Guide for Tenants
Finding a Property to Rent in Stevenage

The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. Although our properties change daily you should contact us for current availability and to register your requirements.

It is wise to start looking about 2 to 3 weeks before you wish to move, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly. Our tenancies are granted for a minimum term of 6 months.

We provide a friendly and helpful service, we will help you any way we can to find your new home to let,

Here’s how:-

Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends, you will be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

Evenings Viewings.
We understand most people do not get time to spend viewing houses during working hours so we will show you properties out of working hours, in the evening. (scheduling permitting)

Multiple viewings – We show you ALL suitable properties
Why go to many Letting Agents when we can provide ALL you need? We will show you ALL the properties we have that suit your needs IN ONE GO. (scheduling permitting)

What Now?
Once you have decided on a property, you will need to reserve it by paying a ‘holding deposit’, usually £100.00. Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted from the monies due before you move in.
If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy, it will be refunded*. However the deposit will be forfeit if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application.

References
As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer (and or college), and a previous or current landlord. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. In addition a credit check may be undertaken. We may use the services of an independent referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.

Rent
Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The rent is usually inclusive of Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Internet use**. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account.

Deposit
A security deposit of a minimum of one month’s rental must be paid, if we manage the property you choose your deposit will be transferred to the Deposit Protection Service under the Government Deposit rules. This is held to cover damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.

Advance Rent
in some cases a deposit is not required, instead we will collect 2 month’s rent, this being the first month and the last month of your tenancy. This will be explained in detail, if the landlord of the property you are applying for collects 2 months rent and not a deposit.

Fees
We DO NOT charge a fee for tenants renting rooms from us!*

Insurance – for Tenants
As appointed agents for Maras we are able to offer a variety of insurance policies for both landlords and tenants, including the following -
You can find out more and get a quote online here

* If a tenant is declined by us or the Landlord a £30.00p admin charge is deducted from the £100.00p Holding Deposit, to cover admin and checks neccessary to determine a tenants suitability.

** Please check that the property you want to move in to has Internet included in the rent before paying theHolding Deposit.