Tenant's guide for letting

A well-prepared inventory and check-in report protects landlords and tenants alike, providing an accurate description of the condition and contents of a property at the start of a tenancy.

The condition of the property and its contents at the end of the tenancy is then compared back to this report in the form of a check-out report. The inventory clerk will also provide an opinion on whether any damage that has arisen during the tenancy is attributable to the tenants, to ‘fair wear and tear’ or to the landlord as required maintenance.

It is in a landlord’s interest to ensure that inventories are prepared for properties that they own. In the worst case scenario, if you end up in court, the judge will tend to look more favourably on an impartial, unbiased inventory prepared by a third party unconnected to either the landlord or the tenants. Inventories prepared by landlords could be viewed as biased and one-sided.

Normally an inventory of the property condition, furniture and fittings as well as effects will be prepared by the landlord, or an independent inventory clerk instructed by the landlord prior to the tenancy commencing. The tenancy is checked and agreed between the tenant and the landlord at the tenancy commencement.

Once your offer has been accepted you’ll need to hand over your deposit. Your deposit will be treated under the tenancy deposit protection scheme (DPS), which is a scheme accredited by the Government, and we will pass on the details to you – make sure you hold on to these.

As part of the Housing Act 2004 the Government has introduced tenancy deposit protection for all assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. From April 6th 2007, all deposits paid under an AST have to be protected within 14 calendar days of receipt by the agent/landlord.

How the DPS Scheme works?

1. The tenant pays the landlord or letting agent their deposit.
2. The letting agent/landlord pays the money in to the DPS scheme with 14 days of receiving it.
3. Upon receipt of the deposit, the DPS provides confirmation and details of the protection scheme to the letting agent/landlord and tenant.
4. When the tenancy comes to an end, the letting agent/landlord and tenant agrees repayment of the deposit including any interest accrued, usually within 10 days.
5. In the case of any dispute, The DPS return any undisputed monies plus interest to the relevant party, but hold the disputed portion until the Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (ADR) or courts decide what is fair.

The responsibility for the property lies with the tenant during the period of tenancy, always ensure that the property is fully secured and that during the winter months steps are taken to prevent freezing of the water and heating system.

If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out quarterly inspections to assess the condition of the property and that everything is being kept in a satisfactory condition. We will always arrange this with you at a mutually convenient time.

It is the tenant’s responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay council tax to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this.

An administration fee of 2 weeks payment from the first months rent is to be deposited.  This is a fixed cost fee that can cover a variety of work dependent on the individual tenancy circumstances of each tenancy but not limited to conducting viewings, verifying references, credit checks, existing landlord checks and preparation of the contract.  This charge is applicable per tenancy and not per individual tenant.

Add new tenant to existing tenancy subject to satisfactory referencing and credit check £250.00
Letter sent inclusive of late payment/non payment charge  £25.00
Tenancy renewal fee £105.00
Banking of housing benefit cheque £35.00 (deducted from cheque payment)
Reference requests (first reference is free) £30.00
False call outs to the property  £75.00
Letter requests from tenant (cost per letter) £25.00
Breach of tenancy letters sent to the tenant (cost per letter) £15.00
Fee for non return of keys at end of contract £150.00
Check out fee £165.00
Cancelled contractor appointments (by tenant)  where less than 24 hours notice is given to cancel £ charged at cost given by contractor

Early termination of contract 

The tenants are liable for the landlords re-letitng costs and any void period until a new tenant is found. No charge is made for the void period if the void period extends beyond the original contract end date.

Eviction costs

Serving of notice for breach of tenancy  £95.00
Completing court paperwork £295.00 plus the court fee.
Completing bailiff paperwork £105.00 pus the court fee.
Storage costs for tenants possessions after bailiff eviction  £25.00 per day
(maximum storage for 1 month after eviction if the possessions are not removed within that time then the possessions will be disposed off.
Disposal costs £ as charged by disposal contractor.

MAK Property attendance at key lock out (if you have left keys in property or lost keys we are a last resort and you may call your own locksmith)

9:00am to 6:00pm £50.00
(if new keys are to be provided or locks changed then the cost of keys or new lock will charged on top of call out)

6:00pm to 9:00am £100.00
(if new keys are to be provided or locks changed then the cost of keys or new lock will charged on top of call out)