New & Existing

• All our properties are fully inspected to ensure that they are well-presented and clean.
• There are no hidden fees – all costs are clearly advised before applying for a Tenancy.
• We only use reputable and reliable contractors and provide an out of hours service for emergencies.
• We will support you throughout your tenancy, not just when you move in and move out.
• All our staff are fully conversant with current legislation.
• We work hard to search for properties that will be suitable for your individual requirements.

Application forms

Download one of our Tenancy Application or Guarantor Application forms by clicking on the links below:

Tenancy Application Form / Guarantor Application Form

Finding a property

Our up to date list of available properties can be found on our website and also on our Rightmove page.  When we receive a new instruction from a landlord our first job is to contact existing applicants that have previously registered with us and can be found on our internal database – make sure you don’t miss out by registering with us online today.

Arranging a viewing

Once you have identified a property you like, please contact us by;

Phone – 01449 616666 or Email: [email protected]

We are committed to a quick response as we know that efficiency is crucial. We will do our best to accommodate you and arrange access so you can view the property at your earliest convenience. A copy of the EPC will be available to you upon request or alternatively you can search online via the EPC Register.

The application procedure

Once you have found a property that you would like to apply for you will be asked to fill in an application Form (which can be found above). You will also be asked to provide your passport or ID card / share code etc for non UK passport holders (in order to comply with the right to rent regulations). You will also be required to provide us with a proof of address (bank statement, utility bill or payslip etc) which is dated in the last 30 days. In order to reserve the property a holding deposit equal to one weeks rent will need to be paid in cash or by bank transfer (this amount will be deducted from your deposit when you move into the property).

Providing a guarantor

Where the tenant is a student or not currently in full time employment, the tenant can have a Financial Guarantor to agree to underwrite any rent, utility bills, breakages, and liabilities. A guarantor might be required in the event the tenant has been in employment for less than 12 months. Normally the Financial Guarantor would be the parents or relative; sometimes an employer; the only requirement being that they must be a property owner be over 18 years of age and have proof of sufficient income or savings to support your application. The guarantor will be responsible for paying for any monies outstanding as a result of the tenancy.

The contract

At this stage the following information is agreed with the landlord: –

• The date of the commencement of the tenancy
• Additional fixtures and fittings in the property if required
• Any other questions you may have relating to the tenancy

You will then sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (usually for 6 months, sometimes the landlord will offer 12 months), once you have entered into a Tenancy Agreement you are legally bound to the contract until the end of the Tenancy Agreement. Therefore at this stage you must be very sure that you want to proceed with the property and that you have read the contract very carefully. Joint tenancies can be agreed from the outset of the tenancy. Each tenant is then responsible jointly and individually for meeting the terms of the tenancy in full including paying the rent. Therefore if one joint tenant leaves the property before the end of the tenancy without your agreement and you cannot recover the rent due from him, the remaining tenant will be responsible for paying the full rent. As a tenant, if you wish to terminate your tenancy before the expiry of the contract, you have the two following options:

• Continue to pay the rent until the end of the tenancy.
• Request the landlord’s permission for us to re-market the property (landlord has the right to refuse this option). If agreed you will be liable for the rent until a new, suitable tenant is found and put in place.

At this stage you will also be provided with a copy of the EPC, Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable), the Department for Communities & Local Government How to rent booklet and the TDS What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Deposit and first month’s rent

When signing the contract the tenant will be asked to provide one month’s rent in advance and any rent due on a pro rata basis to the 1st of the month. Following this the rent will be due on the first of each month for the duration of the tenancy. You will be given a standing order form to complete and take to your bank with our account details. A deposit is also required before taking occupation; this will be five weeks rent (max).

Shorts Property People hold all our managed property deposits in a deposit account and registered with the TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) The Dispute Service; however if the property is ‘let only’ the landlord may hold the deposit separately in an approved scheme. The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, or other household liabilities. The deposit cannot be used by the tenant to cover rent. The deposit and rent should be paid in cleared funds i.e. cash or as a bank transfer. Tenants will not be able to move into the property without cleared funds. The deposit will be returned back to the tenant at the end of the Tenancy Agreement after Countywide Properties have inspected the property, provided the property is returned in the same condition as it was taken (allowing for general wear and tear). The property is checked against the inventory that was drawn up (and signed) at the beginning of the tenancy; we will check the property in the presence of the tenant and asses any damages and deductions which may be due.

Tenant Fees