Tennant Q&As

Once you have seen a property that you want to rent, you’ll need to pop into the office take away the necessary paperwork and complete an application form. We do not charge a holding deposit.

We will require a minimum of two references per person. An employment or accountant’s reference, previous landlord address and a character reference. You will also need to supply a form of ID – eg passport or photo driving licence – and proof of residency at current address.

The referencing can take between 2 – 5 working days depending how quickly the referees respond.

If references aren’t satisfactory, we may require a guarantor. Or if you are self-employed and don’t meet the criteria, or your employment contract term is less than the tenancy or not in full time employment. The guarantor will be referenced as above. No charges are made for using a guarantor.

On the day that you sign your contract you will need to pay us in cleared funds, one month’s rental in advance and a dilapidations deposit equating to 1 months rent, or a maximum of 5 weeks.

Colwills do NOT charge a holding deposit, neither do we charge for use of guarantor.

Colwills also have the right to charge the following permitted payments:-

£50 incl VAT administration fee for any changes to the tenancy (when requested by the tenant)

Early termination fee (only when agreed in writing from the landlord), £50 incl VAT administration fee plus any agreed reasonable costs (as agreed with landlord)

Lost Keys / Security Devices; replacement will be charged at cost to the tenant.

Late rent. Colwills reserve the right to charge interest; this can be added to each day after the rent due date (activated from day 15 of rent arrears), charged at an annual percentage rate of +3% above the Bank of England base rate until full payment is made.

Usually an assured shorthold tenancy. But it could be a contractual agreement depending on your situation and the landlord’s.

The minimum term of tenancy is 6 months, however this can vary depending on the landlord’s instructions. Longer terms can be secured.

Not within any original fixed term tenancy. But check with us with regard to extensions of tenancies.

Basically, to pay your rent and all bills in relation to the property; and to return the property and gardens in the same condition as when you moved in. It’s also your responsibility to inform the landlord or agent of any maintenance issues affecting the property.

Depending on the level of service we provide for the owner, it could be the landlord or us.

All deposits are registered with the DPS, Deposit Protection Service.

If we manage the property, we’ll try to return it within 7 – 10 working days after you vacate. But it depends if there are any dilapidation issues: if there are, we will provide you with details within 30 days.

We offer two types of service for our Landlords; Let only and fully managed- for further information on what each includes contact a member or our lettings team.

Our costs for each are as follows:

Let Only fee is the equivalent of the first month’s rent, subject to a minimum fee of £500. (Inclusive of VAT).

Fully Managed comes with an initial set up fee of £500 and a rolling fee of 15% (including VAT) per month of the rent thereafter.

*Please note that the above charges are indicative and may vary depending on the type, age and condition of property.