Finding a Property
Registering your details with Cabot Gray commences your search for a property to let. You can do this by entering your details on this website, phone us on 02082998112, email us at lettings@cabotgray.co.uk or alternatively, pop in to see us at 15 Grove Vale, SE22 8ET – we are directly opposite the East Dulwich train station.
Prior to starting your search, you will need to have some idea of what you require from your rental property. Do you have a particular location in mind or do you merely need to be close to transportation links? How much are you prepared to spend per calendar month? (for referencing purposes your monthly rent, multiplied by 30, must not exceed your gross annual salary.) What size of property do you require? Are the size of the rooms important to you or do you need a greater number of rooms? Do you require an unfurnished flat (carpets, curtains and white goods only) or would you prefer a fully furnished property? When do you need to move by? (remember you will need at least 48 hours for your references to clear.) How long are you looking to rent for? Most tenancies are for a one year lease and you will need to negotiate with your Landlord if you are looking to rent for a different term. The number of people living in the property also needs to be considered. This usually only affects sharers but it may necessitate the landlord to apply for a license from the local authority and ultimately affect his or her decision to let to you.
Once you have decided on the type of property and area in which you wish to live, take time to visit a number of properties on the market. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with the area and provide an overview to the cost of renting. Do remember, when you find a property, be quick to register your interest. In the letting market the turnover of properties can be very quick and it is very frustrating to have found your perfect home only to check a day later and find it is let.
Putting Forward an Offer
Once you have seen a property you would like to offer on, at Cabot Gray we will ask you to complete a 'declaration of offer' form. This form ensures that all your requirements are clearly stated to the landlord when we put your offer forward.
We use an external referencing company and you will need to complete their referencing form. It is imperative that you include full and accurate details as any omissions may delay the 'move in' process.
On completion of the forms we will take an advance payment from you of £200. These funds are to cover the costs of the Tenancy Agreement and references. Unless the owner of the property withdraws the property from the market this advance is non refundable, otherwise it will be deducted from your final bill.
Offer Accepted
When offering through Cabot Gray, once your offer has been accepted by the landlord, subject to contract and reference, we will issue you with our standard Tenancy Agreement. This document lists the terms you and your landlord will be bound by in the course of this rental and will also include the details agreed in your offer. It is imperative that you read through this document thoroughly, we will be happy to advise you of any issues you may have. Once satisfied that everything is correct you will need to sign the document where indicated and return to us.
At this stage it is standard policy for Cabot Gray to issue you with a 'statement of account' which lists all charges made to you. You can be expected to be charged for; a deposit equivalent to six weeks rent (Cabot Gray will always hold this under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) until the end of the tenancy), one month’s rental payment in advance, a charge for the drawing up of the Tenancy Agreement, the preparation of an inventory ‘check-in’ report by an independent clerk and the cost of referencing each individual residing at the property. Any advance payments that have already been received from you will be deducted from this overall statement
These monies must be received as 'cleared funds' by us prior to the start date of your tenancy.
Moving In
Provided that all payments, documents and references are in order, your keys will be available for collection on the start date of the tenancy.
An inventory clerk will meet you at the property to run through the inventory and compile a 'check-in report'. This document lists the condition of the property and its contents as it is handed over to you. A similar process called the ‘check-out’ will take place when you hand the property back at the end of your tenancy. Any deductions made from your deposit will be determined by comparing both reports, it is therefore imperative that you are happy with these documents and get the Inventory Clerk to note down any concerns you may have.
You will need to inform your utility providers that you have moved into the property and ensure that all accounts are transferred into your name. You will be provided with a list of the current suppliers to the property. Any meter readings will be noted in the ‘check in’ report.
During Your Tenancy
Should your property be managed by Cabot Gray, you will be allocated a member of our Property Management team who will be your contact for any property repairs or maintenance issues. If the property is not managed by an agent, you will need to contact your landlord directly. In this instance, Cabot Gray would provide you with the landlord's contact details when you move into the property.
End of the Tenancy
Prior to the end of your tenancy term the agent will contact you to see if you wish to stay in the property for a further term. If you do, the agent will negotiate the new terms between you and your landlord and issue you with a new Tenancy Agreement. If you are leaving the property, an inventory clerk will meet you on the tenancy end date to conduct the ‘check-out’ report. From this document you and your landlord will decide on the amount of deposit to be returned to you.
If you are terminating your Tenancy Agreement prior to the end date, the same process will occur as above, subject to you having given the necessary notice as per your Tenancy Agreement.
This information is not definitive and is only a guide to the process of lettings for tenants. For further advice please speak to one of our lettings team who will be pleased to help.