NICHOLAS ZORAB ESTATE AGENTS, an independent and privately owned agency, has established itself as one of the leading estate agencies serving the Romsey and Test Valley area. As well as our sales related services we also specialise in lettings & property management. We believe in offering a quality, personal service which is backed up with the latest computerised management systems and our own website

It is impossible to cover every aspect of letting property in a short document but the notes below will, we hope, give an overview of the most important items.

1. TENANCIES
Most properties are let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy which has a minimum length of 6 months and it is not usually possible for either side to break this Agreement. It may be possible to extend the Tenancy with another fixed period or allow it to continue subject to 2 months’ notice being given by the Landlord or 1 month’s by the Tenant.
A Company Tenancy is set up on a different basis and is for a fixed period and can only be renewed by a further fixed period.
We recommend that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the Tenancy agreement before signing. (We will be pleased to clarify any matters that are not clear)

2. CONDITIONS
Some Landlords may have given us instructions regarding occupation by smokers, pets, young children, students or sharers.    Please ask about this if you are interested in a particular property.

3. TO SECURE A TENANCY
a) We will ask you to pay £200.00 including VAT to cover the costs of taking up references, preparing a Lease and a Schedule of Condition/Inventory. Where there is more than one Tenant or a Guarantor we charge an additional £50.00 including VAT per tenant or guarantor.   The property is then taken off the market whilst references are obtained. The fee is not refundable if the Tenancy does not proceed due to the Tenant withdrawing. However if the references are unsatisfactory , a fee of £50.00 including. VAT per person will be charged and the balance refunded. The full fee is refundable if the Landlord withdraws.
b) You will be required to pay a Holding Deposit (one month’s rent) once satisfactory references have been received. In the event that you do not take up the Tenancy in the agreed time, this holding deposit will be forfeited and paid to the Landlord. However if the tenancy proceeds, the holding deposit will be used as the first month’s rent.

4. REFERENCES
We require references from your Bank, Employer, previous Landlord or Mortgagor and a personal reference.   In the case of self employed persons we would require reference from an Accountant in place of the Employer.   If the Tenant is a Company we will make a full Company Search at a cost of £200.00 including VAT .  We also require a copy of your passport or driving licence.      

5. DEPOSIT
A deposit of 1 ½ month’s rent is payable in advance of taking occupation.(increased to 2 months where pets are allowed). The deposit is retained by us in a separate account until the termination of the tenancy and is returned to you within 30 days of the end of the tenancy provided the property is left in good condition when vacated and we are satisfied that all bills payable by the Tenant, i.e. for the utilities, etc. have been paid up to the final meter readings. No interest is paid on the deposit to the Tenant or the Landlord.

6. RENT
Cleared funds for the first month’s rent will be due prior to occupation.   Thereafter the rent is due monthly and will be paid by a single standing order, even if there are multiple tenants.

7. SCHEDULE OF CONDITION/INVENTORY
A detailed Schedule of Condition and Inventory of items at the property will be drawn up by us at the outset. It should be carefully checked and any discrepancies notified at the time.

8. SERVICES
You will be responsible for the payment of water, gas, electricity, telephone, other fuel and Council Tax charges and it is your responsibility to contact the various Companies although we will be pleased to assist with providing information.

9. INSURANCE
You will be required to provide proof that you are insured for damage to the Landlord’s fixtures and fittings and the Landlord’s contents when the property is furnished.

10. PERIODIC INSPECTION AND REPAIRS
We will visit all managed properties on a regular basis during normal office hours with prior notice. We will arrange for any maintenance repairs requested subject to the Landlords’ approval on managed properties unless damage is caused by the Tenant but note that the costs of repairs carried out without the Landlord’s consent will be the responsibility of the Tenant.
In an emergency when neither the agent nor the Landlord can be contacted ,  repairs can be authorised by the Tenant up to  £50.00 excluding VAT.

11. TENANCY RENEWALS
You will be required at the time of renewal to pay an administration charge of  
£50.00 excluding VAT for the preparation of a new agreement.

12. END OF THE TENANCY
At the end of the Tenancy we will liaise with you on the procedure with regard to professional cleaning of the house including carpets and windows, gardeners, etc.   We will require access two months before the end of the tenancy to show the property to new applicants if it is to be relet or sold.   These visits will take place at any reasonable time and with prior notice.   We will arrange for a professional cleaner to visit the property at the end of the tenancy and the cost will be deducted from the deposit. A Check Out charge of £40.00 excluding VAT will be payable at the end of the tenancy.

13. EARLY TERMINATION OF TENANCY.

14. RENT INCREASES:
The rent is normally reviewed annually and Tenants are given 2 months notice of any proposed increase.

You are always welcome  to contact us should
you require any advice.