Finding a property
Our personnel are specially trained to assist Tenants to find properties to rent that will meet their needs.  We maintain a database of properties available for rent which typically become available four weeks before occupancy date, details of our current available properties can be found at www.acornpropertymgt.co.uk 

Although last minute lettings are not uncommon, we advise prospective tenants that the earlier you register with us, the better your opportunity to consider a wider range of properties available to let.

Viewing a property
Subject to access and availability, viewings can be arranged at any time during office hours.  To enable your questions to be resolved in a timely manner, all viewings are accompanied by a member of staff.  We can on occasions arrange viewings outside normal office hours with a Landlord or existing tenant.

Tenancy Application
Once you have viewed and decided upon a suitable property, it will be necessary to complete a written application and pay the non-refundable reservation deposit – usually £150.  This deposit can on occasion be higher, but you will be advised accordingly, and providing the tenancy proceeds to occupancy, it will be deducted from the monies due before occupation.

As part of the application, you will be required to formally declare if you smoke, have children, or have an adverse credit history e.g. County Court Judgments, Bankruptcy, Debt Management Programme or are in receipt of benefits.  As appropriate, a copy of a “Letter of Satisfaction” may also be required.

Upon application and receipt of the reservation deposit, occupancy date and tenancy duration can usually be provisionally agreed subject to receipt of satisfactory references.

References
On behalf of the landlord, an independent referencing agency undertakes reference verification and credit checks on each applicant.  We forward to the referencing agency completed referencing documentation which will require details of your Employer, Bank, former landlord and a character reference. 

Although this process normally takes around 48hrs, you can track its progress by visiting www.maras.co.uk and entering your date of birth and access code 2145, then click search to display your record.

Identification
Proof of identification will also be required.  When you produce the required documents to our office, photocopies will be taken, and the originals returned to you before you leave.  Do not send originals, they cannot be processed in your absence.

Suitable identification documents are: A full and current Passport or a current valid Photo Driving Licence.  You will also need to supply your National Insurance Number, but if you don’t have one, a current Work Permit, Visa and ‘Leave to Remain’ issued by the Home Office will suffice.

Guarantor
In some cases an applicant may require a suitable guarantor willing to accept and underwrite any rent and tenancy liabilities before the application can continue.  Guarantors will need to meet the same reference and credit check requirements as the applicant, and although additional costs are involved in processing this information for a guarantor we are willing to accept that initial cost in respect to the first guarantor only, all subsequent applications will be charged at £40 + VAT.

Rent
Payable in advance by Standing Order – unless alternative arrangements are agreed in advance – rents are quoted on a calendar month basis. Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity, Telephone, Audio Visual network services and TV Licence costs remain the responsibility of, and must be paid by the tenant, directly to the relevant supplier.

Security Deposit
Unless advised otherwise, a Security Deposit (or ‘bond’) normally equal one month’s rent + £200 is payable in advance of occupancy. This deposit will either be passed directly to the Landlord, or where we are managing the property, it will be held within a Government Approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme until the tenancy ends. 

At the end of the tenancy, and in the presence of the tenant (where possible), we will inspect properties we are managing to assess any damages and appropriate deductions. 

For more information about the tenancy deposit schemes please telephone 0845 6090696 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit

Administration / Agency Fees
To cover the tenants share of administration costs, which include: tenancy agreement preparation, legal notices, inventory, referencing and credit checks, check-in and check-out, a non-refundable fee of £80 (+ VAT) per person is payable to us in advance of occupancy.

Office Hours
09:00 - 17:30 Monday, Tuesday, Friday
09:00 - 13:00 Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00 Thursday
09:00 - 16:30 Saturday by appointment only

Important Notices: