Sellect Homes are dedicated to providing quality customer service, from your initial enquiry and throughout the duration of your tenancy. We hope that you will find the following information helpful and thank you for considering our agency in your search for your new home. We are here to accommodate your needs and requests by providing a service to fit around your busy schedule. We will always attempt to be flexible with viewings and will make the nearest, most convenient appointment to view the property of your choice.

 

Applying for a property

Following your viewing, a holding deposit equivalent to one week's rent is payable by debit card payment or bank transfer.

 

This holding deposit ensures the property is held for you for a maximum of 15 days while you supply your application documents for processing and no further viewings will be taken whilst processing of your application is underway.

 

If the Landlord is unable to proceed with the letting the holding deposit will be refunded in full. The holding deposit will be forfeited if the applicant:

 

1. Withdraws from the tenancy before the agreements are signed.
2. Fails a Right to Rent check as agents and landlords cannot lawfully let a property to somebody that doesn't have the right to live in the United Kingdom.
3. Provides false or misleading information - this does not mean failing referencing. If a tenant provides completely accurate information, but still fails referencing, that will be classed as the landlord or agent pulling out and the holding deposit must be returned. However, if it is evident that false or misleading information has been provided, the holding deposit will be withheld.
4. Does not enter the agreement by the deadline. If the applicant does not supply all required application paperwork in a timely manner, so that processing can be completed by the 15-day deadline; they would forfeit the holding deposit. We recommend submitting all supporting documents within 5 working days.

 

We will request a tenancy commencement date from you. This date will only be fully confirmed once all credit checks and documents have been received and the Landlord has approved your application. However, no contractual obligations on either side will come into force until contracts are signed. Any special requirements you have; such as cleaning, decoration, removal or supply of furniture, fittings or appliances MUST be made and agreed in writing.

 

The Landlords contractual obligations to you as a tenant will not begin until a contract is signed, and consideration made. Any arrangements made prior to signing an agreement are done at your own risk.

 

Documents requested

 

The following documents will be requested so that we may process your application. However, we understand that some of these may not apply to you or can be difficult to obtain - if this is the case, simply discuss with our property management team who will be happy to clarify which documents are not required or offer alternatives.

 

• Right to rent - UK Passport, UK Birth Certificate, Biometric Residence Permit and/or Visa
• Employers reference on company letterhead
• Two current wage advice slips or copy of your employment contract
• Two bank statements (dated within the last 3 months)
• Previous Landlords reference
• Character reference
• Bank details (used for the credit check only)

 

If a guarantor is required, the following documentation will also be requested. However, we understand that some of these may not apply or can be difficult to obtain - if this is the case, simply discuss with our property management team who will be happy to clarify which documents are not required or offer alternatives.

 

• Photographic proof of ID - Passport
• Two current wage advice slips or copy of employment contract
• Two bank statements (last 3 months)
• Proof of ownership - Mortgage statement or Deeds

 

A member of our property management team will contact you to confirm that your application has been accepted; and to arrange a convenient appointment for you to visit our office to begin your tenancy and collect the keys to your new home.

 

Moving day

 

At your appointment, a member of our lettings and property management team will provide you with a copy of your tenancy agreement to read through thoroughly and will be able to answer any queries you may have. They will also explain the registration of your deposit and provide the contact information and terms & conditions of the relevant deposit scheme, for your records.

 

You will then make a payment of your first month's rent and your security deposit (if this has not already been paid) by cash, card payment or bank transfer. Your rent will be due on this date each calendar month and is to be paid by standing order. Please note that we will be unable to release keys without this payment.

 

The security deposit is capped at five or six-weeks' rent, depending on the annual aggregate rent of the property. Your security deposit must be protected by your agent or the landlord via a government approved tenancy deposit scheme. This is to ensure that if disputes arise these will be resolved by an independent third party. Details of the elected scheme for each property are available upon request and will also be confirmed at your sign-up appointment.

 

Tenancy

 

The tenancy will be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for an initial six-month period (unless an alternative initial term has been agreed with the landlord); this is to ensure that both you and the landlord are satisfied with the letting. Approximately 1 month before this fixed term tenancy expires, a member of our property management team will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment to inspect the property and confirm whether you wish to renew this agreement for an additional six or twelve-month term. Your response and the result of the inspection will be put to the landlord and, if they are happy to proceed, a renewal will be arranged at no cost to yourself.

