FAQ

What do I do if I’ve found a property I like?

If you’ve found a property you like the first step is to contact us to arrange a time to view the property. During this viewing you will be met by a member of the Robert Rhys letting team who will endeavour to answer all of your questions. If you like the property and want to take it you will need to pay a small agency fee.

What is an agency fee?

An agency fee acts as a deposit and takes the property off the market temporarily. This agency fee is non refundable and will be used to cover your costs incurred by the agent. This includes administration and referencing.

What references will you need?

We need to assess your suitability as a tenant so we will need to confirm your income with an employment reference, we will ask for a previous landlord reference and complete a credit check on you. We will sometimes ask for a bank reference and/or character reference. We often outsource this work to a referencing company who will provide us will a final report. Sometimes the reference agencies advise us to use a guarantor if your income can not be confirmed or you have adverse credit history. You will not be cleared to proceed until satisfactory references have been obtained.

What is a guarantor?

A financial guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person will be referenced in the same way as you. The guarantor must be over the age of 21, a UK based home owner, in full time employment and ideally be related to you.

What else do I need to pay?

In addition to paying your agency fee within 14 days you will be required to pay your rent in advance and bond.

What is a bond?

The bond is used to cover against losses incurred by the landlord and/or managing agent. These losses or expenses include damaged items accidentally, disappearing items or deliberate removal of property and outstanding debts attached to the property or tenancy.

Will I get it back?

Your bond will be returned to you within 14 days of your keys being returned, completion of an inventory check out report and proof that utility bills for the property have been paid. Obviously the amount of bond return will be subject to the findings of the inventory check out report.

What do I need to bring when I sign the tenancy agreement?

During this appointment all members of your group need to be present. Each member of the group will need to bring their payments of rent in advance and bond, signed and completed guarantor form if necessary, completed standing order mandate and two forms of identification.

What is an inventory?

Before you take occupancy of a property a comprehensive inventory will be performed on all managed properties, this is a schedule of contents within the property and its current condition. It is signed by both parties to avoid any differences in opinion during or at the end of the tenancy.

Who is responsible for maintenance?

The landlord. If your property is managed by Robert Rhys then we will be responsible for co-ordinating maintenance on the landlord’s behalf.

Who is responsible for the utilities?

The tenants.