Renting with Darlows

You may find our Tenant Guide below useful.  Alternatively, feel free to download the Darlows Tenant Guide.  

This tenant guide has been created to answer as many questions as possible and help you be well prepared for the exciting process ahead of you. We want you to enjoy renting your new home and we always find that if you know what to expect we can provide a better service for you.

We are committed to helping you find your ideal home and have your best interests in mind.

Register today! Be amongst the first to see the latest homes to rent in your area.

For us to identify properties suited to you, we will ask you detailed questions. Remember, the more information you can give us, the easier it is for us to match you with a property!

To pass referencing you will need to meet at least one of these requirements:

  • Have an income of 3x your rental budget
  • Have a guarantor (subject to conditions)
  • Be able to pay 6 or 12 months’ rent up front

Our latest properties are listed on all major property search websites and our website. Look for a property to rent.  

When choosing an agent...

Look for the SAFE kitemark; your money will be 100% protected. As part of haart, Darlows is a founding member of SAFEagent.  

Use an agent with membership of a professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS) or the Property Ombudsman (TPO); certain standards of practice will be in place and you will have access to an independent complaints procedure.

Check that your deposit will be protected by a government-authorised Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme.

View with us

Want to know more about the property? We are here to answer your questions. We’ll also accompany you on every viewing, including evenings and at weekends.

Unsure about the area? Just ask. We can advise you about the local amenities, schools and transport links. 

When viewing...

Try to view with everyone in your moving party. Properties will not always be available for a second viewing. For properties newly advertised, be ready to view straight away and act quickly if you are interested. These properties are in high demand and often rent within days.

Let with us

When you make an offer it will be put forward to the landlord.

 If your offer is accepted, you will need to provide:

  • A holding deposit (By debit/credit card only.)
  • Photographic identification for each applicant (e.g. Driving Licence, Passport)
  • Proof of address for each applicant (bill or bank statement no older than 6 months)

Be ready for referencing and have the following to hand:

  • Your last 3 years address history
  • Your employment details
  • (If self-employed) Have accounts/accountant details ready
  • (If a company) Have two trade referees ready
  • Your landlord details
  • Your UK bank account details
  • Encourage your referees to respond swiftly

When referencing is underway, we will send both tenant and landlord a ‘Subject to Contract’ document stating the details of the contract including any requirements/ agreements made. If anything is missing, inform us straight away.

If all references are deemed satisfactory then we will create a tenancy agreement. If there is any problem with the references, we’ll let you know straight away and advise you of your options.

When applying...

  • Be prepared to pay a holding deposit.
  • Be prepared for the paperwork and have the required documents ready.
  • Be prepared to be referenced and inform your employer and most recent landlord that they will be contacted.
  • Make sure you clearly state any requirements as a part of your application.

Move with us

Before you can move in, you must have:

  • Signed the tenancy agreement (signed by all tenants and witnessed)
  • A deed of guarantee signed by the guarantor (if applicable)
  • Paid the initial monies The initial monies include: the first month’s rent, security deposit, tenancy set up fee and any check-in fee

For Tenancies Which Began Before September 1st 2019

 

During the tenancy

Late rental payment charge - £30 for each arrears letter sent

Unless otherwise agreed in your tenancy agreement, you will also be responsible for paying for the following (if connected to the property):

 

Utilities – gas, electricity, water, emptying of any septic tank at the property

Media – telephone, broadband, television packages (satellite/cable) and television licence

Council Tax

 

At the end of the tenancy

Tenancy extension fee - £118.80

 

If you request an early termination of your tenancy, outside of any break clause stated in your tenancy agreement, you may be required to make payment of rent until the tenancy is terminated and cover the loss incurred by your landlord. You will be provided with an invoice to demonstrate proof of the landlord’s loss.

For Tenancies Which Begin On or After September 1st 2019

 

Prior to the start of the tenancy

Holding Deposit – 1 week’s rent

Security Deposit – 6 week’s rent

 

During the tenancy

Late rental payment charge – £30 per instance of late rent

Payments for Defaulting on Your Tenancy Agreement – There are certain occasions where the actions of a tenant can cause the landlord to incur a loss during the tenancy, where it would be unfair on the landlord to be responsible for the loss. In these instances, the loss incurred will be passed on to you alongside an invoice to demonstrate proof of cost. Full details of these breaches of a tenancy agreement can be found in your tenancy agreement. Should this be

 

If you require a key or key fob for the property to be replaced, the cost of the replacement key/fob will be passed on to you with an invoice to demonstrate proof of cost.

 

Unless otherwise agreed in your tenancy agreement, you will also be responsible for paying for the following (if connected to the property):

Utilities – gas, electricity, water

Media – telephone, broadband, television packages (satellite/cable) and television licence

Council Tax

 

If you request an early termination of your tenancy, outside of any break clause stated in your tenancy agreement, you may be required to make payment of rent until the tenancy is terminated and cover the loss incurred by your landlord. You will be provided with an invoice to demonstrate proof of the landlord’s loss.

How do Darlows ensure our tenants are protected?

Darlows is a registered member of the Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme, which is a client money protection scheme to ensure your money is handled with in the correct manner. We are also members of The Property Ombudsman, which is a redress scheme for consumer complaints. You can find out more information on our website, Darlows.co.uk, or by contacting your local Darlows office.