Tenant Handbook

• Your deposit will be registered with the Deposit Protection Service, details of which can be found at www.depositprotection.com.
• If you are unsure on any of the prescribed terms and conditions of the Deposit Protection Service, please contact a member of our team who will be able to provide further guidance.

• We will inform the gas, electric, water and local council that you have moved into the property, along with any meter readings. However, it may be the case that the utility providers will only set up the account once they have spoken to the new account holder. Therefore we advise that you contact them also. This process will be repeated at the end of the tenancy along with your vacating meter readings.

• Prior to moving into the property, we ask that you set up a Standing Order with your bank to ensure that the rent reaches us on or before your rental date.
• If for whatever reason your Standing Order becomes inactive, you can make payments in the office via Cash or via Debit/Credit Card. We also accept card payments over the phone.

Here at Duffin’s, we understand that there may be occasions whereby the rent will reach us later than agreed. In such cases, we ask that you contact us immediately and advise on when we can expect the rental payment. Please be advised that late payment fees may be incurred. Details of which can be found in your Tenancy Agreement.

The Right to Enter to Inspect the State of Repair of the Property/Empty a Fuel Slot Meter

Your second right as owner of the property is a right to enter to inspect the state of repair of the building or to empty a fuel slot meter. Unlike the former right, however, this does not grant you an immediate right of entry. In this case, 24 hours’ notice must be provided prior to entering your tenant’s home.

The Right of Reasonable Access

Your first right as a landlord is a right of reasonable access to carry out repairs. The definition of ‘reasonable access’ will be dependent upon why you need to gain entry. For example, in an emergency, you’ll be entitled to immediately enter the property to carry out any necessary work.

The Right to Enter in Order to Provide Room Cleaning Services

The third right is conditional upon the contract between you and your tenant, and only arises if you have an agreement stipulating that you’ll provide a room-cleaning service, or where the room is shared by multiple lodgers. In this scenario, you don’t need to obtain permission before entering the property. In every other circumstance, you don’t have a right of entry unless you have a court order stating otherwise.

How Much Notice Does My Landlord Have to Give?

The Housing Act 1988 states that a landlord, must provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the property.

We charge a fee of £75.00 to renew your tenancy at the end of the contract period, so if you sign a 6 month tenancy and then wish to extend this for another 6 months, you will need to pay a fee to cover the administration – something to keep in mind, as a 12 month contract may be financially more suitable.

• Once you have entered into an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, you are liable for all the obligations stated in the Tenancy Agreement, including the paying of the rent & utilities until the end of the tenancy. Should you wish to terminate the Agreement earlier, please notify us as soon as possible so that we may discuss the matter direct with your Landlord. The "surrender of the lease" is entirely at the discretion of the Landlord and each request is treated on an individual basis.

• Once you have served the required notice, you will receive a Check Out Letter which sets out how you must leave the property when vacating.
• If you would to book an inspection prior to your final day to assist in identifying any issues you should contact us on 01254 691352 to arrange a suitable time and date.
• If you have given notice we have the right to conduct visits and show the property to prospective new tenants. However, this only comes into effect during the last 28 days your tenancy. We will of course notify you of any viewings and ensure that a time is arrange which is convenient for yourself.