Notes for Tenants

All properties are available on Assured Shorthold Agreements for a minimum of six months. Longer periods can be agreed by separate negotiation.

FURNISHINGS Properties are offered for rent either fully furnished or not furnished, but the latter properties usually have at least carpets and curtains. However, the degree to which properties are furnished varies dramatically, and prospective tenants should be encouraged to discuss their specific requirements as to whether they are seeking a fully furnished or non furnished property. In certain instances landlords may be prepared to provide additional items of furniture or appliances.

INVENTORY  An inventory will be prepared by either the landlord or an inventory clerk detailing the fixtures and fittings in the property together with their condition. You will be required to sign a schedule of condition confirming that you agree with the inventory and the comments regarding condition. This inventory will also be used at the check-out to assess any damage or dilapidations to the property. With allowances made for fair wear and tear, any damage noted or cleaning required will be charged to the outgoing tenant. It is therefore strongly advised that you check through the inventory carefully and ensure that you are in agreement with it.

Upon receipt of the inventory you will given 48 hours to make any further comments. If we do not hear back from you within this time it will be assumed that you are in agreement with the comments in the inventory. Should a further copy be required of the inventory then there will be a charge of £25 +VAT.

HOUSEHOLD BILLS/EXPENSES  All tenancies are exclusive of utility bills, water rates, gas, electric, council tax, telephone charges, tv licence and a tenant’s own personal effects/contents insurance (unless otherwise stated) and tenants will be responsible for payment. Where Thornley Groves manage a property, we will advise the various suppliers of your occupancy; however tenants must contact the suppliers in order to set up an account and to arrange for payment.

Thornley Groves is unable to undertake the transfer /connection of telephone services. If the property does not have a telephone line, permission must be obtained in writing from the landlord (via Thornley Groves if managed) before arranging the installation. The managing agent or landlord must be advised of the landline number provided.

The landlord is responsible for the buildings insurance together with any landlord’s contents insurance. Any ground or chief rent is also the responsibility of the landlord. In the case of flats or apartments, any maintenance/management/service charge will be the responsibility of the landlord unless otherwise stated.

GARDENS
Garden maintenance will usually be the responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise stated.

REFERENCES
As letting agents we will require references, via a referencing agency, from prospective tenants’ employers, bankers and, where relevant, previous landlords, before agreeing to a rental.

Please note that the referencing agency require tenants to earn 30 x 1 month’s rent between them to rent a property (e.g. 30 x £600pcm = £18,000p.a.)

All applicants must be over 18 years of age and in full time permanent employment

Also if you have a poor credit history, any unresolved CCJ’s, are a student, or if you are either in temporary employment or unemployed, you will need a guarantor. The guarantor will also be referenced and will also be named on the Tenancy Agreement and be required to sign the Tenancy Agreement. If a guarantor cannot be provided, the tenant can choose to pay six months rent in advance; however this is subject to the landlord’s approval.

IDENTIFICATION

All applicants will be required to produce identification before a tenancy is completed.  We require photographic ID (passport or drivers licence) together with a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.

PAYMENT OF RENT
Rent is payable monthly and in advance. Tenants will be required to establish a standing order arrangement with the landlord or managing agent’s bankers.

DOMESTIC PETS/SMOKING

Domestic pets are not permitted except if agreed in writing and it is usual for an additional deposit to be held. The carpets must be professionally cleaned, sanitized, deodorized and anti bacteria / flea treated on vacating the property. The original invoice must be supplied to confirm this has been done. If evidence is not supplied to this effect, Thornley Groves or the landlord will arrange for this to be carried out and the cost deducted from your deposit.

Smoking is not permitted in a property unless previously agreed with the landlord.

FAULTS AND REPAIRS

You will be informed at the start of your tenancy who will be managing the property and given contact details. Many landlords have service contracts and preferred contractors. If the landlord is managing the property any maintenance issues must be reported direct to the landlord. Failure to do so may mean that you are liable for any deterioration or damage resulting from any delay. You must not instruct a contractor to undertake any work – if you do it will be at your own expense.

If Thornley Groves is managing the property any maintenance issues must be reported to us directly. Please note that we will endeavor to address maintenance issues as soon as possible and emergency repairs will be addressed within 24 hours. We always request that our contractors contact you direct to obtain access to the property.

VIEWINGS
If a prospective tenant is interested in viewing any of the properties, he should contact the letting agent, Thornley Groves, immediately so that the appropriate viewing arrangements can be made.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE AND FOR RENT
A few of the properties being offered for rental are also being offered for sale and in most cases, where a landlord is trying to seek a prospective purchaser, the tenant will be asked to co-operate with the selling agent by allowing prospective purchasers to view the property during the last three months of the tenancy. All viewings will be strictly by appointment, only through the tenants, and always accompanied. Prospective purchasers will be informed prior to the viewing of the duration of the tenancy remaining.

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE
It is our normal practice to charge a prospective tenant who is renting a property an administration fee for dealing with referencing and application procedures. This fee is as follows:

• Single Applicant – Manchester & Salford offices £175 (inc. of vat).  South Manchester offices £150 (inc. of vat)
• Two Applicants – Manchester & Salford offices £ 225 (inc. of vat). South Manchester Offices £185 (inc. of vat)
• Three or More Applicants – Manchester & Salford offices £300 (inc. of vat) South Manchester Offices £225 (inc. of vat)