Ask us a Question

» Go to FAQ for Tenants » Go to FAQ for Landlords

 

---

F.A.Q's Tenants

Q. What is the minimum amount of time I can agree to rent a property?

6 Months is the minimum contract term that we will agree to, you are legally required to pay rent until the end of the tenancy agreement. A tenancy agreement is signed by both tenant and landlord and it is legally binding.  You can give notice to end your tenancy before then, but you will have to pay rent for the time that’s left in the rental property, even if you have moved out.

Q. Do I need contents insurance?

The landlord is responsible for insuring the building.  As a tenant you must obtain tenant’s content insurance to insure your own possessions that you store within the rented property. Your possessions won’t be covered by the landlord’s insurance if you suffer a break in or other loss or damage.  Squarefoot will arrange to provide you with a quotation for contents insurance.

Q. What are the obligations of a tenant?

Tenants and landlords both have rights and obligations. Some are set out explicitly in the tenancy agreement. The main things to be aware of are property repairs, use of the property and giving property access to the landlord.

Q. Property Repairs

A tenant must use the property in what’s called “a tenant like manner” meaning that the tenant will be responsible for any property repairs that are the fault of the tenant. The tenant is normally responsible for the interior condition of the property, but the tenancy agreement should be checked first as some landlords don’t allow tenants to redecorate. Tenants must pay for anything that is broken or damaged in the property during the tenancy. If the tenant doesn’t pay for this at the time the landlord can make a claim for these deductions from the tenant’s deposit.

Q. Use of the property

A tenant must use the property solely for residential purposes, not to run a business of any kind, as this may put the landlord in breach of local bye laws.

Q. Property access for the landlord

The landlord will need to visit from time to time to carry out repairs and safety checks, and to check that the building is in good condition.  A tenant must allow the landlord property access but the landlord should always let the tenants know first with a minimum 24hrs notice. The landlord will have a set of keys to the property but they should never use these without the tenant’s consent, except in an emergency.

If you have any questions please fill out the form to your right and we will be happy to answer them.

 

F.A.Q's for landlords

Q. I have a property to let, do I need permission?

If you are thinking about becoming a landlord with a property to let you will need to obtain permission from your mortgage lender (if you have a mortgage) and the freeholder (if you own a leasehold property) when considering property letting. A mortgage lender or freeholder might impose conditions before giving you their permission to rent out your property.  You should always comply with the conditions of your mortgage or leasehold for property letting because in the worst case you could face repossession. You will also need to check with your insurance company that your buildings insurance is valid if the property was rented.

Q. If I let out a property, do I have to provide the tenant with any furniture? I have an old three piece suite. Can I put this in the property?

There is no obligation to provide the tenant with furniture. You can let a property furnished, unfurnished or partly furnished.  You must also be careful that any furniture in the property complies with the latest fire regulations. Old three piece suites may not comply. Only furniture which is properly labelled as complying should be provided to the tenant.

Q. Can I enter the property to inspect the state of repair and how the tenant is looking after it?

This will depend on the terms of the tenancy agreement. Squarefoot tenancy agreements allow the landlord to inspect on giving 24 hours notice and requires the landlord to give the tenant notice in writing. What would not be acceptable is simply turning up and letting yourself in as this could be a breach of the tenant’s rights of quiet enjoyment.

Q. Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when letting a property?

Since October 2008 all landlords letting property to new tenants require an EPC or energy performance certificate.   An EPC demonstrates the energy rating and efficiency of a property.  Energy performance certificates for properties to let are valid for ten years.  However if improvements are made to the property which might affect the energy rating then the EPC can be carried out more often. If a landlord renews the lease to the current tenants, an EPC will not be required. It is only when new tenants move in that you as a landlord will need to obtain an energy performance certificate for the property.

If you have any questions please fill out the form to your right and we will be happy to answer them.