Terms & Conditions

Coastal Estate Agents

34a Clifton Street, Lytham FY8 5EW

Tel: 01253 795888

info@thecoastalpropertygroup.co.uk

Tenant Information

Information about a tenancy

Here at Coastal Estate Agents we are dedicated to assist tenants to find properties to rent that will meet their needs. As landlords ourselves we understand the need to ensure the tenancy goes as smoothly as possible right from the start.

As properties become available, our first action is to contact waiting tenants on our database, whose requirements match that particular property. We are happy to hold your details and requirements to enable us to find you the right property. You can also follow us on Twitter (@CPGLytham) or join our Facebook page to receive live property updates as they happen.

Typically, properties to rent become available about one month before occupancy due date, so where possible it is advisable to start looking early.

We have put together a brief guide to inform you of the procedures and requirements relating to a typical tenancy. It is important that you read it carefully so as not to delay the securing of a property.

We aim to be as transparent as possible regarding our services, procedures and fees however if you have any queries please contact us.

Tenancy Applications

When a suitable property to rent has been found all persons aged eighteen or over will complete an Application Form and will be named in the Tenancy Agreement. We will take up references, we outsource our referencing through a third party. Typically referencing consists of a ID and credit check, an employer’s reference, an accountant’s reference and a previous landlord reference.

A holding deposit is taken when you submit your application to indicate your commitment which begins the application process. The payment is non-refundable should your application be unsuccessful due to you providing false information or for failing to provide information that the referencing company need to verify the information stated on your application form. It is important that you complete the online application form and provide the office with any documents requested by the referencing company quickly in order to secure the property.

Please note that the holding deposit does not constitute a tenancy or offer of a tenancy but is proof of your serious intention to proceed.

Tenancy Agreement

Before your tenancy begins, you will sign a Tenancy Agreement setting out the landlord and

tenant’s obligations. Once the Tenancy Agreement has been signed by both parties it is binding.

Should you wish to change the names of the tenants at any point during the tenancy you must inform us and, subject to our agreement (which might include the need to take up new references) we will prepare new documents for signature for which there will be a fee for this will be £50 + vat.

The agreement that you sign is a legal contract between the landlord of the property and yourself. You should read the agreement carefully and ensure you understand it fully and if in doubt you should seek legal advice. The tenancy agreement places legal obligations on you, some of which are explained below.

The agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, which means that you can stay in the property for the period of the lease, provided you meet all the obligations of the tenancy. You have the right to an initial minimum term of six months unless otherwise agreed.

If the landlord wishes to end the tenancy at or after six months, notice will be served, the length of notice will be in accordance with the legislation at the time it is served.

Due to the terms of the agreement, you are contracted to remain at the property until the end of the period stated in the agreement.

Should you decide to leave at the end of the period stated in the agreement, you must notify us in writing, giving a minimum of one month’s notice prior to the end of the period.

Should you vacate the property prior to the end of the contracted period, whether or not you give a month’s notice you will be liable for all rent payments due until the end of the contracted period, or until we are able to find a replacement tenant. You will also be liable for the re-letting fee of £50

+ vat for the new tenancy.

It is a breach of the agreement should anybody else move into the property during your tenancy without our express permission. Should permission be granted, a new tenancy agreement will be drafted and must be signed by all adults. The fee for this is £50 + vat.

Security Deposit

Before your tenancy commences you will be required to pay a security deposit, which will be a equal to 5 weeks rent. This deposit is held by us or the Landlord and used against any damages or expenses arising during your tenancy and will not be released until after you vacate the property, all rent has been paid up to date and we have written confirmation of any costs. In the case of joint tenancies, we return the deposit in joint names unless otherwise agreed in writing. No interest on the deposit is payable.

Tenancy Deposit Protection

When you pay a security deposit we protect it using a Government authorized Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This is to ensure you get all or part of your deposit back when you are entitled to it and any disputes will be easier to resolve. Details of the protected deposit will be in the move in pack at the time you move into the property. This includes the contact details of the tenancy deposit scheme and what to do if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy. We are pleased to say disputes rarely occur.

Moving forward.

Once acceptable references have been received and approved and the move in date set we will ask you to sign the tenancy agreement. If a guarantor is required they will also need to sign the

appropriate documents. Our preferred method of signature is electronic and the documents will be sent to you via email but we may have to ask you to come to our office to sign.

It is essential that you sign the tenancy agreement and pay the initial monies within the time stated.

