Sovereign Estates  
Professional Property Letting & Management Professional Property Letting & Management

Residential Property

Tenant Terms & Conditions of Business

Thank you for your enquiry regarding our Property Letting and Management service. We will endeavour to match your requirements with one of our available properties.

You should be aware of the following terms;

Furnished - This generally means that the property is quite well equipped but normally excludes such items as television, video recorder, satellite equipment, linen.

Part Furnished - This generally means carpets, curtains, kitchen appliances and light fittings. You as the tenant will be expected to supply furniture, crockery, linen , cutlery etc.

Unfurnished - This generally means that the property is completely empty with the exception of the carpets, curtains, light fittings (but not shades) You will provide all furnishings and equipment.

Payable upon application - Once Sovereign Estates have successfully introduced you to a property of your choice, we will require an administration fee of £75.00. £100.00 In the case of a joint tenancy.

This fee includes Preparation of the Tenancy Agreement. Taking up references and notifying all utilities of the change in occupancy.

These charges are unfortunately non-refundable unless the Landlord should reconsider their intentions to proceed with the tenancy.

References - are an essential part of a letting agreement and we take them up on the landlord's behalf. Credit Reference Agencies charge for their services, we therefore incur administration charges. If your references are unsatisfactory for any reason, the application fee is non-refundable.

Security Deposit - All tenancies are granted subject to the tenant providing one months advance rent plus a security deposit of an amount not less than one month and one weeks rent. In the event of a property being tenanted by three or more unrelated persons, a further security deposit equal to one months rent will be required

Stamp Duty - is payable by the tenant in the case of unfurnished properties.

Inspection Visits - We will make periodic routine visits to the property to ensure compliance with the terms of the Tenancy Agreement. Also dealing with any problems you may have at that time.

Rent Collection - Rent is normally payable monthly in advance. You will be notified of the landlord's preferred method and date of payment. However, usually this is by Bank Standing Order due on the same day of each month. On the day you sign the Tenancy Agreement we will require one month's advance rent, plus the quoted security deposit. The deposit is held as security for the duration of the tenancy against loss, damage, dilapidation's and unpaid bills. The deposit is returnable provided the property is vacated in a clean condition and free of damage or loss.

Both your first month's rent and the security deposit must be paid to Sovereign Estates either by cash, building society cheque or bankers draft. Personal cheques are not accepted,

Utility Bills - in most instances all agreed rents are exclusive of domestic bills. You will also be responsible for the payment of the Community Charge directly to the relevant authority during the period of tenancy.

Tenancy Agreements - The tenancy of the property is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. A draft copy of the Agreement is available to you on request.

Insurance - We recommend that you take out adequate contents insurance with a reliable company to cover your personal effects. We also recommend you take out unemployment & disability insurance for tenants. Thereby protecting your tenancy in the event of your becoming unemployed or after having an accident. Sovereign Estates can arrange this for you should you so wish.

Inventories - The landlord or Sovereign Estates will have arranged for an inventory of the property to be prepared. The check-in (i.e. when you move into the property) costs are borne by the landlord as is the cost of preparing the inventory. The cost of the check-out (i.e. when you move out of the property) are borne by you as tenant(s) this cost is currently £40.00 and will be deducted from your security deposit.

Telephone - If there is a telephone installed in the property you are obliged to maintain the connection at all times. You must not alter the number or take it with you when you leave the property. Any charges incurred due to disconnection or any other breach will be charged to the tenants British Telecom also need to hear independently from you. Telephone 100 and ask for residential sales dept. You should quote the area to which you are moving, the address of the new property and it's existing telephone number