Tenants

Expert Letting Advice for Tenants, where to begin?

1. The first step is to contact your local Squarefoot office who will register your details and discuss your search requirements
   • Think about your desired property type and location. It might be useful to refer to our “area guides” if you are unsure on location, discuss it with us and we would be glad to help you refine your search.
   • Budget – have you considered the any extra costs i.e. Gas, Electricity, Water and Council Tax?
   • When do you want to move? We recommend beginning your search around 6-8 weeks prior to your ideal move date.
2. What does it cost to rent a property through Squarefoot?
   • We will take a holding deposit of one week’s rent which will go towards your first month’s rental payment. This fee is non-refundable should your application be unsuccessful or you decide not to continue with the application, however it is transferable to another property marketed by Squarefoot. This fee will be refunded should a Landlord withdraw the property from the market prior to your agreed move in date.
   • 5 week’s worth of rent will be taken for bond for the property. This will be paid on your move in day.
   • You might also be charged for the following:
     • Missed contractor appointments – after production of invoice from a third party company detailing actual costs incurred by missed appointment;
     • Avoidable or purposeful damage to property – up to £1,000;
     • Replacement keys – fobs (up to £30), keys (up to £10);
     • Emergency/out of hours call-out fees – up to £500;
3. Making an offer
   • Upon finding a suitable property, complete an offer form with your negotiator, ensuring all your requirements are clearly stated.
4. Offer accepted
   • Upon acceptance of your offer, you will be asked to complete a Tenancy Application form, the holding deposit is payable at this stage.
   • Reference checks will be ordered at this stage – please ensure you can provide bank details and the contact details of your previous landlord/agent, along with those of your employer to allow for the process to run smoothly. We expect checks to take between 3-5 working days to complete, providing all information required is supplied by the applicant/s.
5. References completed
   • Once your references are completed, we will book you into the diary to come into the office to sign the contracts and collect the keys on your arranged move in date.
   • Once the move in date is confirmed, Squarefoot arranges full inventory (on managed properties only).
6. Moving in
   • You will need to pay the remainder of the first month’s rent and bond at this stage. You will be asked to meet at our office, at an agreed date/time to sign the contracts, collect an inventory and the keys. Please be advised , all persons named on the tenancy agreement must be present to sign.
   • If we manage your property Squarefoot will inform the utility providers that you have moved into the property and ensure that all accounts are transferred into your name as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to inform the utility companies should we not manage the property. Should you have any queries regarding content of the inventory please notify Squarefoot within 7 days of receipt.
7. What if I need help during my tenancy?
   • If your property is managed by Squarefoot you will be advised of the name and contact details of your Property Manager at the start of the tenancy, please feel free to contact them at any time to discuss any questions or problems you may have.
   • If your property is managed by the landlord, you should contact them directly for any maintenance issues (details will be provided).
   • For any questions regarding tenancy agreements, break clauses, payments or renewals, please contact Squarefoot and we will provide you with all the necessary contact numbers.
   • If you are still unsure, your Property Manager will be happy to provide further advice.