Information for Tenants
We have various properties available for rent in the Darlington and surrounding areas, both furnished and unfurnished, from bedsits to apartments and flats and houses. All of our properties have undergone the relevant safety inspections.
We welcome any applicant, from private workers to those claiming Housing Benefit.
Deposits or 'bonds' paid for properties will be paid on to Tenancy Deposit Solutions on your behalf who, in line with the Housing Act 2004, will hold the bond as stakeholders until tenants move out of the property.
We accept various card payments from Visa debit cards to credit cards of all varieties.
How do I start looking for a rental property?
The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. It is advised that you start looking for your new accomodation about a month before you wish to move, as properties are viewed and reserved quickly. We can assist both private working tenants and DSS Housing benefit claimants. Most tenancies are for a minimum term of 6 months.
Viewings will then be arranged and you will invariably be accompanied by a member of our staff who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.
What do I do if I want to reserve a property?
Once you have decided on a property we will ask you to complete a straightforward application form and to provide documents to prove identity, such as utility bills and photographic ID. You will need to reserve the property by paying a 'holding deposit', usually the equivalent of the Set up or Administration Fee. Once this is paid the property is taken off the market until the results of the checks are obtained which usually takes between 2-5 days. You may need to pay a larger deposit if you wish to reserve the property for a longer period of time i.e 4-6 weeks or more
The reason we ask for a retainer or deposit is to prove an applicants serious intent to rent a property
Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead you will be required to pay the bond and one months rent in advance. If the tenancy is declined for any reason, or if you decide not to proceed or you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application the admin/set up fee is non refundable. A date for signing the Tenancy Agreement is then agreed.
Will I need to provide any references?
We will require satisfactory references for you, usually from a previous or current landlord and employer. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. Guarantors MUST be homeowners. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. All of this is conducted by our staff on your behalf.
How often and how do I pay rent and what else will I be responsible for?
Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs (unless specifically stated). All rents are payable by bank standing order/direct debit.
What happens to the deposit or bond that I will pay?
A security deposit or bond will always be required, the amount varies between different properties. This deposit will be paid to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme as required by the Housing Act 2004. This Scheme is impartial to both landlord and tenant.
They will hold the deposit as stakeholders in a secure client account throughout the tenancy term. The deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy after the property has been inspected, and subject to it being handed back in the same condition it was at the beginning of the tenancy (minus fair ware & tear)
If there are any disputes regarding the deposit then the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Administrator will be made aware of this and they will make a decision.
Under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.
For a 'Move In Box' Welcome Pack...
Please ask a member of our Lettings Team who will arrange for a 'Move in box' to be delivered to your new address on the day that you move into the property. This contains all the essentials you'll need such as tea, coffee, milk, toilet roll, cleaning materials and some information relating to British Gas and Virgin Media. These boxes are FREE however we ask our clients to sign a disclaimer as you will be contacted representitives of the above Companies.
Download your Tenancy Application Forms
To download your application form please select from the links shown below.
Tenant Comprehensive Application Form
Tenant Instant Application Form
Guarantor Comprehensive Application Form
