How do I apply?

TO RESERVE A PROPERTY, ONE APPLICANT ONLY MUST EMAIL WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

  1. Property address that you would like to reserve
  2. Lead Tenant's full name and mobile number
  3. Full names of all tenants, email addresses and mobile numbers
  4. Call 0116 2706000 to make payment of the Holding Deposit (payment to be made via UK debit card ONLY) or request a payment link.

 

WHERE APPLICABLE, we will ask for the full names of your guarantor(s), email addresses and mobile number(s) and answers to the following questions for each guarantor:

Are they a UK home owner?
Are they in full time employment?
What is their job role (and for which company are they employed)?
What is their gross annual salary? (Minimum of 36x the monthly rental)
Do they have any County Court Judgements, bad credit history or debts against their name?

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PAYMENT OF THE HOLDING DEPOSIT?

Reservation Receipt

All applicants will receive a Reservation Receipt via Adobe Sign, confirming that the property has been reserved. This must be signed electronically by all applicants within 24 hours.

Vouch Application

All applicants must complete a Vouch application within 24 hours. This includes uploading supporting documents such as:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of address
  • Right to Rent documentation

 

During this stage, subject to availability, you may choose to pay a physical cash deposit or opt for the Reposit Scheme.

Referencing & Agreements

Once referencing has been successfully completed, we will issue the tenancy agreement for signature (and a guarantor agreement, if applicable).

Final Payments

At this stage, the balance of rent and security deposit will be due. All documents and payments must be received within 48 hours.

Key Collection

Once all stages have been completed, you’re good to go! Please keep an eye on your emails for details regarding key collection.

FAQ's

WHAT IS THE HOLDING DEPOSIT?

Payment of the Holding Deposit ensures that the Property has been reserved and will not be offered to any other applicant(s) by First 4 Lettings, awaiting the completion and receipt of all paperwork and documents as per the 'Reservation Receipt'.

 

The 'Holding Deposit' will be applied towards the first payment of rental.

 

The Holding Deposit and any other amounts paid will be forfeited as liquidated damages under any of the following non-exhaustive circumstances. If you:

  1. withdraw or otherwise fail to take up the tenancy;
  2. provide false or misleading information (at any stage before reserving the property or thereafter);
  3. fail any affordability, referencing, and/or credit checks;
  4. are unable to provide a suitable guarantor who meets our requirements (when required);
  5. do not satisfy any of the conditions as outlined

 

Should any of the tenants fail to return their completed paperwork or sign the 'Reservation Receipt' within the allocated time, the Holding Deposit will be forfeited and the property will be re-marketed.

 

All properties are let on an 'as seen basis' and any changes/clarification to the specification, furnishings, decorative condition and/or cleanliness of the property must be agreed upon at the time of reservation by email.

 

It is your responsibility to enquire as to what the exact furnishings are when you reserve the property, as some items you see at the property at the time of viewing may not be included when you move in.

WHAT IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT?

A security deposit is paid to cover any breakages, damage or other tenant liabilities but not to cover rent. This is usually equal to five weeks' rental. At the end of the tenancy, a property inspection is carried out to assess any damages/deductions due.


Where First 4 Lettings are managing the property, the deposit will be protected with 'The Deposit Protection Service' under their custodial scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.depositprotection.com.


Where First 4 Lettings are not managing the property, the deposit will be due directly to the Landlord and the Landlord will be advised of their duties and obligations with regards to the deposit.

 

As an alternative, Reposit offers a deposit-free option where tenants pay a non-refundable fee (one week’s rent) instead of a full deposit. End-of-tenancy charges still apply. Availability will vary, please refer to the property advertisement. More details at www.reposit.co.uk.

HOW IS RENT PAID?

  • Rental payments must be made by bank transfer. Tenants are required to set up a standing order for rent payments. Please note that we do not operate a direct debit system.
  • All rental payments are to be made in full from one account only.
  • Rental payments are due monthly in advance.

 

WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM THE GUARANTOR & THEIR ROLE?

In the event of a tenant being unable to meet their obligations under the tenancy agreement, the guarantor is legally bound to accept the liabilities on behalf of the tenant.

A guarantor must:

  • be a UK homeowner;

  • be in full-time employment;

  • not fail any affordability checks;

  • not have any County Court Judgements, bad credit history or debts against their name

 

Each guarantor will be required complete and sign a 'Guarantor Agreement' which must be emailed to us with a copy of their Photographic ID (UK Driver's Licence/Passport).


If suitable guarantors are not provided you may be required to use an independent rent guarantor service (e.g. Housing Hand).

WHAT IS A TENANCY AGREEMENT?

The tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant specifying the terms and conditions of their rental agreement.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MOVE IN?

MANAGED BY FIRST 4 LETTINGS:

The Lead Tenant will be responsible for arranging an appointment with the date and time (during our office hours) to collect the keys.

Failure to make an appointment to collect keys and/or failure to bring the relevant ID documents may result in keys NOT BEING ISSUED.

The tenant will be issued with all keys and emailed the 'Property Inventory/Schedule of Condition*', provided all conditions with regards to the reservation have been fulfilled.

*The 'Property Inventory/Schedule of Condition' is a full and detailed report of the furniture, contents and state of repair of the property.

Although we will register the tenants for utilities and council tax, it is the tenant's responsibility to ensure all relevant utilities and the council tax have the correct meter readings and details respectively.

 

NOT MANAGED BY FIRST 4 LETTINGS:

Tenants will have to contact their Landlord directly for key collection unless otherwise advised..

The 'Landlord's Contact Details' along with your ‘Tenancy Agreement’ will be emailed to all tenants prior to the tenancy commencement date.

HOW DO I REPORT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE?

Please click the green icon at the top of the website to report any maintenance issues. All maintenance requests must be submitted through Fixflo and will be addressed accordingly. Fixflo is monitored 24/7 to ensure timely attention.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITES AS A TENANT?

As a tenant, your main obligations are:

  • Pay rent on time - Always pay in full on or before your monthly rental due date.
  • Take care of the property - Keep it clean, avoid damage and report issues promptly.
  • Respect neighbours and property rules - Follow tenancy terms. including noise limits, parking and pet policies.
  • Allow access for inspections or repairs - Gove reasonable notice for entry when needed.
  • End tenancy responsibly - Give proper notice and leave the property in good condition.

Fees

PERMITTED PAYMENTS

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments:

1) Holding Deposit: Up to one week’s rental

2) Deposit: One month’s rental (5 weeks rental dependent on individual’s circumstances)

3) Payments for utilities (gas, electricity & water), communication services (telephone & broadband), Installation/Subscription of cable/satellite, TV licence and council tax

4) Default Fee (late payment of rent): If full Rent is not paid within 14 days or more of the Rent Due Date there will be a charge 3% plus the Bank of England base interest rate of the full rental amount until full payment is received

5) Default Fee (breach of tenancy agreement, any other permitted payments, under relevant legislation including contractual damages): For any breach of the tenancy agreement based on the reasonably incurred costs of the agent or landlord

6) Replacement of keys, fobs or other security devices

7) Default Fee (changes to the tenancy): An administrative charge of £50.00 or greater for any assignment, variation or novation of the tenancy agreement made at the tenant’s request (only if agreed by The Landlord and/or The Landlord’s Agent)

8) Payments in respect of early termination of a tenancy agreement at the tenant’s request


TENANT PROTECTION

First 4 Lettings is a member of Client Money Protect which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of PRS (Property Redress Scheme), which is a redress scheme.