1. What references do I need to get?

You will be asked for details of a previous landlord, employee information and character references.

2. Who is responsible for contacting the utility companies after I move in?

You as the tenant are responsible for setting up accounts with the utility companies directly when you move into your property and also when you leave, taking care to provide meter readings at the beginning and end of the tenancy.

 

3. When will the rent leave my account?

Generally rent is paid by direct debit set up by you as the tenant leaving your account 3 days prior to the rental due date in order to be in the recipients account on the due date (The due date is typically, although not always, the date on which you moved in). Other alternative ways of payment include payment direct into our bank account or cash/bankers draft direct at our office address.

 

4. What happens if my rent is paid late?

Any problems with rental payments, that my result in late payment, should be conveyed to Essex Property Centre Property Management. Arrears letters (for which you will be charged) will be issued if rent remains outstanding beyond 4 days after it was due. Interest will be charged until payment is made. A late payment charge of £25.00 may also be applied and may be taken from your deposit at the end of your tenancy agreement.

 

5. If I have any problems during my tenancy who do I speak to?

If your property is managed by Essex Property Centre please call 01702 602 888 or email your enquiry to more@essexpropertycentre.co.uk If your property is not managed by Essex Property Centre please call your landlord direct. Details will have been given on day of signing the contract.

 

6. If I want to serve notice to vacate my property what should I do?

Notice would need to be served in accordance with your particular lease agreement direct to Essex Property Centre. The agreement should always be referenced.

 

7. What penalties will I incur should I break my lease agreement early?

The primary liability is for rent until the end of the contract or its break clause point. If the landlord agrees to re-market the property and once a new tenant is found, then your liability will be reduced to covering the landlord's commission and any other expenses from when the property is re-let. Payments would be calculated on a pro-rata basis for the unexpired term of the contract.

 

8. How will my payments cease at the end of my tenancy?

You should contact your bank directly to cancel your direct debit once the last payment has left your account.

 

9. What should I do with the keys at the end of the tenancy?

Unless specific instructions are given by your landlord keys should be taken to Essex Property Centre. Please ensure all sets are returned, a receipt is obtained and that this happens on or before the last day of your tenancy. Please note that you will be liable for rent on a daily basis until the keys are returned.

 

10. What expenditure should I expect at the end of the tenancy?

As an outgoing tenant typically your costs will be associated with professional cleaning and the inventory check out. Any discrepancies between the check in and check out may result in deductions from your deposit.

11. What is the Tenant Deposit Protection Scheme?

Your deposit will be protected by the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. In line with legislation introduced in April 2007 all deposits being paid by a tenant for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy must be registered with a recognised deposit protection scheme within 14 days. Where appropriate, Essex Property Centre will register the deposit on your behalf.

12. When is my deposit returned to me?

Once the check-out has been conducted, the property has been cleaned to a satisfactory standard and Essex Property Centre has received instructions regarding the deposit from the landlord, the money will be returned to your account, less any agreed deductions. This typically takes 14 working days and generally no more than 28 days. Your remaining deposit will be returned via cheque, so please ensure you provide us with your new address details. If your question is still not answered, please contact your Property Manager directly or contact Essex Property Centre

13. How do I pay rent?

For long lets you will be asked to set up a monthly standing order with your bank. For short lets you will need to pay the rent in full prior to the commencement of your tenancy. We accept bank transfers, bankers' drafts, cash, direct debits.

13. How do I renew my contract after the first term?

You should inform us 60 days prior to the end of your tenancy to allow enough time to arrange all the related administration. We will contact you via letter when your tenancy is due for renewal. We will ask you to inform us of your intentions within 14 days from the date of the letter.