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Important Information for Tenants

If a Landlord accepts an offer from a prospective Tenant to rent a property, it will be conditional upon the Tenant providing all necessary information as set out below:

Identification
Under RICS and The Money Laundering Regulations 2007, we require two forms of identification - the first a photo ID such as valid UK passport or Driving Licence, and the second providing proof of address, normally a utility bill less than three months old or a current bank statement.

References
Samuel & Son require a bank or credit reference. Please note that there will be a small administration charge to the Tenant for processing a credit reference check.

Additionally we require three further references:
Employer's Reference
A previous Landlord's Reference
Personal Reference

Deposits
Normally a deposit equivalent to the first month's rent is required before the commencement of the tenancy although a Landlord may require a higher deposit dependent on the condition and contents of the property.

From 6th April 2007, all deposits taken by Letting Agents and Landlords for assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales must be protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme as a legal requirement. Samuel & Son have opted for the 'custodial scheme' provided by the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). Samuel & Son will send the deposit to the DPS within 14 days of receiving it. The tenant will then receive notification from the DPS by post or email that the deposit has been safely received. At the end of the tenancy, if the Landlord and Tenant agree how the deposit should be divided, they will tell the DPS what they have agreed and the money will be paid out accordingly. Should there be a dispute, the DPS will hold the amount until the Dispute Resolution Service decides what is fair.

Tenancy Agreement
Most tenancy agreements will be Assured Shorthold Tenancies regulated under the Housing Act 1988. Samuel & Son will draw up the tenancy agreement. The tenant must sign one copy and return this to us and will then receive a copy signed by the Landlord and engrossed by us as the agent.

Payment of Rent
The first month's rent must be paid in cleared funds prior to the commencement of the tenancy and normally upon the signing of the tenancy agreement. Thereafter rent should be paid monthly in advance by standing order, unless an alternative arrangement is agreed with the Landlord.

Inventory
Samuel & Son will prepare an Inventory and a Schedule of Condition at the start of the tenancy. It is important that the Tenant read these documents very carefully and notify us of any problems immediately. This should help avoid any dispute over the deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Rates & Services
The Tenant will normally be responsible for paying council tax, water rates, gas, electricity, fuel oil and telephone. There is not usually any reconnection charges associated with registering for gas, electricity or water but there may be a charge to reconnect the telephone.

Insurance
The Landlord should obtain building insurance for the property but it is up to the Tenants to insure their personal possessions and house contents. It is advisable to check with the Landlord what exactly is covered in the policy.

Upkeep of the Property
You will be responsible for the property and will be expected to report any repairs that are the landlords' responsibility including sanitary, heating or hot water installations and the structure and exterior of the property. However, general maintenance, for instance changing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, keeping the drains clear, looking after the garden etc. will be down to the tenant (unless otherwise specified in the tenancy).

Periodical Inspections
During the course of your tenancy, the premises may be inspected periodically by the agent or Landlord with at least 72 hours notice having been given to you.