Tenancy Offer Guide

What is a Traditional Deposit Option?

A dilapidation deposit is required at the start of any tenancy. The deposit amount is typically equivalent to:

• 5 weeks' rent for properties where the annual rent is £50,000 or less.
• 6 weeks' rent for properties where the annual rent exceeds £50,000.
• This deposit serves to cover potential costs associated with cleaning, repairs, or replacements that may be needed at the end of the tenancy, as identified in the inspection carried out by the appointed Inventory clerk.

What is a Zero Deposit Option?

It's a tech-based model that allows landlords protection without requiring tenants to pay a traditional security deposit. 

• Deposit replacement schemes fundamentally provide an up-front cash saving for tenants, making it easier for many to afford to rent a home.
• Tenants pay a non-refundable fee equivalent to one week's rent. 
• For more information, please visit: reposit.co.uk

Important Information:

Household income is a measure of the combined incomes of all people sharing a household or place of residence.

• Income Requirements: You must show a total household income of at least 2.5 times the gross annual rent.
• Guarantor Requirements: Guarantors must prove an income of at least 3 times the gross annual rent.

Applicants within their probationary period, or those whose total household income does not cover the monthly rent, will need to provide

Important Information for Prospective Tenants

Please ensure the Proposed “Tenancy Start Date” is selected carefully when making your offer to the Landlord

Properties in the London rental market tend to rent very quickly. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Start Date and Move-In Date:
   • You should propose a "Start Date" close to the property’s available date for tenant/s to move in.
   • The "Move-In Date" can happen 3-10 days after the tenancy "Start Date".
   • Example: If your proposed "Tenancy Start Date" is accepted, your tenancy agreement will begin on this date. You will be responsible for paying rent from the "Tenancy Start Date" even if you move in later due to referencing delays.
2. Referencing Process:
   • After submitting your application form, referencing typically takes 2-3 working days.
   • Referencing for joint tenancies (e.g., groups of 3 or more) may take longer.
3. Preparation Time:
   • Allow a minimum of 1-2 working days for the landlord or their agent to prepare the property for "Check-In".
4. Check-In Service:
   • The "Check-In Service" will be arranged only after:
     • The tenancy agreement is signed by all tenants and the landlord.
     • Move-in monies are received and cleared.
5. Check-In Hours: Monday - Saturday from 12pm - 4pm Only / Sundays & Public Holidays – Closed

By understanding these steps, you can help ensure a smoother rental process.

Please detail your requirements clearly to ensure your expectations are met and avoid any misunderstandings with the landlord. Your detailed requirements will be forwarded to the landlord for their approval.

Requirement Categories:

• Require / Keep: Items you want to keep in the property (e.g., curtains, washing machine, number of key sets required, faulty bulbs, etc.).
• Remove: Items you want removed from the property (e.g., sofas, tables and chairs, paintings, etc.).
• Additional Requests / Information: Any additional information or requests (e.g., details about existing housemates, pets, break clauses, 6-month rent upfront payment, any concerns, disclosure of bad credit / CCJ information, etc.).

Specify:

• Flatpack Furniture: If not specified, the tenant will be responsible for assembly.
• Painting Walls: Indicate which rooms, walls, and colours.
• Mattress Replacement: Specify which bedrooms.
• Bathroom Updates: Detail-specific updates needed, such as:
  • New bathtub with shower head mixer unit
  • Shower screen or curtain
  • New tiling
  • New flooring

We strive to ensure that professional cleaning if agreed upon by the landlord, is completed before tenants move in. However, unforeseen circumstances may occasionally result in cleaning being done after move-in, which is not ideal but sometimes unavoidable.

Special Requirements will only be arranged once:

1. The tenancy agreement has been signed by all tenants and the landlord.
2. Move-in monies have been received and cleared.
3. Tenants have checked in and moved into the property.

Please allow up to 28 days from the check-in date for the completion of Special Requirements by the landlord. We will notify you of any delays.

Note: Harvey W James cannot be held responsible for any delays or damages related to moving into the property due to refurbishment, renovations, repair works taking longer to complete by the landlord, or if current tenants fail to vacate the property before your tenancy start date. This includes any cleaning services requested or provided by the landlord.

Disclaimer: Additional Verification Process for UK Applicants

At Harvey W James Ltd, we are dedicated to protecting our landlords and maintaining a secure rental process. Due to the increasing number of identity fraud cases in the rental market, particularly involving UK-based individuals, we have introduced an additional verification step. This is designed to ensure all applicants are genuine and truthful in their application.

What to Expect from the Verification Process:

1. The Verification Letter:

• Once your application is submitted, a Verification of Tenancy Application letter will be sent to your current address as part of the referencing process.
• The letter will include a unique verification code, which you will need to provide back to us as proof of receipt.
• You will need to:
  • Take a clear photograph of the letter and email it to us at lettings@harveywjames.com, ensuring the code and your details are visible, OR
  • Simply email us the unique verification code mentioned in the letter, along with your name and address.
• This step helps us confirm that you genuinely reside at the address you have provided.

2. Home Visit Alternative: 

• In cases where further verification is necessary, we may arrange for a representative from a national verification company to visit the address you have provided. This ensures that we verify your residency with absolute certainty.

3. Why This is Important: 

• Unfortunately, identity fraud is on the rise, with fraudsters stealing identities to rent properties and then subletting them illegally. Many of these cases involve UK-based individuals who provide falsified documents and claim to live at addresses they do not. This verification step is our way of safeguarding both our landlords and genuine tenants from the consequences of such fraud.

4. Consequences of Non-Verification:

• If we are unable to verify your residency at the provided address:
  • Your application will not be successful, even if you pass the referencing checks conducted by the referencing agency.
  • Your holding deposit will be retained to cover administrative costs.