Tenants Guide

Finding a rental property can sometimes seem challenging, but Mulberry Property Services are here to guide you from beginning to end. We have broken the process down for you to better understand what to expect.

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1. Searching for a rental property

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It’s never too early to start your search, however you are less likely to secure anything at such an early stage. We recommend beginning your search at the earliest 5-6 weeks prior to your ideal moving date as the rental market is fast moving. Search our Properties to Rent.

 

2. What do we need to know about you?

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• When do you need to move into your new property by?

• We will need to know your full name, current residential address and how many people will be moving in together?

• Will you or any other persons be claiming housing benefits? Mulberry do not discriminate, we simply need to ensure that the correct financial arrangements are in place i.e. would you be able to provide a homeowner guarantor?

• Establish your monthly budget – make sure that this is realistic and affordable figure.

• What type of property would be suitable? Depending on how many people will be moving in, how many rooms do you require? Would you prefer a house or a flat?

• Where is your ideal location? This should be somewhere convenient to your lifestyle i.e. commutable distance to work or schools if applicable.

 

3. Finding you a suitable property

 

       We are now ready to search for your ideal property. Our Lettings team will inform you of available properties suitable to your

       requirements and arrange viewings accordingly.

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4. Securing your rental property

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• Holding Deposit - Once you have found a property you like, you will be required to place a holding deposit of 1 week’s rent. This will be withheld if you withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide false or misleading information, or fail to sign your tenancy agreement within 14 calendar days.

• Security deposit – You will then be required to pay a security deposit which can be anything up to 5 weeks rent. This covers any potential damages or defaults caused during your tenancy.

• See Tenant Fees and Terms  below for more information.

 

5. Referencing

      As part of our standard requirements, Mulberry Property Services carry out due diligence and ensure the necessary referencing are in 

      place for each and every named tenant on the agreement.

     

     For this you will be required to provide the following:

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     ​Fill in the application form. Download it here

      

     Tenant application form:

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     Guarantor application form:

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6. Let Agreed

     

      Once all the referencing has successfully been completed, we move to the Let Agreed stage. It’s now time for a little paperwork 

      before your tenancy can start.

 

7. Tenancy Agreement

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      Our next step is to draw up a tenancy agreement, which outlines all the exact terms of the contract between you and your landlord. 

      Mulberry have a thorough template which fully covers all aspects of the tenancy. Our Lettings team will provide both you and your 

      landlord, a copy to check and sign before the tenancy can begin. You will both receive a fully signed tenancy agreement.

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8. Inventory

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      An inventory is a detailed record of all contents and the condition of the property you want to rent, assessed and drafted by a 

      professional. This is typically carried out a few days before you moving in. This will cover all aspects of the property

      contents and condition if damaged. Mid-term and end of tenancy inventory inspections will also be carried out to check that nothing

      is missing or damaged. A copy of the inventory will be provided to both you and your landlord.

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9. Moving in day and Keys

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      The moment you’ve been waiting for – moving in day! The Lettings team will inform you when you will receive the keys and whether

       these can be collected at our office or at the property.

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Tenant Fees and Terms

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Holding deposit – 1 week’s rent

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To reserve a property, a deposit is required of 1 week’s rent. This will be withheld if you withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide false or misleading information, or fail to sign your tenancy agreement within 14 calendar days.

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Security deposit – (rent under £50,000 per year) – up to 5 weeks rent

 

This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

 

 

Security deposit – (rent over £50,000 per year) – up to 6 weeks rent

 

This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

 

 

Late / Unpaid Rent – 3% interest

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Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

 

Lost Keys or Security devices

 

Tenants are liable for the cost of replacing any keys or security devices. If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant.

 

 

Change of Sharer - £50

 

If you need to change the sharer in your tenancy agreement, a standard charge of £50 inclusive of VAT will apply per person.