For tenants, trying to find a new place to rent can be a daunting exercise. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from tenants. If we didn't cover anything or, there are any further questions that you have as a tenant, then please give us a call. 

1. What happens to my deposit?

We place your deposit in a government approved deposit scheme. At the end of the tenancy you will receive your deposit back providing that you have paid the rent, outstanding bills and have not damaged the property. 

2. I have a CCJ, will I be able to rent through you?

Many of our landlords understand that people fall into financial difficulty. The most important thing is that you advise us of all of the details as early as possible.

3. After the initial term, can I stay in the property?

We will contact you towards the end of your tenancy and see if you would like to stay. If you do want to stay, we will prepare a new agreement for you and the landlord to sign.

4. Will the rent go up?

If you stay in a property for a considerable period of time, you should expect that the landlord will want to increase the rent. Should this be the case, we will discuss with you what the new rent will be.

5. Do I need insurance?

The landlord will be responsible for insuring the property. You will need to take out insurance to cover any items and personal possessions you have at the property. You should also consider insuring against any accidental damage that you might cause to the property.

6. What are my responsibilities as a tenant?

The tenancy agreement is an important document and is the contract between you and the landlord. It is important that you act in accordance with the agreement at all times and that you meet your responsibilities as a tenant. When you move in, we will also provide you with useful help and guidance to ensure you are safe and enjoy your new home.

7. Can the landlord enter my home?

The landlord or Aspire (as their agent) will need to conduct periodic inspections of the property. We will arrange a mutually agreeable time with you ahead of any visits to the property.

8. What if I find any damage or maintenance issues in the property?

We will provide you with contact numbers to report any maintenance issues. It is important that you report issues as soon as you identify them, so your landlord can arrange for appropriate repairs. If you are responsible for any damage to the property then you would be expected to pay for the repair.

9. Am I responsible for bills?

You will be responsible for all utility bills, the cost of TV licensing and council tax.

10. Do I need a guarantor?

Under certain situations we may ask you to provide a guarantor. This normally happens where you have a credit history such as a CCJ or there are some other concerns about your ability to make the rent payments.

11. What does tenant referencing involve?

When you apply to rent a property through us, we are required to carry out some checks to verify certain information regarding matters such as your financial position and credit history. As you go through the application process we will explain exactly what these checks entail. 

12. Can I redecorate or make any changes to the property?

You can only make decorative changes to the property with the written consent of your landlord. You will normally be asked to return the property to its original decorative condition at the end of your tenancy.

13. What about wear and tear?

You are expected to return the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition that you received at the start after allowing for normal wear and tear associated with living in the property.

14. Am I allowed to keep a pet?

You can only keep a pet if the tenancy agreement provides you with consent to do so. If you intend to keep a pet at the property, you must notify us when going through the application process.

15. What happens if I am going to be late with my rent or I can’t pay my rent?

If you believe that your rent will be late or you can’t pay the rent then you should contact us as soon as possible.

16. Are there any penalties if I vacate the property before the end of the lease?

A tenancy agreement is a legal contract which you should not break. Even if you vacate the property, you will be liable for the rent according to the terms of your agreement. If there is a valid reason for you to leave the property before the end of the tenancy then please contact us and we will discuss your requirements with you.

17. How long do I have to wait until I get my deposit back at the end of the tenancy?

At the end of the tenancy we will need to conduct an inspection of the property and ensure all outstanding rent and bills have been paid. Once we have done this, we will return your deposit to you. Under normal conditions, a deposit is returned within 2-4 weeks following the end of the tenancy.

18. How much deposit do I need to pay?

You should plan on placing between 4 and 5 weeks rent as a deposit,

19. How do I pay the rent?

You should set up a standing order with your bank to ensure the rent is received by the relevant due date.

20. Is there an application fee that I have to pay?

In accordance with legislation, from June 1 2019, tenants will not be charged an application fee. 

Want to know more?

Don't understand all the 'jargon' involved in renting? then see our jargon buster blog.

Want to know if you can rent with a poor credit history?