Renting / Letting Property
Some useful hints and links

We are a UK based company and our properties are updated regularly on our website. However, we are not letting or managing agents.

Some of the properties on this site are owned by our business whilst others are placed by private landlords. These details appear in the property information attached to each property.

If you let properties and want to include digital images of your property, what are you waiting for contact us today and we will set up an account for you to enter and manage your own properties.

Use the search facility below to search for properties or scroll down for detailed information regarding renting one of the properties on our site.

Links

Association of Residential Letting Agents

Buy to let information

Information for Tenants

Currently, properties cover Plymouth and its immediate environs including Devon villages in the South Hams, parts of west Cornwall and other outlying districts. We also carry a property list for students and try to include images of each property so that, as a prospective tenant, you are doing more than making ‘a leap of faith.’

We do not advertise preferring recommendations from landlords and tenants alike to further promote our business. We have responsibility for millions of pounds worth of housing accommodation and offer a – total property solution- to our clients.

Remember, the site is free to private landlords who update their information and then information is accepted in good faith.

To set up an account to enter properties please contact us

Quick links

Renting a property
Future rent payments
Advising utilities
TV Licence
Safety Regulations
Maintenance during your stay
Term of tenancy
Damage deposit
Inventory

Renting a property

Usually agents charge an administration fee, typically of £75 to cover reference checks and the preparation of the legal documentation. Should your references prove unacceptable or you decide once the process of tenant checking has started that you no longer wish to proceed, your administration fee will not be returned.

In the case of student tenants providing a personal guarantor, the fee will be deducted against your first invoice.

Remember before moving in you will have to pay:

• One month's rent (for first month)
• Damage deposit (equivalent to 1 month's rent)
• Administration fee ( £75) plus VAT
• Payment by cheque will require 4 days before moving in to allow it to clear. Cash or a bankers draft are advised.

Future rent payments

Again rental payments will be asked for on standing order with your bank and will ask you to complete a mandate at the time of signing your tenancy agreement. (These terms are usual for most letting agents)

Advising utilities

When you work with a managing agent they will ensure that meters and utility companies are informed of your tenancy. Where the tenancy is controlled by a private landlord you are advised to provide a meter reading or have the meters read and the accounts put into your name

TV Licence

The Television Licensing Authority stipulates you as the tenant must purchase a licence, even if there is a TV in the property.

Safety Regulations

All properties have to comply with furniture, gas and electrical safety regulations. You will be given a copy of the Gas and Electrical Safety Certificates when the tenancy agreement is signed.

Private landlords should be asked to provide evidence of these safety documents before the tenancy starts.

Maintenance during your stay

You should have a trouble-free tenancy. If there is a problem we ask you to contact the landlord or agent to resolve the situation and do not instruct your own contractors. Some aspects of the property may be subject to guarantees and it is important that these remain valid. If the property is maintained by a private landlord then that is your point of contact. The details of who to contact are on the front of your tenancy agreement.

Term of tenancy

Most tenancy agreements are for a term of six months. However they can be extended after that date until either the landlord gives 2 months notice, or the tenant 1 months notice for a rent day. You will not usually be obliged to move out at the end of the 6 months term, and a new tenancy agreement is not needed to extend your stay. However when you wish to leave you must give at least one months notice in writing before a rent day.

Damage deposit

Your deposit is held against any repairs, replacements or cleaning needed to restore the property to its original condition at the end of the tenancy. It cannot be used as rent at any time. Where a property is managed, a deposit is held by the letting agent. This money is held in a separate account. If your landlord manages the property he will hold the deposit, so contact him for repayment. The rules concerning deposits change in October 2006.

Inventory

Managing agents should complete an inventory of the property for you when you move in. As soon as you move out, the inventory will be checked again. Any costs will be deducted from your deposit & an itemised statement and cheque will be usually sent within 2 weeks, unless estimates are required. Proof of payment of utility bills, and return of keys is required before repayment of your deposit

Tenants are often caught out by the 'small print'. If you have a dispute with the landlord or agent, ensure it is written down and, if possible, take some digital images.

The landlord-tenant partnership should be based on mutual co-operation and understanding. Don't treat the property as a 'squat'; show you care; sometimes you need a reference to move on!!