David Mews look forward to finding your ideal home
Renting Your Home
Tenants Guide
At the core of our business lies property rental and management.
Our team of agents successfully combine extensive local market knowledge and high standards to help you enjoy a stress free tenancy in your ideal home.
As a part of the Property Ombudsman and UK Association of Letting Agents, we ensure to deliver a professional rental services that is always in line with the rigorous standards set by these organizations.
We look forward to finding you a property that matches your requirements.
Guide to Renting
Prior To Moving Into a Property
To increase your chances of finding the perfect home, get in touch with a reputable local agent. They may be able to suggest areas you had not considered or alert you to newly available properties that have not yet appeared on major portals. At David Mews, our local team can offer expert guidance and keep you updated on the latest listings.
Consider All Costs When Making an Offer
When renting a property, it is important to keep in mind that there will be additional costs beyond the rent. These can include utility bills, TV license, broadband, contents insurance, council tax, as well as gas, electricity, food, travel, and general living expenses. Make sure to assess your budget carefully and make a realistic offer on the property you are interested in.
Making an Offer
Once you submit an offer, we will take care of the next steps by communicating directly with the landlord on your behalf. They will present your offer, discuss any terms or conditions, and work to negotiate the best possible outcome for you. This process helps ensure that all parties are aligned and that any questions or concerns are addressed promptly.
Accepted Offer
Once your offer has been accepted, the next step is for the tenant(s) to provide a reservation deposit equal to one week's rent. This deposit serves to reserve the property while the necessary checks and paperwork are completed. It is important to note that the reservation deposit does not guarantee the tenancy, nor does it imply a formal agreement has been made. The reservation deposit is fully refundable if the landlord decides not to proceed with the offer or pulls out of the agreement at any stage. However, should the tenant fail to pass the referencing process the reservation deposit will not be refunded.
Referencing
Each tenant will be required to undergo referencing and a credit check. These will be undertaken by our reference agency FCC Paragon. In some instances e.g. if you are a student, or have been self-employed or employed for a short period by your employer, a requirement of a guarantor is needed. The guarantor(s) must be a resident in the UK, UK home owner, have full-time permanent employment and requires earning a minimum of three times the amount of the annual rental income. If tenant(s) cannot provide a guarantor you may be required to supply the equivalent of two months' rent as a damage deposit or pay 6 to 12 months rent in advance.
Get Your Paperwork Ready
This means having a valid passport and visa (if applicable) to demonstrate your Right to Rent, which is a check landlords and agents are required to carry out prior to granting a tenancy. They need to see you in person and check your original photo ID in order for this to happen. You will also need to provide the most recent, three months bank statements showing your salary, last three months most recent payslips, an employer reference and a current property owner reference. If you have questions about the paperwork - we are here to help call us or FCC Paragon
Security Deposit & Moving In Funds
Tenant(s) are required to settle the full outstanding balance, with the exception of one week's rent, which has already been paid as a deposit. It is essential that all funds be cleared at least five (5) working days prior to the scheduled move-in date to ensure a smooth transition. For international payments, please be aware that processing can take an additional five (5) working days. Tenant(s) should factor in this extended timeframe to ensure the funds are received on time. Any delays in cleared funds could result in delays to the tenant(s) moving into the property.
Utility Companies
As the tenant, it is your responsibility to establish accounts with the relevant utility companies for services such as electricity, gas, water, and any other applicable utilities when you move into the property. You will need to contact these providers directly to set up the necessary accounts in your name. Similarly, when you move out of the property, you must arrange to close these accounts, ensuring that any outstanding balances are settled and that services are disconnected or transferred as appropriate.
How Do I Pay Rent
For long-term tenancies, you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit with your bank to cover your rent payments. This ensures that rent is paid automatically and on time. You will need to provide your bank with the necessary details, such as the landlord's or agency's account information, payment amount, and the due date. By setting up this direct debit, you take responsibility for ensuring that rent is paid promptly and without the need for manual intervention each month to maintain a smooth tenancy.
What Happens if my Rent is Paid Late
If you encounter any issues with making your rental payment that could lead to a delay, it is important to inform David Mews as soon as possible. This ensures that they are aware of the situation and can offer assistance or guidance if necessary. In the event that the rent remains unpaid for more than 3 days after the due date, David Mews will issue arrears letters to notify you of the outstanding balance. If the rent remains unpaid for a period exceeding 14 days, a default fee will be charged. This fee includes interest on the overdue rent, calculated at a rate of 3% above the Bank of England’s base rate, which will continue to apply until the arrears are cleared.
Help During Tenancy
Through your file handler, you have the ability to report and monitor any issues or concerns related to your tenancy. This platform also provides you with a well-organised list of all relevant contacts associated with each of your tenancies, making it easier to stay on top of important information and communications. Whether it is a payment question, or any other matter, you can efficiently track progress and ensure that all aspects of your tenancy are handled smoothly in one convenient location. Any maintenance issue to be logged through the David Mews website with pictures and videos attached.
How Do I Serve Notice to Vacate Property
Notice should be provided in line with the terms specified in your lease agreement. You can send the notice via recorded delivery to David Mews or email it to endmytenancy@davidmews.co.uk. Be sure to include a reference to your lease agreement when submitting the notice. 5 Indescon Square, Lightermans Road, London, E14 9DQ.
Breaking My Lease Agreement Early Penalty
The primary responsibility is for rent payments until the contract ends or the break clause is triggered. If the landlord agrees to re-market the property and secures a new tenant, your liability will be reduced. You will then be responsible only for the landlord’s commission and any other costs incurred from when the property is re-let. The payments will be calculated on a pro-rata basis for the remaining term of the contract.
What if I Want to Stay On for Longer
Two (2) months before a tenancy agreement is due to expire, David Mews will write / call the tenant(s), asking if tenant(s) wish to extend the duration of the contract. If tenant(s) wish to do so and the landlord is agreeable to this, David Mews will arrange for the extension of a contract.
End of Tenancy Process
To make moving out of your property as simple as possible, please speak to your file handler or log on to your Tlyfe app which will guide you through the entire move out process including booking an end of tenancy clean, access to your inventory check-in report and check-out report once completed as well as view and respond to proposed deposit deductions. You can also keep track of updates on the return of your deposit.
End of Tenancy Clean
It is your responsibility to return the property in the same condition as when you first moved in. To assist with this, you have the option to book a professional cleaning service through David Mews, which can help ensure the property meets the required standards. If you’re unsure about the condition of the property at the start of your tenancy, you can refer to the check-in report. This report will detail the condition of the property when you moved in, as long as the check-in was arranged through David Mews.
Receiving My Deposit
Your landlord has up to 10 days from your vacate date to propose deductions from your deposit. Once agreed your deposit will be sent back to you by bank transfer and this can take up to 3-5 working days to clear into your account. If there is a disagreement then that portion of the deposit will be retained pending a resolution. The deposit will be returned to the lead tenant via bank transfer.
