Tenant requirements

[jack87]

Okay, so I walk into a letting agent with my friend.

What are the basic requirements an average letting agency will demand? What documents/information would I most likely have to provide?

[Paul_f]

Firstly they should be providing you with lots of information in writing, such as what they want from you, and what any charges willbeb before sduriong and even after the tenancy ends. New charges about which you were unaware cannot be introduced after you sign the tenancy.

Don't sign anything you don't agree with and don't be bullied either. Often it says that deposits are "non-returnable" or "non-refundable". These are unfair terms under the UTCCR's 1999/2005 (put it in the search facility for more info). You should be invited to discuss anything first. Declarations such as "I have read and understood........." are unsustainable.

You will need a passport or driver's licence with a photo on it, a utility bill not more than three months old and a few other bits and bobs.

Agents and landlords cannot penalise tenants, i.e. penalty cluases such as that above are unfair. they can make "reasonable charges" but many agents fail to appreciate how to word their documents. Unfair terms extends to wording in tenancy agreements so anything dodgy will not be able to be imposed upon you. Unfortunately only the courts can decide on unfair terms but guidance is set down at www.oft.gov.uk/unfairterms.

There's frankly far too much info to give you on this forum but the home page of the site has lots more. Send me a private message and I will give you my contact details if you want!