ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO …NEGOTIATE YOUR LEASE
If you rent a flat or a home in UK, you will have to sign an AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement). These can vary hugely in detail and length from a two pages document to tens of pages of conditions and clauses. It’s important to understand what details should be included, and which are unnecessary or illegal to enforce. To negotiate your lease, don’t forget to check thoroughly each line of the Tenancy Agreement and be specific when negotiation time comes up
Rental price, break clause, start date, specific requests (pets, works…), Welcome Home London negotiate your lease on your behalf; we can manage a discount on a weekly rent, or fight for a shorter break-clause, a later move, redecoration or new furniture, which might be even more valuable for you. Rely on our expertise to get the best possible deal.
To rent a property in the UK, you need to provide documents to prove your Right to Rent, employment and ability to pay the rent. Get everything scanned and prepared in advance!
Proof of employment and earnings:
Many agencies use dedicated referencing companies to check applicants references, so you will need to provide names and contact details and they will do the rest. You will have to pay a 5 weeks deposit plus the first month of rent before entering your new home, so you need to have this money available before you move in. Since April 2007, all Landlords using an Assured Shorthand Tenancy agreement who wish to take a deposit from the tenants are legally required to place this in a Government approved Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme within 14 days of receiving the deposit. The money can then be claimed at the end of the tenancy and after Check Out Inventory, subject to the adherence of the contract conditions.
Please note that administration fees, referencing fees and credit check fees are now banned. Ensure that your letting agency doesn’t try to charge them.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT… INVENTORY CHECK IN
Inventory Check In is one of the most important and stressful moment for a foreign tenant. It must be conducted by an independent company. During check-in, the inventory details the exact current state of the property, including descriptions, age and condition of the fixtures, fittings and furnishing. This helps landlords and tenants compare the state of the property at check-in and at check-out. Make sure you agree with the inventory, that it is written in clear language, and defines the terms used to report the condition or cleanliness of items in the property. It must be clear enough for a third party to understand without them being present
Welcome Home London will attend the Inventory Check In on your behalf. If necessary, we will require additional repair works to be done by the Landlord and we will follow up before you move in. This support is part of our services and won’t be charged as an additional fee.