The Initial Money consists of:

First month’s rent Security Deposit

The Initial Money will be set out in the letter accompanying the tenancy and must be paid by debit

card, banker’s draft. If you decide to pay by bank transfer, funds must be cleared into our account at least one day prior to the tenancy commencement.

Inventory and schedule of condition

An Inventory and Schedule of Condition of the property, its contents, furniture, fittings and effects will have been prepared prior to you moving into the property. This will be emailed to you at the very start of your tenancy.

It is important that you take care in agreeing the Inventory and Schedule of Condition at this stage, as it will form the basis of any claim for damages at the end of the tenancy.

At the end of tenancy, the Inventory and Schedule of Condition will be checked again. In your own interests, we strongly recommend that you are present at both the check-in and checkout.

Property Visits

We conduct regular visits of all tenanted accommodation, normally every two to three months. The purpose of the visit is to check to ensure there are no maintenance issues that need attention and to check the property is being maintained in a fair manner.

Each visit will normally take less than twenty minutes, and we will contact you beforehand giving you notice of our intention, with an appointment date and time. If for any reason the appointment is inconvenient, please contact us immediately so that we can reschedule the date.

Faults & Repairs

If a fault becomes apparent at the property, you must inform us immediately. Failure to do so may mean that you are held responsible for any further deterioration because of the delay.

You must not instruct a contractor to undertake any work without our permission. The cost of any works carried out without our permission will become your responsibility.

Smoke/Fire & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When any detectors are fitted in the property, under the terms of your agreement, you are obliged to ensure they are checked regularly and are kept in good working order. This is for your safety and the safety of your family. We recommend a daily check; however, they must be checked at least once a week. If you become aware of a fault, you must notify us immediately.

Decorating

Should you wish to make any changes to the property, you must inform us in writing and wait until written permission is given before any work commences. Permission will not be withheld unreasonably. However, should the redecoration be garish or of a non acceptable standard, at the end of your tenancy we may insist that the property is repainted to the same standard as when you moved in.

Gardening

If your property has a garden it is your responsibility to ensure the lawns are cut regularly and the borders are kept weed-free. In addition, the gardens must be kept tidy and free from refuse.

Light Bulbs

It is your responsibility to replace any expired light bulbs in your property. Please ensure the correct type are used and of good quality.

Parking

Where parking is provided, this is not designated and on a first come first served basis. Where permits are issued, please ensure your permit is displayed at all times as we have no discretion over parking fine.

Please show consideration by parking responsibly and in marked bays where appropriate. All vehicles are parked at the owners risk.

Rent

Tenants are responsible for ensuring the rent is paid in full and on time. Paid by standing order, rent is deducted from your bank and should reach our account by the rent-due day. This saves you the worry of taking the trouble of bringing the rent to our office, and protects you from the potential of a bad payment history, should the rent be paid late.

Insurance

The Landlord is responsible for insuring the property and any items owned by them and left in the property. You are responsible for arranging your own insurance for your possessions. We do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to your possession whilst at the property and all

vehicles are parked at owner’s risk.

Going Away?

If you are going to be away from the property for more than two weeks at any one time you must inform us in writing. Being unoccupied for a period may affect the house insurance and we may have to take steps to protect the property.

Landlord Gas Safety Check

By law all rental properties with gas appliances must be inspected by a registered Gas Safe Engineer every 12 months. This is for your safety as a tenant. We will contact you when the inspection is due to arrange a suitable time for the visit. However in the event that you do not reply to our request for an appointment we will enter the property to carry out the inspection on its due date.

EICR (Electrical Inspection Report) Condition safety check

From the 1st July 2020 all new tenancies will be covered by a EICR report. The rental property will have a electrical safety check carried out prior to a tenant moving into the property. The report will be made available to the tenant at the time of move in.

Vacating

You must vacate the property on the agreed date. The inventory clerk will make an appointment to meet you at the property where the final inspection will take place, meter readings taken and the keys, access fobs and permits taken. We again strongly recommend you are present at this time.

We will require a forwarding address and will contact you at this address when we are able to release the deposit.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in any properties, unless express written consent is given by the landlord.

Fees

We do not charge any letting fees. The fees we charge are listed under the section of this document where they apply.

Initial costs for a new tenancy

Holding deposit.

Bond/Deposit – Equal to 5 weeks rent, unless otherwise agreed. 1st months rent in advance.