Tenant FAQ

The most common notice period would be two months. This means the Landlord and the Tenant have the right to serve notice in writing to terminate the agreement subject to the terms of the initial Tenancy Agreement.

Some Agents do vary but most commonly in London a deposit would be 5 weeks of the weekly rent.

This then is held by one of the government deposit schemes listed below. On some occasions the Landlord may ask for a slightly higher deposit depending on various reasons. E.g. pets.

This is an agreement that yourself and the letting agent can discuss with the Landlord as a potential option.

The simple answer is no they do not. However, should a dilapidation be made against the deposit it would be difficult for the Landlord or agent to provide proof of this. Therefore, the Tenant can state that the property or items within the property were in a certain condition at the start and end of the Tenancy and there would be no opportunity to rebut later. It is therefore sensible and we would also advise to have an Inventory carried out before commencement of the Tenancy.

Reference to the check in and check out reports should confirm the state of the carpets at the beginning and end of the Tenancy.

If this was not done, it would be harder for the Landlord/Agent to claim dilapidations against the deposit. Tenants should ensure that they receive a copy of the Inventory/check in and check out reports.

Much will depend upon the contractual arrangements between your Landlord and the letting agent. If the letting agent is contacted to manage the property on behalf of the Landlord, in the first instance you should contact the letting agent. They should then arrange to obtain quotations for the repair and obtain agreement from the Landlord to proceed with the repair. Most Landlords will agree to a level of expenditure without the need for referral to them over minor repairs. If the agent is not contracted to manage the property, you will need to contact the Landlord directly.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the agent is required to provide the Tenant at commencement of the Tenancy or within 21 days of a written request with an address in England and Wales for the Tenant to serve notice should they need too. It cannot be a PO Box address. The agent does not have to provide telephone numbers. Details are normally contained within the Tenancy Agreement.

Any problems with rental payments, that may result in late payment, should be conveyed to the agent or Landlord, whom ever to the rent is paid to. Arrears letters will be issued if rent remains outstanding beyond 5 days after it was due. Interest will be charged until payment is made.

For a long let we will ask you  to complete an application to provide information for your previous Landlord, current employer and/or character references. In addition to this we require a copy of your passport, driving licence or National ID card and also proof of address dated within the last three months. This also applies to short lets.

You as the Tenant are responsible for setting up accounts with the utility companies directly when you move into your property and also informing them of when you leave, taking care to provide meter readings at the beginning and end of the Tenancy.

The best way to calculate monthly rent from weekly rent would be to follow this calculation:

Weekly rent x  52 weeks of the year divided by 12 months.

i.e: 600 x 52 ÷ 12 = 2,600

Once the check-out has been conducted, the property has been cleaned to a satisfactory standard and Rubicon has received instructions regarding the deposit from the Landlord, the money will be returned to your account, less any agreed deductions. This typically takes 10 working days and generally no more than 28 days.

You should be contacted by either the Agent or the Landlord  to discuss this option. You should inform us 90 days prior to the end of your Tenancy to allow enough time to arrange all the related administration.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme, MyDeposits & Deposit Protection Service

Definitions;

Tenancy Deposit Scheme; Under the provisions of the United Kingdom Housing Act 2004 every Landlord or letting agent that takes a deposit for an assured shorthold Tenancy in England and Wales must join a Tenancy deposit scheme. The new regulations came into effect from 6 April 2007, and were amended by the Localism Act 2011, taking effect from 6 April 2012.

MyDeposits; is a government-authorised Tenancy deposit protection scheme. It is designed to enable Landlords and letting agents in England and Wales to take and hold a deposit for the duration of the Tenancy.

Deposit Protection Service; As part of the Housing Act 2004 the Government introduced Tenancy deposit protection for all assured shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. From April 6th 2007, all deposits paid under an AST should have been protected within 14 calendar days of receipt by the Landlord. From 6th April 2012, deposits for all assured shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales must now be protected within 30 calendar days of receipt by the Landlord, this change is as a result of the Localism Bill 2011. The legislation aims to ensure that Tenants who have paid a deposit to a Landlord or letting agent and are entitled to receive all or part of it back at the end of that Tenancy, actually get it.