Tenant information about letting
Tenants find dealing with us easy and straightforward. There are no long waiting times for applications to be processed and no inflated set up fees.
We conduct viewings at times suitable to you, seven days a week.
We will market our properties with a full description of features and numerous internal photographs. This is an area too often neglected. We do this because we listen to feedback from our tenants and they appreciate details of properties not being presented in the usual 'bullet point' fashion with one photograph of the outside of the property
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.
Where a property description states that a guarantor is, or may be required, the guarantor MUST be a homeowner, but not necessarily employed (please note: guarantors are not always required). 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.
Tenants will be responsible for payments of Council tax, and all utilities such as gas and electricity whilst they are tenants within a property unless otherwise stated. Tenants can also sign longer term tenancy agreements where applicable, up to 3 years.
When you decide to move on we do not charge a fee to provide you with a reference, we do that free of any charge as we believe it is the least a good tenant could expect. Most of our competitors charge you for this.
We do not accept the Bond Scheme
Need a competitive home contents insurance quote?
We have negotiated a substantial discount to all our tenants renting a property through us. Hit the following link and obtain a quote from our insurance partners at Endsleigh Insurance who will offer any of our tenants a discounted rate for tenants with Venture Properties
http://www.endsleigh.co.uk/scripts/partner_track.cgi?partner=Letting%
Guide for Tenants
see what some of our tenant clients think of us by hitting the following link -
http://www.venturepropertiesuk.com/pages/about_us
Finding a 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. All tenancies are for a minimum term of 6 months.
Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends and you will invariably be accompanied by a member of staff who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.
Reserving the 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 and the Bond. 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.
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 rent in advance. The 'holding deposit' that you would have already paid will go towards these fees. If the tenancy is declined for any reason, the bond money will be refunded in full, although the admin/set up fee is non refundable. However both the bond and the admin fee will be forfeited if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application.
*Please note we do not accept the Bond Scheme
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.
Rents
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.
Deposit
A security deposit or bond will always be required, the amount varies between different properties. This bond 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 bond 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 decison.
Under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.
Housing benefit applicants will not receive their deposit until the landlord is satisfied that no money is due to be paid back to Housing benefit Department. This is because they pay rent in arrears.
Fees
There is a 'set up' or admin fee for tenants making applications to cover the cost of credit and reference checks and administative time in preparing the tenancy.
Single application : £175
Couple application : £230
Each applicant thereafter : £45
Guarantor application, (if required) : £30
All fees are inclusive of VAT
