A Letting Agent you can trust
Why rent with us?
- Because we are a family run business that strives to provide all our tenants with the highest level’s of customer services and aim to source the best properties available for our clients.
- Because we are members of ARLA the Association of Residential Letting Agents you will benefit from our experience, professionalism and compliance with ARLA’s bye laws, regulations and accounting procedures.
- Because if a property is under our management we have a dedicated Maintenance Manager that will act promptly to all service requests.
- Because we are a registered Safe Agent which is a mark denoting firms that protect landlords and tenants money through client money protection schemes.
- Because we are members of the The Dispute Service a not-for-profit, company established in 2003 to resolve tenancy deposit disputes in the private rented sector. This scheme provides a fair dispute resolution service should a dispute about the allocation of a deposit arise at the end of the tenancy.
- Because we are a registered with The Property Ombudsman for Lettings we have to follow their strict Code of Practice. This sets out the framework within which we must operate and the standards of service we must provide for both tenants and landlords. The Code is compulsory and is rigorously applied by The Property Ombudsman in their complaints handling and Redress Scheme. We are required and have agreed to have Professional Indemnity insurance to ensure that any compensation awarded to you can be paid. We are also required and have agreed to have an in-house complaints system with written procedures which inform you how to refer any unresolved dispute to the Ombudsman. We will then co-operate with any investigation and agree to pay compensation, in full and final settlement of a complaint, if this is awarded by the Ombudsman and is accepted by you as the complainant. This award must be paid promptly to a maximum of £25,000. If we repeatedly fail to follow the rules of the scheme, we can be reprimanded, fined or expelled from The Property Ombudsman.
- Because Client Money Protection is provided by the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP).
Permitted Payments before the Tenancy starts
Holding Deposits – Equivalent to a maximum of 1 weeks rent.
Once the holding deposit has been received APS will undertake credit checks and referencing and upon successful completion the holding deposit can then be offset against the first month’s rental payment.
Rent – 1 months rent.
This will be paid prior to the commencement of the tenancy start date.
Dilapidation Deposit – Equivalent to a maximum of 5 weeks rent.
Deposits are held against damages incurred during a tenancy by the tenant, which is deemed to be beyond fair wear and tear.
If the annual rent is £50,000 or more then the dilapidation deposit will be equivalent to a maximum of 6 weeks.
During the Tenancy
Rent – Paid as specified within the Tenancy Agreement
Rent Arrears – Should tenants fail to pay their rent on time they will incur a late payment fee of 3% above the Bank of England base rate of the agreed monthly rent.
Change of Tenancy – Should Tenant(s) wish to make changes to their Tenancy Agreement after the tenancy has commenced, the request will be discussed with the Landlord(s). Subject to the changes in tenancy being approved, APS will issue amendments / paperwork and a charge of £50.00 including VAT or reasonable costs will be payable by the Tenant(s) per amendment.
Lost Keys / Security Devices – Should Tenants lose keys or other security devices which are used to access the premises grounds (communal area / parking) or damage locks, they will be responsible for all costs from the relevant contractors for repair or replacement.
Surrender of Tenancy – Should Tenants request to terminate their agreement before the end of the stated period, APS will discuss the request with the Landlord(s). Should consent be granted the Tenant(s) agree to pay the full rent until the agreement expires or a suitable replacement is found, the tenancy is assigned, and the original Tenant(s) are then released from their obligations. The Tenant(s) is liable to cover any reasonable costs incurred by the Landlord(s) in the re-letting of the property.
Tenants will also be responsible for paying the following:
General utilities – gas, electricity, council tax and water including sewage
Telephone & internet – including installation / service
Television – licensing, installation and relevant satellite or cable providers
