Tenants
We understand that finding a property to rent quickly and easily is important and we know that the letting process should be as smooth as possible.
When you register with our dedicated team they will want to know your requirements, from budget to the facilities you wish to be near to and how much space you would like, in order to present a selection of properties appropriate to your needs. If you do not know the area and need guidance, please rest assured that we have extensive local knowledge and will be delighted to offer advice. They will then conduct a matching process based on your key requirements and present suitable properties for you to view. Once you have viewed and chosen a property the following stages are conducted:
- Application form completed
- Administration fee and holding fee taken
- Necessary paperwork prepared and sent to you
- Comprehensive Inventory
- Rent and deposit monies outstanding taken
- Exchange of contracts and completion
Finding a property
We maintain a database of properties available to rent and prospective tenants and their requirements. As properties become available, our first action is to contact the tenants on the database whose requirements match the property. Call us, to enter your requirements on our database.
The Belvedere Partnership operate in the Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford areas. Typically, properties to rent become available about two months before occupancy date, so where possible it is advisable to start looking early.
Viewing
Having identified prospective properties, We will arrange for you to view the property. These will be arranged at mutually convenient times. Most viewing will be accompanied by our representatives, who will be able to provide immediate advice and answer any questions you may have.
Offer/Application
Having selected a property, you will need to complete a written application and offer to rent. At this time any details or requirements can be agreed, including occupancy date, duration of the letting and other terms.
On application, a holding fee will be required. Assuming the rental proceeds, this will be deducted from the Fees due before occupation as outlined below. It will also be refunded if the landlord declines the tenancy. It will, however, not be refunded if the tenant decides not to proceed for any reason, or if the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application, or due to a failed credit check.
References
In all instances Belvedere Partnership will take references on behalf of the landlord. Normally, this will include your employer, any former landlord and a character reference. In addition a credit check will be undertaken.
Where a tenant is unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the tenant can have a Guarantor agree to underwrite any rent liabilities this is subject to payment of an additional fee of £18 to cover referencing.
Rents
Rents are normally quoted on a calendar month basis or weekly per person. In addition, the tenant is normally responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs.
Rents are payable by standing order (unless alternative arrangements are agreed in advance) to the Belvedere Partnership Client Account, monthly in advance, with the first month's rent due before taking occupation of the premises.
Deposit
A deposit is required prior to occupation. This is normally equal to the months rent plus £100, but may vary.
Deposit Protection Scheme
As you may be aware, it is a legal requirement for all deposits taken by Landlords and Letting Agents for Assured Shorthold Tenancies AST’s in England and Wales commencing from 6th April 2007, to be safeguarded within a Government authorised tenant deposit protection scheme.
Belvedere Partnership Ltd currently uses The Deposit Protection Service to hold all deposits received in accordance with the new legislation.
At the end of the tenancy it will be necessary for the Deposit Protection Service to be notified of any deductions that are intended to be made from the deposit, and the payment from the deposit held must be agreed to by both the Landlord and the Tenant. Should any amount be disputed an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR service, run by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, will aim to resolve the matter quickly and without who are a Government approved scheme and any monies paid by way of deposit are forwarded to them within two weeks of payment. Your landlord does not receive any monies from the deposit during the period of tenancy.
The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other tenant liabilities. At the end of the tenancy a member of our team, will check the property in the presence of the tenant and assess any damages and deductions due.
The deposit cannot be used by the tenant to cover rent.
Should there be dispute at the end of tenancy there is an independent arbitration service available through the DPS
Administration/Legal Fees
A fee is due to the Belvedere Partnership prior to the start of the tenancy to cover the tenant's share of the Tenancy Agreement and legal notices, references and credits checks and check-in and check-out.
