At Bardens we have always tried to help our tenants and have never charged tenant fees. Although we do thorough tenant referencing checks, we cover the cost of these ourselves unlike other agents in Tunbridge Wells. Please see below for the full breakdown of our tenant fees.
We are also aware that many tenants worry about the safety of their deposit. The deposit is often the equivalent of up to 5 weeks rent, which is a substantial figure for tenants to raise before a tenancy can begin. At Bardens we make sure that all of our tenant deposits are protected in one of the government approved schemes like the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) so that they can be confident that their money is safe. At the end of the tenancy the funds are only released by the scheme when the tenant agrees with the landlord on how the funds are distributed. If a tenant has a dispute with their landlord, the schemes can also give advice on how to resolve the problem and on the tenant’s options.
We have a phone line that is open 24/7 and this makes it easy for tenants to report maintenance problems, even if they occur outside normal office hours. Why not register with us today for free, we can then notify you straight away when we get a property matching your requirements? Alternatively contact us at the Bardens Tunbridge Wells office:
T:01892-527317
Here is a more detailed breakdown of our tenant fees:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tenant set up fee | £ ZERO |
| Additional person fee | £ ZERO |
| Guarantor fee | £ ZERO |
| Reference fee | £ ZERO |
| Right to Rent check fee | £ ZERO |
| Permitted occupier fee | £ ZERO |
| Pet deposit admin fee | £ ZERO |
| Inventory/Check In fee | £ ZERO |
| Inventory/Check Out fee (Unless early Tenancy Agreement termination fees apply – see below) |
£ ZERO |
| Renewal fee | £ ZERO |
| Security deposit fee | £ ZERO |
| Property reservation fee | Equivalent to one weeks rent |
| This fee is non-refundable if references are unsatisfactory, you withdraw, fail a credit check, fail to disclose information which leads to the refusal of the tenancy, or the tenancy agreement is not signed within 14 days. If the tenant is approved, the reservation fee will be used as a down payment towards the first months' rent. | |
Tenant FAQs
Bardens Don't Charge For Referencing – where is the catch?
There is no catch! We believe that letting agents should pay referencing costs, not tenants. We absorb the referencing costs by running a very efficient lettings agency business. You will see from the detailed tenant fee breakdown that fees are only charged when something goes wrong with a tenants application, for example they fail a credit check. A tenant who successfully clears the credit/reference checks, and then follows their Tenancy Agreement can expect a fee free run.
What minimum criteria do I have to meet in order to secure a property?
Before reserving a property you should be confident that you will pass the following tests:
- We would need to see evidence of your ability to meet an affordability target of 30 x the monthly rent. This can be covered by joint income if there is more than one tenant being referenced. For example if the rent for the property is £800 pcm, then you would need to demonstrate combined income of (30 x £800) = £24,000 p.a.
- You must be able to evidence your income source; this can be through evidence from your employer, pension provider, accountant, military allowance confirmation etc.
- You must not have an adverse credit history within the past 3 years (e.g. County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), Outstanding debts that are overdue or in arrears). If you have adverse credit then please let us know before the referencing begins as there are potentially ways of working around this.
- If currently renting we will require a satisfactory landlord reference.
- We will need to obtain a satisfactory credit agency score.
- For corporate lets, most established PLC / Ltd companies or large organisations will meet our criteria providing three years trading records are available at companies house and satisfactory accountants references are forthcoming.
Please remember that the reservation fee is the equivalent of one weeks rent, and that it is non-refundable should references prove to be unsatisfactory, you withdraw, fail a credit check, fail to disclose information which leads to the refusal of the tenancy, or the Agreement is not signed within 14 days.
Providing these tests are passed, the reservation fee will count towards your first months rent.
Who needs to be referenced?
All occupants aged over 18 years must be named on the Tenancy Agreement. Each Tenant will be referenced for an equal share of the total rent payable for the property. Prospective Tenants must each complete an application form and provide proof of ID and proof of address, this should be in the form of a passport and utility bills (one under 4 weeks old and one dated between 3 & 6 months old). If a Guarantor is necessary, they will also be required to sign the Tenancy Agreement and provide identification.
What about the Right To Rent Act?
The Right to Rent Act states we must see a copy of all occupiers passports and Visa’s if applicable in person, within 28 days of the start of the tenancy. We require all tenants bring these originals to BEL to be copied before the start of the tenancy. For more details see www.gov.uk/government/news/right-to-rent-checks-what-they-mean-for-you
How much money do I have to pay before the Tenancy begins?
We ask that you pay the first month’s rent in advance (note that one week of this will come from the reservation fee). We also ask for the deposit to be paid in full before the Tenancy begins.
How much deposit will I have to pay?
We normally ask for 5 weeks rent as a deposit.
What happens to my deposit once I pay it to you?
Your deposit will be held in one of the government backed schemes like the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) for safe keeping. This is a government approved scheme that protects your deposit for the duration of your Tenancy. At the end of your Tenancy no money will be paid to the landlord unless you agree to the payment. The scheme can give advice in the unlikely event that you and your landlord dispute the distribution of the deposit when the Tenancy ends.
When is my rent due?
