Why Home Leasing

- Home Leasing Letting Agents have traded continuously for twenty years

- Members of ARLA for over sixteen years

- Fully bonded client and deposit account, your money is safe regardless of circumstances

- We prepare inventories and check in and out tenants for the vast majority of our tenancies

- Mediation sevice in the rare event of a Landlord Tenant dispute

- We specialise in quality accommodation, from studios to family homes and executive properties

- Extensive portfolio of good quality student/multiple occupancy properties

- Dedicated property management departments for prompt resolution of any problems

- Home Leasing is an Appointed Representative of Letsure Ltd and can provide tenant insurance as required.

- Member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, administered by the Dispute Service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What references will I need to supply?

Home Leasing usually require a bank status enquiry plus references from your current employer and previous Landlord. If circumstances dictate that you are unable to supply these, i.e. you are a student, we will expect you to provide a guarantor

What is a status enquiry?

We will give you a form to send to your bank. This authorises them to provide us with a financial reference. Your bank may deduct a small fee from your account for providing this service

How long will I be guarantor and what are my responsibilities?

The guarantor is responsible for the financial & contractual obligations of the tenant for the duration of the Tenancy and any statutory renewal thereafter. Bearing in mind that the tenancy is 'joint and several', each tenant will usually have their own guarantor

How long is the tenancy?

The Tenancy will be for a fixed term as agreed between you and the Landlord, it is normally between 6 to 12 months. If you wish to stay it is either renewed for another fixed term or becomes periodic i.e. it runs on month to month

Will the property be furnished?

All properties are different; Most properties in Brighton and Hove are usually unfurnished or part furnished, but will generally include a cooker and white goods. If you are unsure you must contact Home Leasing to confirm the level of furnishing. No property furnished or otherwise will include items such as saucepans, crockery, bedding or towels.

What payments are due before I can move in?

Home Leasing require at least one months rent in advance plus a dilapidations deposit as well as an administration fee. All payments must be paid in cleared funds prior to the commencement of the tenancy

What are cleared funds?

The preferred methods are bankers draft or a building society counter cheque. Home Leasing will accept personal cheques however these need ten working days to clear prior to the commencement of the tenancy

What is the administration fee?

This is a payment by the tenants towards the cost of preparing the tenancy agreement, preparing and checking the Inventory, registering the deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and taking up references.

What is the dilapidations deposit?

This is money held on deposit by Home Leasing until the end of the tenancy. It is repaid provided you have abided by the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement. Any remedial work or cleaning needed will be deducuted from your deposit prior to its return. Home Leasing is a member of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme, as required by law. Please note that tenants cannot use dilapidations deposit to settle outstanding rent.

How should the monthly rent be paid?

Rent should be paid by Standing Order. We do not accept cash owing to the security risk for the offices. If you intend to pay by personal cheque these must be received at least 5 working days before the rent due date. If you intend to pay rent on behalf of a tenant you MUST quote their name and property reference.

What are the cleanliness standards and requirements?

All properties are cleaned prior to a new tenancy. At the end of the tenancy you are expected to leave the property at the same standard as it was received in (fair wear and tear excepted). If the standard has not been met Home Leasing will employ cleaners at your expense.

What are the check-in and check-out?

A check-in will be conducted at the start of the tenancy. This is to confirm the accuracy of the inventory, the condition of the property and meter readings. The information recorded at the check-in is then used at the check-out. You will receive a letter from Home Leasing prior to check-out explaining end of tenancy procedures.

What is the inventory?

The inventory is a full record of items, furniture and decor in the property along with an indication of their condition at check-in.

Who is responsible for maintenance, how do I report problems?

Home Leasing manage most properties they rent and will coordinate all of the maintenance. Occasionally your landlord may do his own management, though Home Leasing will often still be responsible for co-ordinating the repairs. One tenant should consolidate a list of queries and jobs requiring our attention and email or telephone the list to us as soon as possible

Will the property have a gas safety certificate?

Yes, by law all properties require a certificate for each appliance i.e. boiler, cooker, and fire.

Will the property have an electrical safety certificate?

Yes where required. At present only properties that require an HMO licence need to have a safety certificate.

Will smoke detectors be fitted?

Smoke detectors will be fitted when required by law i.e. for HMO's.

What is an HMO licence?

HMO stands for houses in multiple occupation. Licences are required for properties that contain five or more tenants on three or more floors with two or more families. All qualifying property managed by Home Leasing will comply with the licencing conditions.

Who organizes the utilities?

You are responsible for all utilities unless specifically informed otherwise. Please note that Home Leasing always inform Southern Water and the local authority of the change in occupancy. However you must make your own arrangements for gas, electricity & telephone. Current suppliers can be confirmed by calling: For gas 0870 6081524 (TRANSCO) For electricity (NPAS) 08701963082. You are free to change the supplier if you so wish.

Will I need insurance?

Tenants are expected to have a suitable contents insurance joint policy which covers the landlord's fixtures and fittings against accidental damage. Therefore, if you accidentally burn a carpet the repair/replacement will be covered by the insurance. Your landlord is responsible for the building insurance. Home Leasing can provide tenant insurance as required.

Can I decorate?

You may not decorate without the prior agreement of your Landlord, if permission is granted it must be to the required standard.

Can I hang my pictures & posters?

You may, but only with picture hooks. Blu Tac and other adhesive materials likely to damage paintwork are not permitted under any circumstances.