Whether you’re renting for the first time or moving home again, our team is here to guide you through the process and make everything as simple as possible. The private rented sector has changed significantly in recent years and tenants now benefit from stronger protections and greater flexibility than ever before. Below is a simple guide to the costs involved and some useful information about renting a property through Maurice Kilbride Residential Sales & Lettings.
A holding deposit is payable if you wish to reserve a property.
The deposit is capped at the equivalent of one week’s rent and allows us to remove the property from the market whilst referencing and pre-tenancy checks are completed.
The holding deposit may be retained if any applicant:
• Withdraws from the proposed tenancy
• Fails a Right to Rent check
• Provides materially false or misleading information
• Fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement within 15 calendar days, unless otherwise agreed.
We therefore ask that all information provided during the application process is accurate and complete.
Before moving into the property, a tenancy deposit will usually be required.
This is capped at:
• Five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000
• Six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or above
The deposit is held to cover any breaches of the tenancy agreement, such as damage to the property or unpaid rent and will be protected in a Government approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Most new tenancies are now periodic, meaning there is no fixed end date to the tenancy.
Tenants can generally end their tenancy by providing the required notice in accordance with their tenancy agreement and current legislation.
The Renters’ Rights Act also introduces greater protections for tenants, clearer rules around rent increases and improved standards across the private rented sector.
Our team will explain your tenancy agreement and answer any questions you may have before you move into your new home.
If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent, please contact us as soon as possible. We understand that circumstances can sometimes change and early communication often helps prevent matters becoming more difficult. Interest on late rent may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate where the rent remains unpaid for more than 14 days, in accordance with current legislation.
Tenants are responsible for the actual cost of replacing lost keys, fobs or security devices.
Where locks need to be changed, the cost of replacement locks, keys and locksmith charges may also be payable.
Should you request a variation to your tenancy agreement, such as a change of sharer or other amendment, charges may apply where permitted by legislation.
Any applicable costs will always be explained clearly before any work is undertaken.
If you wish to leave your tenancy before the agreed notice period or terms of your tenancy have been met, please contact us to discuss your circumstances.
Where a landlord agrees to an early surrender of the tenancy, you may be responsible for the landlord’s reasonable costs of re-letting the property and any rent due until a replacement tenancy commences, where permitted by current legislation.
Unless otherwise agreed, tenants remain responsible for:
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water charges
• Council Tax
• TV Licence
• Broadband and other communication services
At the end of your tenancy, we may ask for confirmation that all utility accounts have been settled.
• How to Rent Guide (GOV.UK)
• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• Right to Rent Guidance
• Citizens Advice – Renting Privately
• Shelter – Private Renting Advice
• Report a Maintenance Issue
• Book a Viewing
• Find Your Next Rental Home
Renting a home can sometimes feel confusing, particularly if it is your first move. Our team is always happy to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
