Finding a property

Your first step is to contact us and provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require, you can do this either by telephone or registering your details online via our site. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view and can e-mail you new details as they become available. It is wise to start looking about a month 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, unless otherwise agreed.

Viewings

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

Reserving the property

Once you have decided on a property, you will need to reserve it by paying a 'holding deposit, usually equivalent to one week's rent. 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 could be forfeited if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application

What's the difference between a Fully Managed property and Introduction Only?

If the property you are looking to rent is let fully managed, then Chester Let will be your first point of contact for all maintenance and repair issues, this means we will act on behalf of the landlord. Introduction only means that Chester Let finds tenants for the property and arranges the paperwork, the Landlord then takes over the management and in this scenario you would contact the landlord direct.

Furnished or Unfurnished?

Properties are let with different levels of furnishings. Generally speaking unfurnished means you can expect carpets, curtains and white goods only. Fully furnished includes sitting room furniture, a dining table and chairs, beds, wardrobes/chest of drawers and so on. Chester Let will issue you with a list showing what the property includes.

How binding is the Tenancy Agreement?

A Tenancy Agreement governs all rents, which is a legal and binding document. You will be committed to paying rent until the end of the agreed term and you could be liable to legal action if you break the terms of the agreement. If your circumstances should change for any reason during your tenancy, it is a good idea to tell Chester Let as soon as possible.

How much are Chester Let fees?

Chester Let charge a one-off Administration Fee of £75 for one applicant and £100 for two, further applicants are charged at £50, this may include guarantors, this fee is payable when you have decided to proceed with the property of your choice. This fee covers our costs in the referencing and administration of your application

Do I need insurance?

Your contents need to be insured, as the landlord's insurance covers the actual property and/or goods, but not your possessions. Chester Let would be happy to arrange for a qualified advisor to contact you to discuss the level of cover you require.

What about pets?

Every Landlord is different, some will accept pets whilst others will not, Chester Let will advise you accordingly before any viewings commence, please be aware that there can be certain requirements for flea treatment to be carried out and paid for by you prior to ending a tenancy agreement.

Who do you contact for references?

It is in everyone's interests to ensure that you can comfortably afford the rent on your chosen property. Chester Let has a partnership with Endsleigh insurance Services who will handle this on our behalf. The checks are much as you'd expect verification of employment, past addresses and credit search. Sometimes a guarantor may be required. Chester Let is on hand with any questions you may have and the sooner this can be completed, the faster you can move in.

When might I need a Guarantor?

If your financial reference is weak for any reason, we could ask for a guarantor to support your tenancy. This is a serious commitment, as the guarantor will be as responsible as the tenant for all monies due and obligations agreed for the tenancy. Guarantors need to have strong financial reference to show that they will not suffer should they be called upon to pay any fees on your behalf.

How much is the deposit and will I get it back?

The deposit is a sum equal to one and a half months rent and will be placed in a Deposit Protection Scheme by Chester Let, you will be given a reference number and details on who holds the deposit, you can go online and check the status of this deposit and at the end of the tenancy subject to any damage the deposit will be returned to you once agreed by both parties.

How long will it take from choosing a property to moving in?

Once you have made your choice please allow up to 14 days before you move in. This will allow time for references and the preparation of the property, in most cases this timescale can be much shorter. However, it may be that the previous tenant has yet to move out, in which case more time may be required. Chester Let will keep you informed along the way.

How do I pay my rent?

Rent is paid monthly by standing order/direct debit from your bank. This is set up to be withdrawn from your account 3 days before your rent day so that it arrives on the due date. This is a worry-free way of ensuring you never fall behind in your rental payments. Be sure to tell us if your circumstances change, for instance you change banks or your employment situation changes as we can then help you to protect your tenancy. The last thing we want is for you to fall into arrears.

How much money do I need to move into a property?

Shortly before your tenancy begins we need to receive your first month's rent and deposit in cleared funds, a bankers' draft or building society cheque is preferred, Personal cheques are acceptable but please allow seven days in order to clear.

Who pays the council tax and other bills?

All utility accounts at the property will be the responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise agreed. In all fully managed properties we will let the companies know that you are moving in and you will be responsible for opening an account in your name. We will agree the meter readings with you at check in and at check out, so that there is no confusion over liabilities.