We know the lettings market inside out. And we’re there to help you move into a new property as soon as you’re ready.
There’s a lot to prepare for though! So the more prepared you are, the more efficient the application and moving-in process can be.
1. Make sure your finances are prepared
When you rent a property, there are several costs that you need to consider. These are additional costs to your monthly rent, and it's important to factor these into your budget.
First and foremost, what can you afford? Your monthly rental budget should be at the heart of your search, and on top of that consider the cost of bills and council tax. You’ll also be asked to pay for a credit check; and also a deposit on the property which is usually the equivalent to one months rent.
To save time when you start looking, get together important documents for the financials - such as proof of income, your ID, proof of address and immigration status.
2. Find the right property for you
As a tenant it is vital to choose a Landlord and/or letting agent that you can trust – and renting through Dawson Estates gives you the peace of mind that you’ll be taken care of at all times.
Our website carries all the search criteria that you need to consider - £rent pcm, number of bedrooms, area etc. Or, you email us, or pop in to our branch in Halifax and discuss your requirements with a member of staff.
Being registered on our prospective tenants database means that we can match you up to appropriate properties as soon as they come on the market!
3. Start viewing the properties you're interested in
The rental market moves quickly, so it’s important that you act quickly when you see one you like to secure it. With us, we’ll arrange a viewing, so you can experience the property first hand.
Does it meet your needs? Will your furniture fit? What about storage? Does it have the parking you need? Is the decor to your taste? What about putting up pictures, or adding additional shelving?
Once you’ve found the right flat or house, you’ll need to put a holding deposit down, which confirms your intention to move into the property is serious, and we can remove it from the market.
4. Tenancy Application
We’ll then contact the people you’ve put down as references, so please supply us with plenty of contact details so that the process is quick. It’s also worth speaking with your references/referees so they know to expect contact, and they can help you by responding quickly.
We look at your last three years address details, as well as your income. We need to know you have no adverse credit in the form of a county court judgement, bankruptcy order or similar.
Once you’ve passed your checks, subject-to-contract you’re moving in! What next?
You’ll need to read your tenancy agreement. It’s a legally binding document that sets out the terms of the tenancy, drawn up to make sure both tenant and landlord adhere to them.
It is very important that you read this as soon as you can. Ask us anything you don’t understand. Once all parties agree, sign and you pay your move-in monies you are legally bound by this agreement until the specified end date.
Sign the agreement, pay the deposit and the first month’s rent the property is secured and keys can be released to you.
5. Moving In
Now that the proposed move-in day has arrived, we’re ready to hand over the keys.
Bring to the branch any documents you've been asked for, such as:
- Photo ID
- Right to Rent documents
- Proof of recent residency
- Confirmation of any insurance
Tenants may think that insurance is not for them but this is often not the case. Your belongings are your responsibility, and you will need to take out your own Contents insurance to cover them.
We’ll then hand over your copy of the Tenancy Agreement for your records along with contact details that you’ll need for any queries about the property during your tenancy. We’ll also provide you with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable), EPC, How to Rent Guide/Rent Smart Wales leaflet as a minimum.
Future rent payments will normally be made monthly and paid by standing order so we’ll need to take your bank details, and set this up in time for the next rent due date.
We’ll provide you with a copy of the inventory. Please sign and return this to us at the earliest possible time, so both parties can agree that the details are correct, and the risk of any dispute at the end of the tenancy is minimised.
6. Living in your new property
Firstly, be a great tenant. Always treat your rental property as if it were your own. This will ensure you’re welcome to extend your agreement when it ends if you wish to, and that you’ll always get your full deposit back when you decide it’s time to move on. It will also enable you to use Dawson Estates as a reference in the future.
If you have any maintenance issues with the property while you live there, you’ll have our contact details so we can discuss the issue with you, and the course of action to quickly fix it. There’ll also be an emergency out-of-hours number, which should be used for genuine emergencies only - such as a gas leak, or something else that cannot wait until normal office hours.
Your rent will be due each month, and your tenancy agreement will clearly state how and when and how it should be paid. The tenancy will also normally specify the bank details you should pay into, along with any ‘reference’ number to use.
We’ll arrange a property inspection visit with you during your tenancy. It's an opportunity to check the property is being cared for on behalf of the Landlord, and will normally occur only a few times a year. It is also an opportunity for you to raise any queries.
7. The end of your contract
Towards the end of the fixed term of your contract we will be in touch to find out what you would like to do. You will need to decide whether to extend your stay or move out.
It’s best to let us know at least one month before the end of the fixed term that you may want to move out, but if you can give us more notice than that then please do! The property will need to be left clean and tidy.
8. Moving out of the property
When it comes to you leaving, we'll arrange a check out appointment with you, so we can ensure the property is left in a good condition, as per your contract and with legislation. At this point, you will hand back the keys.
Once we’ve agreed that the property is in good condition, you’ll be entitled to your full deposit back. If there are any deductions or disputes we’ll fill in the necessary forms with you, and your deposit should be returned ten days later – in accordance with the tenancy agreement.
Ready to rent? Get in touch with Dawson Estates now.