Your monthly rent is due on the date that you move into the property; i.e. if you move in on the 28th of a month, your rent will be due on 28th for the following months. Please note that standing orders need to be set up 2-3 days prior to the rent due date. Rent payments must be paid by ONE Standing Order per tenancy. Your tenancy agreement will state who and where you pay the rent to. If rent is late you may be charged interest and you may jeopardise your tenancy.
Do I need to pay for insurance?
As a tenant you are responsible for your own contents insurance. The Landlord is responsible for the buildings insurance.
What happens at Check-In?
One of the Bardens team will be present at the agreed time to check the property, take the meter readings and hand over the keys. If the Tenant (or his representative) has not been present at the check-in, then it must be accepted that the Inventory Clerk’s signature on the Schedule of Condition is binding. Any discrepancies should be brought to Bardens notice within 7 days. You may not move any of your belongings into the premises until the Check In procedure is complete and you have been handed the keys and you may not receive the keys any earlier than the first day of your tenancy.
What happens at Check-Out?
The Tenant will be advised of time and date of the check-out meeting. All possessions must be removed from the property and the house and garden ready for checking by the time stated. Properties may or may not be professionally cleaned prior to the start of the tenancy, but you are required to carry out a professional clean at the end of the tenancy at your own cost. If you are expecting your property to be professionally cleaned at the start of the tenancy you should ensure that this has formed part of your offer to rent the property.
Are utilities and Council Tax included in my rent?
Gas, oil, water, electricity, council tax and tv licence are not included in the rent and are the Tenants responsibility. The Tenant may not change the supplier for gas, electricity or telephone without prior written consent from the Landlord.
Such permission cannot be unreasonably withheld. If permission is not sought, card meters installed or utilities not changed back to the original supplier prior to the end of the Tenancy, an administration charge of £100.00 incl VAT will be made. At the end of the Tenancy, Tenants should take meter readings and contact utility companies.
Can I have a pet at the property?
No animals (including caged animals) birds or reptiles may be kept on the premises without written permission from the Agent and/or Landlord. Such permission cannot be unreasonably withheld. House, Carpet and Curtains must be professionally cleaned at the end of the Tenancy – sight of invoices will be required at check out.
Can I remove the Landlord’s items from the property?
The Landlord’s effects may not be removed from the property or stored in a garage, cellar or outhouse. The Tenant must obtain written consent before changing anything at the property.
How often do you carry our maintenance visits?
Where Bardens are managing the property the maintenance visits will usually be made quarterly. Additional maintenance visits maybe necessary and we will give at least 24 hrs notice unless in an emergency.
Can I decorate the property or make changes?
A tenant can only decorate or make changes to the property with the express permission of the landlord. We recommend receiving this permission in writing.
Is the TV point working/can I get Sky TV/is there a working landline/is there a working internet connection?
Properties are taken as seen. You should not assume that aerials, satellite TV, TV points, and phone lines are connected. Connection to BT can take up to 14 days and could be a Tenant cost. An internet connection can also take several weeks to set up and tenants will need to allow for this.
Who is responsible for repairs to the property?
The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in a good state of repair, either directly or through us. If you do damage to the property you are expected to cover the cost of any repairs.
What is the landlord isn’t keeping to their requirements/obligations in the Tenancy Agreement?
If a tenant believes that a landlord isn’t keeping to their side of the agreement, for example not maintaining the property properly, then we recommend that the tenant contacts Bardens and we will speak to the landlord on their behalf.
We have a duty of care to our tenants and we will do what we can to help. Alternatively the tenant can find independent advice from The Citizens Advice Bureau.
What requirements/obligations do I have as a tenant?
The main obligation for a tenant is to comply with the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement; this is a legal document that you have signed. In practice this means that you:
- Must pay your rent in full and on time and pay all utility charges for the whole duration of your tenancy.
- Hold current tenant insurance valid for the term of your tenancy providing cover for accidental cover for any landlord’s contents.
- Must keep use the property in a ‘Tenant like manner’, this means keeping the property secure, clean and looked after and ensuring any garden is kept tidy.
- Should report any faults or repairs promptly.
- Utilise the property such as not to cause interference, annoyance or detriment to neighbours or neighbouring properties.
- Permit access to the landlord (or Bardens) for repairs or inspections during reasonable hours providing adequate notice (at least 24 hours) has been given.
- Give proper and due notice to vacate in writing as required under the terms of the agreement. Please note you are not permitted to ‘give up’ or end your tenancy early if you are within a fixed term without the landlords agreement.
- Deliver up the property at the end of the tenancy in a sound and professionally cleaned condition. Subject to reasonable wear and tear, ensure any damage or alterations are rectified.
- Accept responsibility for the repair of any damage that may be attributable to you, your family or your guests misuse/neglect.
- Notify us of any extended period when you will not be in occupation (usually for periods of over two weeks).
Can you recommend a cleaning company, a carpet cleaner or other trades person?
Yes! We know some great local trades people and are more than happy to give you their details - please just let us know what you need.
What happens if I am struggling to pay my rent?
It is always your responsibility to pay the rent. However sometimes your circumstances may change, for example you could become sick so are unable to work. If you are struggling to pay your rent each month we recommend that you speak to us or your landlord to see if we can help – do not let your arrears pile up. Sometimes Bardens or your landlord can help to reschedule your payments, but this is usually only an option if you speak to us early.