Dillon Estates

Letting

Tenants Guide

Before you start looking for the right property to rent, first consider what your priorities are - location, number of bedrooms, size of lounge etc. and match them against your available budget. Using a rent affordability calculator will help you to do this.

You can then start looking for the right property that meets your criteria.

Once you have found a property that you are interested in get in touch with our office to arrange a suitable time for you to view the property.

Our staff are fully trained in helping you find the perfect home so the more information you can give them to explain exactly what you are looking for and what is on your wish list will assist them in helping you to find ‘home’.

If you would like to rent a property that you have seen you should then notify us quickly that you would like to rent it out.

At this stage you will normally be asked to pay an administration fee, holding deposit or something similar. The referencing process then begins and as a minimum will include the following:
  • References from your current landlord and employer
  • Credit checks
  • Providing identification of who you are
  • In some circumstances you may be asked to provide a guarantor.
  • The same reference checks are then carried out for your guarantor
We will then inform you if your application has been successful.

A tenancy agreement is then drawn up which details all of the legal and contractual obligations that both you and your landlord must adhere to. It is important that you are familiar with the agreement before you sign it

The security deposit and the first rental payment is then taken. It is a legal requirement that the tenancy deposit is registered with a Government approved deposit scheme after it has been paid. Dillon Estates have produced a Tenant guide to tenancy deposit protection which explains in simple terms what is required.

Before you can move in you must pay the balance of any monies owed such as the first months' rent, the deposit and any outstanding fees.

Before you move in Dillon Estates (or the Landlord) will have had an inventory prepared. This document describes the condition of the property is in and anything left behind by the landlord. The inventory is used when you leave the property to ensure that the condition that you leave it in can be fairly assessed against any deposit deductions that may come up.s

Insurance - your landlord is responsible for insuring the building and their possessions but you may want to take out your own contents insurance. You can arrange your own contents insurance.

Both you and your landlord have responsibilities while you are living in the property.

As the tenant you are expected to:

  • Pay the rent on time
  • Pay the council tax
  • Pay all the utility bills and the TV licence unless otherwise agreed
  • Do general household and garden maintenance
  • Dispose of all rubbish
  • Clean the windows
  • Carry out basic maintenance* such as replacing light bulbs
  • Keep the property secure at all times
  • Advise of any repairs or maintenance needed as soon as it arises
  • Ventilate the property
  • Not to create any unnecessary noise for neighbours

* We have produced a Maintenance guide containing the details of who is responsible for some of the common maintenance issues that may arise during a tenancy.

What to expect

  • Live in the property undisturbed.
  • Be given 24 hours’ notice if access to the property is required
  • Have the landlord maintain the property to a good state of repair (unless you are responsible for the damage)
  • Have all gas, electricity and water supplies in working order
  • Have access to all operating instructions for any appliances and equipment
  • Be charged a fair market rate

The period of notice

The period of notice that both you and your landlord must provide will be set out in your tenancy agreement. You should tell us as soon as you have decided to move out and we will advise on the next steps and associated timelines.

At the end of the tenancy we will arrange a check-out appointment.

You will need to:
  • Have paid all of the rent due
  • Make sure all of your belongings have been removed from the property
  • Hand back all keys
  • Make sure that the property is clean (to a professional standard) and that all contents are left intact
  • Take a note of the meter readings
  • Redirect mail & cancel all media services
  • Cancel your standing order (we can't do this for you)
  • Furniture must be left in the same place as stated on the inventory
  • Replace light bulbs that are not working
  • Ensure the garden has been tended to and left in the same condition as stated on your inventory and move in photographs
  • Put the rubbish bins out.

At the checkout, the property and its contents will be assessed and compared to the initial inventory and subsequent inspection reports. The results will be reported back to both the landlord and you. The expectation is that the property is left in the same condition in which it was let to you - allowing for Fair wear and tear.

Within 10 working days of the tenancy ending, any deductions from the tenancy deposit should be agreed. The formalities of how and when the deposit is returned will depend on the provider that protects the deposit. You can refer to the Tenant guide to tenancy deposit protection for more information.

Block Management

The role of a managing agent is a complex one and requires a professional approach. To carry out the role requires knowledge of landlord and tenant law, building construction, health and safety regulations, basic accounting and much more. Dillon Estates can offer you all of this as our standard service.

The infrastructure we have in place is outstanding and this assists us with offering an exceptional service for our clients every time. We are contactable 7 days a week which not all Block Managing agents provide Dillon Estates offer a personal service unlike any other agents. Our attentive customer service, regular client communication and extensive knowledge of Estate Management mean we retain our clients year after year.

Behind all blocks of flats should be a managing agent protecting your interests, so appoint Dillon Estates to manage your property and you can be assured your interests will be fully protected and you will be delighted with the service we can offer you.

FEES TO: LANDLORDS

  • LET AND RENT COLLECTION:

    LET AND RENT COLLECTION:

    Marketing, advertising and conducting accompanied viewings at the property

    Tenant selection, introduction and referencing

    Preparation of tenancy agreement

    Collection of first month’s rent and deposit

    Check-in, informing suppliers

    Advice only on tenant moving in procedures, inventory and utility change over

    Renewals will be charged at the same as the above for the duration of the tenancy

    For this service Dillon estates are charging an annual fee of 9.6% (including VAT)

    Monthly rental collection, pursue non- payment of rent and provide advice on rent arrears.

  • FULLY MANAGED:

    FULLY MANAGED:

    Tenant selection and referencing

    Preparation of the Tenancy Agreement

    Preparation of the inventory and schedule of condition

    Transfer of rental income

    Arranging routine repairs and maintenance every 6 months

    Notifying utilities at the beginning and end of the tenancy

    Give advice and help on legal matters concerning rent arrears

    Record meter readings and transfer all utilities and council tax bills on new occupants

    Provide advice and assist on evicting tenants

    Chase unpaid rent via letters to tenants and visits to property

    Renewals will be charged at the same as the above for the duration of the tenancy

    For this service Dillon estates are charging a monthly fee of 14.4% (including VAT)

  • FEES TO: LANDLORDS

    FEES TO: LANDLORDS

    Please Click here for landlord fees

    Inventory check out/check in:

    This is a detailed report with photographs at the start or end of tenancy describing the condition of the property. Check out reports will be a comparison against the check in report done at the start of tenancy. Click here for full price details.

  • FEES TO: SALES

    FEES TO: SALES

    SALES 1.2% (including VAT)Sole & Multiple agents1.8% (including VAT)

    Free market appraisal to find out the correct value of the property

    Marketing and advertising of your property

    Accompanied viewings

    Free EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

    Negotiating the transaction and achieving the best price for your property

    Referring and dealing on your behalf with solicitors, mortgage advisors and surveyors.

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