Tenant Code of Conduct

Unique Property Services will require the following before any tenant(s) takes tenancy of any property that Unique Property Services introduce.


Preliminary Deposit (not to be confused with the Security Deposit)

A preliminary deposit of one weeks rent, (this is calculated by the monthly rent x 12 divided by 52) this is requested from all tenant(s) prior to processing their application/applying for references etc. In the unlikely event off an abortive transaction, failed Right to Rent checks, false or misleading information, bad landlord reference which all lead into a failed referencing report and a landlord declining your application due to the above, you will then forfeit your holding deposit.

By signing our Code of Practice you the tenant(s) agree to extend the 15 day deadline to signing the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement by a further 10 days.

Any changes or verbal agreements made or changed on the preliminary deposit, must be made in writing and attached to the preliminary deposit receipt and signed by a member of Unique Property Services Ltd.


Right to Rent Checks

Unique Property Services will provide you with a form that you will need to sign, we will need to see all photo identification and take copies for the checks to be carried out.


Referencing

Unique Property Services will provide you with all referencing forms, this will include all referencing paperwork from Homelet, obtaining current or previous employers references, carry out a financial credit check, obtaining current or previous landlord references, proof of address, identity, immigration and visa confirmation.


Referencing Guarantor

Where a guarantor is needed, Unique Property Services will provide you with all referencing forms, covering credit and financial referencing, proof of address, identity, immigration and visa confirmation, preparing a Deed of Guarantee as part of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST).

All guarantors must reside within the UK.

All references need to be acceptable before Unique Property Services can move any tenant(s) into any property.


Renewal of Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST)

Unique Property Services will need to arrange the preparation of the new Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) between you the tenant(s) and landlord, amending and updating terms, increasing the rent amount if needed and arrange appointments for both to sign the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST).


Variation of Contract £50.00 plus VAT (£60.00 Including VAT)

If you the tenant(s) request for consent from the landlord for permission to sub-let, to keep a pet or redecorate, the above charge would be payable beforehand.


Novation of Contract £50.00 plus VAT (£60.00 Including VAT)

A Novation of Contract is essentially a new contract based on an almost identical existing contract. The prime example in the lettings sector, is one where a tenant moves out and a new tenancy is signed by the remaining tenants and the new tenant, the above charge would be payable beforehand.


Change of Sharer £41.67 plus VAT (£50.00 Including VAT)

If there is a change of sharer, the above cost would be chargeable. This would cover the cost of new referencing for that sharer.

In the event that a new Inventory and Check in, is needed to be carried out, then the cost of this would be reverted to the change of sharer. This would be confirmed in writing/email along with the cost.

The new sharer will also be subject to the relevant referencing and would need to pass the referencing before the new tenant is allowed on the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST).


Post Dated Cheques

Unique Property Services do not accept any post-dated cheques, if Unique Property Services receives a post-dated cheque then this cheque will be banked immediately. Unique Property Services will take no responsibility if the tenant(s) receives bank charges through a post-dated cheque being banked.


Rent & Security Deposit

All monies paid to Unique Property Services for the rent and security deposit must be paid and be cleared funds before any tenant(s) takes tenancy.


Security Deposit

All security deposits need to be registered and protected. If the Landlord has requested that Unique Property Services are to register the security deposit on their behalf, then you will be issued with a certificate and prescribed information.

Unique Property Services will send all tenant(s) a letter stating if we are holding and protecting the security deposit or if the Landlord is protecting the security deposit themselves.


Client Money Protection

Unique Property Services Ltd is a member of arla / propertymart, naea / propertymark and Client Money Protection Scheme.


Standing Order

Unique Property Services will set up a standing order so that the rent can be paid on time, the standing order is set up five working days before the rent due date, this is a requirement by Unique Property Services on all rented properties.

It is the tenant(s) responsibility to make sure with their bank that the standing order is set up correctly and cancelled at the end of the tenancy. Unique Property Services will take no responsibility for any bank charges the tenant(s) incur if the standing order is set up incorrectly or not cancelled at the end of tenancy.

Late rent payments will be charged @ 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate, per day, after the first 14 days.


Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST)

It is the tenant(s) responsibility to read the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement(AST) thoroughly as the Assured Shorthold Tenant Agreement (AST) cannot be changed or altered in anyway once the agreement has been signed, this is a legal document on behalf of Tenant(s) and Landlord(s).

Any verbal agreement must be confirmed in writing.


Documents

Tenant(s) will need to provide the following before Unique Property Services allows tenant(s) to take tenancy:

  1. Photo Identification, i.e. passport, visa and permit
  2. Proof of address, i.e. utility bill (Within three months) or driving licence. Not a mobile phone bill
  3. Signed standing order (This is a requirement on all rented properties)
  4. Assured Shorthold Tenancy signed by all referenced tenant(s)
  5. Signed Inventory (if provided)
  6. Referencing forms completed and passed
  7. Rent & Security Deposit paid in full

All Tenant(s)

will be provided with all the following documents:

  1. Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST)
  2. Landlords Gas Certificate (if applicable)
  3. Portable Appliance Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Energy Performance Certificate
  5. Letter stating who is protecting the security deposit.
  6. Inventory (if provided)
  7. Contact telephone numbers.
  8. Who is managing the property.
  9. Certificate of deposit registration (if registered by UPS)
  10. A Tenants guide to my deposit (if registered by UPS)
  11. How to rent guide.