Do I deal with Kirkham Property, or the landlord directly?
You will be dealing with either Kirkham Property or the landlord depending on the package the landlord has chosen.
In most of the cases, you will be dealing with one of our agents the entire process, from the viewing, to the signing of the Tenancy Agreement/Lease or License
However, if the landlord is carrying out their own viewings, when you enquire about a property, we will contact them to provide an appointment and arrange a viewing.
3. Click the button to "Book a viewing" found on the property details page.
This will take you to My Area and automatically add the property to your Portfolio giving you the option to select a preferred viewing timeslot.
How do I make an application?
Reference Procedure. As soon as you've found a suitable property, you will need to complete reference application forms online. We utilise the services of a credit-referencing agency to take up the following references, here is an example of just a few of the references sought:
Confirmation of employment, salary confirmation.
Personal & Photographic identification (passport or driving licence).
Both the Landlord and tenant/s will be required to sign a contract prior to the tenancy commencing, the agreement outlines both tenant and landlord obligations.
We will contact you at the end of the tenancy to see whether you wish to renew your agreement for a further period and will liaise with the landlord to organise the documentation. It is important you note that the agreement is made between landlord and tenant, we act for the landlord only.
By legal requirement we will issue you with a sample template agreement which we ask you read very carefully, should any questions arise regarding this legal document we advise you to seek independent legal advice.
Payment
Once a date has been agreed and references have all been approved by the landlord, the contract will need to be signed by all parties and the initial monies in full will become due:
This usually made up of the following:
Deposit depending on the annual rent.
The rent in advance.
The above monies need to be in a cleared form before the tenancy is able to commence, payment by means of either a bankers draft, cash or paid directly into our client bank account and showing as cleared.
Rental Payment
Rent will be paid to either Kirkham Property or the landlord directly, depending on whether we have been instructed to fully manage the property, or collect rent on the landlord's behalf.
Maintenance and repairs
We do get instructed to fully manage some of our landlord's properties, if this is the case, with your tenancy we will inform you prior to your tenancy commencing. If we are managing problems within the property will need to be reported to us and we will organise repairs if they are to be taken by the landlord and we will advise upon the repairing convenants in the contract.
Notice to end a tenancy
To terminate your tenancy subject to term, you will normally be required to give notice in writing of your intention to leave, Please refer to your tenancy agreement, lease or license for details.
Inventory
A well-prepared inventory and check-in report protects landlords and tenants alike, providing an accurate description of the condition and contents of a property at the start of a tenancy.
The condition of the property and its contents at the end of the tenancy is then compared back to this report in the form of a check-out report. The inventory clerk will also provide an opinion on whether any damage that has arisen during the tenancy is attributable to the tenants, to ‘fair wear and tear' or to the landlord as required maintenance.
Deposit returns
When your tenancy ends, an inspection of the property will be carried out, either by the landlord or ourselves.
The landlord may propose deductions to the deposit for cleaning, damages or unpaid rent (this is assessed by comparing the inventory check-in to the check-out) and provided you agree with this, balance of the deposit money will be returned to your account.
If you disagree with the proposed deductions, you should try and come to an agreement with the landlord.
Tenants' obligations
The responsibility for the property lies with the tenant during the period of tenancy, always ensure that the property is fully secured and that during the winter months steps are taken to prevent freezing of the water and heating system.
The repairing obligations will be clearly stated within the tenancy agreement, lease or license.
Property Inspection
If we are instructed as managing agents for your property, we will carry out quarterly inspections to assess the condition of the property and that everything is being kept in a satisfactory condition. We will always arrange this with you at a mutually convenient time.
Business Rates
It is the tenant's responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay business rates to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this.
Wherever applicable VAT will be charged at the current VAT rate.
