Guide for Tenants
Step 1 - Finding a Property
It is wise to start looking about a month before you wish to move, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly. We will help DHSS tenants who are eligible for Local housing allowance. Please view our properties online. If there is a suitable property please call and arrange a viewing or call for assistance.
Step 2 - Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends, and you will invariably be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.
Step 3 - Reserving the Property
Once you have decided on a property, you will need to reserve it by paying a 'holding deposit', whihc will be equivalent to one month's rent and an administration charge of £95. If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy, it will be refunded. However the deposit will be forfeit if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application.
Step 4 - References
As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer (or college), and a previous or current landlord. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor.
To process your application we also require a picture ID, three months bank statements, three months wage slips and proof of present address in the form of a Utility bill or a council tax bill. In addition a credit check maybe undertaken. We may use the services of an independent referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.
Step 5 - Rents
Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account.
Deposit
A security deposit of a minimum of one month's rental must be paid, and will be held by ourselves as stakeholders in a secure client account throughout the tenancy term. 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.
Fees
We charge £95 per applicant to cover administration and referencing costs, this is a one time charge and will not be re-charged if your tenancy is re-newed.
Insurance
Visit our Links section to get a Tenant's insurance quote from Endsleigh Insurance.
Tenants on Benefits
Local Housing allowance has now replaced housing benefit find out more here:
https://manchesterclaims.teamnetsol.com/local_housing_allowance.html
Please ensure that you only apply for a property that suits your needs i.e 2 bed or three bed. To find out what size property you can apply for please follow this link:
https://manchesterclaims.teamnetsol.com/index.jsp
Once you have found out the size of the property you qualify for find out the maximum rent allowed here:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=3245&pageNumber=3
For help with your deposit if on benefits or a low income please follow this link:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1674
If you are applying for Rentwise this may take up to 6 weeks, please ensure that you have been accepted before applying for a property. We will ask for proof of this. If you wish to apply for Local hosing Allowance or benefits please follow this link:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=6178
For more information on renting a property with Brentwood
please Contact Us and speak to one of our property letting experts.