMENT KEYS

If during the term of your tenancy you lose or damage beyond use any key(s) &/or fob(s) the following charges will apply for replacements and locks if necessary:

  1. Yale key - £5.50 Inc VAT Per Item.

  2. UPVC door key - £5.50 Inc VAT Per Item.

  3. Mortice key - £7.50 Inc VAT Per Item.

  4. Security key - £15 - £60 Inc VAT Per Item, dependent on type and manufacturers costs.

  5. Fob/electronic key - £15- £60 Inc VAT Per item, dependent on type and manufacturers costs.

  6. New Lock: Yale £60.00 Inc VAT Per Item, Mortice £45.00 Inc VAT Per Item.

  7. An additional fee will be incurred if the work is undertaken outside of normal office hours

In the event that a member of the company undertakes to have the key(s) cut a charge of £15.00 per hour will be levied for the work. A receipt(s) for cutting of keys can be provided upon request.

VARIATION OF CONTRACT

If you request a change to your tenancy agreement, for example a change of sharer a charge of £50.00 Inc VAT will be applied however, we are entitled to charge for the reasonable costs involved in amending the tenancy agreement and if that cost exceeds £50.00 Inc VAT we will charge this amount. Any costs incurred, over and above the £50.00 Inc VAT, can be evidenced upon request.

REDRESS SCHEME MEMBERSHIP

DaBora Conway is a member of The Property Ombudsman redress scheme who’s contact details are as follows:

CLIENT MONEY PROTECTION

DaBora Conway is a member of Safe Agent for Client Money Protection. Safe Agent can be contacted as follows:

Rightmove Zoopla Primelocation The Property Ombudsman Trading Standards Institute London Landlord Accreditation Scheme My Deposits Safeagent