TENANTS GUIDE


1 – PRE TENANCY

Referencing Procedure

As soon as a suitable property has been found, the prospective Tenant will need to complete reference application forms. We utilise the services of a credit-referencing agency to take up the following references, here is an example of just a few of the references sought:

  • Confirmation of employment, salary confirmation
  • Personal & Photographic identification (passport or driving licence)
  • Previous Landlord references
  • Students (UK Guarantor or proof of funding)
  • Self-Employed (Accountants references, trading details etc)

Holding Deposit

A one week holding deposit (not subject to VAT) will be required at the same time as the reference fees and other disbursements mentioned below.

This is in order to reserve the property and remove it from our available list. The holding deposit will be deducted from the first months rent due. Should the Tenant withdraw from the proposed letting, through no fault of Loromah Estates, all or a proportion of the 'Holding Deposit' will be retained in order to cover any reasonable costs (which will be outlined in full). None of the Holding Deposit will be retained should the Tenant's withdrawal be the fault of Loromah Estates. These payments are due at the start of the application process once the Tenant's offer has been verbally agreed on behalf of Loromah Estates and will secure the property for you subject to satisfactory references being received on behalf of all applicable Tenants.

The holding deposit shows good faith on the part of a prospective Tenant enabling Loromah Estates to take further action in the confident knowledge that the applicant is serious and fully committed to the property:

For example:

  • Cease to advertise the property
  • Tell other applicants that the property has been let subject to satisfactory references
  • Prepare a letting agreement
  • Take up references
  • Carry out credit checks

Administration/ Reference Applications

No administration fees are charged to the Tenant, when the letting is arranged directly with Loromah Estates.

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2 – BEFORE CHECK IN TO THE PROPERTY

Tenancy Agreement

Both Loromah Estates and the Tenant/s will be required to sign a tenancy agreement prior to the tenancy commencing. The agreement outlines both the Tenant and Loromah Estates obligations.

Generally, most tenancies run for a period of twelve months, we will contact the Tenant towards the end of the tenancy to see whether the Tenant wishes to renew your agreement for a further period and discuss any rental increase required by Loromah Estates for the renewal period. Once this has been agreed by both parties a new tenancy agreements will be sent to the Tenant/s for signatures.

Prior to the commencement of the tenancy. We will issue the Tenant with a sample template agreement which should be read very carefully. Any questions arise regarding this legal document we advise the Tenant to seek independent legal advice.

Payment

Once a moving date has been agreed and references have all been approved by Loromah Estates, the tenancy agreement will need to be signed by all parties. The payment of the initial rent and deposit in full will become due less any holding deposit previously paid:

This is made up of the following:

  • Deposit normally equal to five weeks rent
  • The first months rent in advance. (rent is calculated on a per calendar month basis, being the weekly rent, multiplied by 52 weeks and divided by twelve months to give the per calendar month rental figure)
  • Thereafter Loromah Estates requires payment of the rent on the 1st day of each calendar month, made in one total payment per property.

The above funds need to be cleared before the tenancy can commence. Payment by means of either cash or direct transfer into Loromah Estates bank account and showing as cleared.

The Five Weeks Deposit will be logged with the My Deposit Scheme and Tenant will be provided with a Deposit Protection Certificate to sign.

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3 – AT CHECK IN TO THE PROPERTY

Inventory

A well-prepared inventory protects Loromah Estates and Tenants alike, providing an accurate description of the condition and contents of a property at the start of a tenancy. On the day of check in, the inventory will be checked and agreed by both parties before keys are handed over to the Tenant by Loromah Estates

The condition of the property and its contents at the end of the tenancy are compared back to this inventory. At check out, Loromah Estates will provide an opinion on whether any damage that has arisen during the tenancy is attributable to the Tenants misuse or to "fair wear and tear".

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4 – DURING TENANCY

Rental Payment

Rental payments must always be made by standing order from the Tenants bank account to Loromah Estates bank account, in one full monthly amount only. Payable on the 1st day of each calendar month. If Loromah Estates has to chase any late payment a £25 admin charge will be added to the rental account.

Tenants Obligations

The responsibility for the property lies with the Tenant during the period of tenancy. Always ensure that the property is fully secured and that during the winter months steps are taken to prevent freezing of the water and heating system.

If the Tenant is unsure how to operate anything within the flat that is not covered in the instruction manuals/Tenants guide, please call the office on 0207 837 6202.

The Tenant is responsible for all of their personal effects and possessions including possessions stored in any agreed communal areas e.g. bicycles etc. Loromah Estates accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to Tenants possessions at any time. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE TENANT FULLY INSURES ALL HIS/HER POSSESSIONS.

The Tenant/s must not place or store any items on the communal landings or staircases, as this is a fire hazard and in breach of the building insurance.

Council Tax & Utilities

It is the Tenants responsibility to inform utility suppliers of their occupation. If the Tenant is unsure who supplies the properties utilities, please telephone the numbers listed below to gain your suppliers details.


For Gas supply details – 0870 608 1525

For Electric supply details – 0845 600 0102


The Tenant is responsible for payment of council tax. Council tax is payable to the Local Authority. It is the Tenants responsibility to contact the Local Authority Council Tax Department and inform them of their occupation. Students, who may be exempt from council tax payments, must contact the Local Authority in order to gain an exemption.

Maintenance

All maintenance issues must be reported directly to Loromah Estates, this can be done either by telephone: 0207 837 6202 or EMAIL to info@loromah.co.uk, alternatively the direct link in Log a Maintenance Issue can be used. The job will then be added by the office to the JOBS LIST and actioned by Loromah Estates Maintenance Team. Under no circumstances will Loromah Estates pay for maintenance undertaken by the Tenant or Tenants Contractor.

Once your maintenance issue has been reported to Loromah Estates it will be categorised for priority status and dealt with accordingly.

In the case of the Tenants being locked out, under no circumstances, should the Tenant arrange for a Locksmith to change the locks. If this happens the Tenant will be responsible for both the cost of the Locksmith and the further costs of Loromah Estates to reinstate the original locking system.

Where the issue is a result of the actions or inactions of the Tenant, or Tenants guests. The Tenant may be expected to pay the cost of this maintenance visit. Some examples of where this would apply as follows:

  • Change of light bulbs
  • Cleaning of filter on Washing Machine
  • Reset consumer unit
  • Item not plugged in properly or not switched on
  • Fridge/Freezer not defrosted.

Please also note that if a property has a garden, that is not communal, the Tenant is responsible for maintaining it. The condition of the garden will be checked when the Tenant leaves the property. All costs incurred to reinstate the garden to its documented former condition will be charged to the Tenant.

Notice to end a tenancy

To terminate your tenancy, subject to term, you will normally be required to give us at least one month notice in writing of your intention to leave unless otherwise specified in your tenancy agreement.

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5 – END OF TENANCY

Deposit Returns

When your tenancy ends, an inspection of the property will be carried out by Loromah Estates, using the inventory held from check in and an agreement will be reached with the Tenant on any deductions that should be made.

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