 

Getting settled

 

We understand that moving home is a stressful affair. To make this transition as smooth as possible, we will take care of registering your letting with:

 

• Your local council
• Your electricity provider
• Your gas provider
• Your water provider

 

You should receive welcome letters from these companies within 10 working days of your move-in. We are happy for you to change utility providers in your new property. We can also arrange deals and no obligation quotes for tenant's contents insurance. Ask any member of staff for more information.

 

Inspections

 

We will periodically contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time to complete an inspection at your property throughout your tenancy. While we will respect your right to quiet enjoyment of your home, the Local Council obligates us to complete a minimum of two inspections per year. This is to ensure that you are fulfilling your responsibility to keep the property well maintained and in good, clean condition. It is also an opportunity for you to discuss with us any issues that you may be having and raise any concerns. These inspections will be arranged by appointment but must be completed during office hours; Monday - Friday between 9.00am - 5.00pm.

 

Maintenance

 

All maintenance/repair issues for our managed properties must be reported by email to admin@sellect-homes.co.uk. This allows us to keep a record for reference and will be received out of office hours in case of emergencies.

 

If your property is managed by your landlord, you will be informed of this during your move-in appointment and provided with contact details for them.

 

Vacating

 

Preparations will be made to return possession of the property at the end of your tenancy or after one calendar months notice if you are on a periodic tenancy. A representative of Sellect Homes will inspect the property, as will the landlord. Inventory items should be placed in their respective rooms to facilitate easy checking on handing over. Read carefully the inventory and the provided tenancy checkout instructions that will have been sent to you upon your giving notice to vacate the property.

 

Once checking has been completed and deductions from your deposit agreed (if any), the deposit or balance of deposit will be returned to you as per the deposit scheme rules explained during your initial sign-up. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our property management department if you have any queries regarding the checkout procedure or return of deposit.

 

Additional costs

 

Keys: Cost to be covered directly by tenants. We do not guarantee that spare sets of keys will be held at our office and therefore the cost to replicate/replace keys, gain access to the property or change locks due to sets being locked in the property, misplaced or stolen must be arranged between the tenant and a locksmith/competent company or contractor; the cost of which will be payable by the tenant directly.

 

Replacement of damaged or misplaced security fob or key: £50.00 inclusive of VAT. Unless supplied by a building management company whose charge is higher; in cases such as this the tenant must cover the full cost of replacement.

 

A variation to the contract: £50.00 inclusive of VAT. For example, to allow:

 

• Pets to be kept in the property
• A change of sharer in a joint tenancy
• Permission to sub-let
• Permission for a business to be run from the property
• Or any other amendment which alters the obligations of the agreement

 

Default fee for late payment of rent: Chargeable from 14 days arrears calculated on the interest at 3% above Bank of England base rate on the late payment of rent for each day that the payment is outstanding.

 

Surrender of tenancy: Rental payment to the date that a replacement tenancy commences, or an early termination date agreed by the Landlord + re-letting cost capped at £150.00 inclusive of VAT. If a replacement tenancy cannot commence before the end of the fixed term contract, the payment due would be for rental payment to the end of the fixed term contract only; the re-letting cost of £150.00 inclusive of VAT would not apply in this case.

 

Please note: The surrender of tenancy charges will not apply if you are exercising a break clause in the contract which permits you to leave before the end of the fixed-term contract (provided that you have given notice as required by the terms of the agreement).

 

Remember we are here to help and appreciate any questions that you may ask. There is no question too small so do not hesitate to contact us by phone on 0151 722 9707 or by email to admin@sellect-homes.co.uk

 

Contents Insurance

As part of the service that Sellect Homes can offer our tenants, we can arrange a free, no obligation contents insurance quote from a trusted company with competitive rates.

If you would like to take advantage of these services, or request some further details, please do not hesitate a member of our property management team on 0151 722 9707.

Sellectlets Ltd (trading as Sellect Homes) is a registered member of The Property Ombudsman redress scheme. Membership number: R00645

Sellectlets Ltd (trading as Sellect Homes) is a registered member UKALA client money protection scheme. Membership number: 188368