Tenant information
Helping you find the perfect property
Daava Estates assists tenants to find properties to rent that will precisely meet their requirements. We maintain a database of properties available to rent and also of prospective tenants and what they want from their new home. As properties become available, our first action is to contact waiting tenants on the database, whose requirements match the property. Typically, properties to rent become available about 1-2 months before occupancy date, so where possible we advise tenants to start looking early.
E-mail Update Service
Registering with us will subscribe to our automated e-mail update service. Every time we add a new property to our system that matches your criteria we will send you an e-mail with a property URL attachment, notifying property is available to view on our website.
SMS Service
We have introduced a SMS Mobile System that sends text messages to your mobile with upto date property details. Leave your mobile number in the Registration Form.
Viewings
Having identified a potentially suitable property, we will arrange a viewing for you. Our viewing times are between 10:00am • 18:00 pm , six days a week and are naturally subject to the landlord’s or current tenant’s permission. Every viewing is accompanied by a member of staff who will be able to provide immediate advice and answer any questions that you may have.
We are an equal opportunities housing provider
It is our policy to let our properties in full compliance with anti-discrimination laws. We do not discriminate against any person because of their race, colour, ethnic origin, sex, age, marital or family status, physical disability or sexual orientation.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The majority of tenancies we create take the form of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). This is a type or sub-group of an assured tenancy, but with the AST, the landlord has the right to recover the property at the end of the fixed term, provided that the proper notices have been served on the tenant. An AST is the most common form of tenancy granted today and most tenancies automatically become one unless the landlord specifies otherwise.
It is essential that you thoroughly read and understand all of the clauses contained within the tenancy agreement prior to commencement, as there are many obligations that you will be expected to understand and abide by contained within this contract (such as paying the rent and maintaining the property).
Tenancy length
Most tenancy agreements are for an initial fixed term of 6 or 12 months.
After the initial fixed term has ended and if both parties are agreed, then the tenancy will shift to a periodic tenancy. This means that the tenancy will continue as before with the same terms and conditions as stated in the assured shorthold tenancy agreement but with a two months notice period on either side. This notice must expire at the end of the period of the tenancy. Alternatively we can agree a new fixed term of 6 or 12 months.
Valid photo identification and proof of address
In order for us to verify your identity you must be able to provide us with current photo identification, for example a drivers licence or passport. This must be an original identification document that we can copy and attach to your application. We also require proof of your current address in the form of a recent utility bill or bank statement (within last 3 months), tenancy agreement or driving licence.
Application and references
Having decided on a property, you will need to complete a written application form. At this time any details or requirements can be provisionally agreed, such as commencement date and duration of the initial fixed term.
All tenancy applications are evaluated in the same manner, and each adult applicant (over the age of 18 years) must voluntarily provide us with information, which will enable us to conduct references and a credit report. Any false or incomplete information will result in the denial of your application. We will verify the information provided on each tenancy application through our own screening process and with the assistance of an independent tenant-screening firm. We require a sum of £30.00 per applicant to pay for the referencing and credit report. This is refundable providing the referencing has been sucessful.
Holding deposit
On application, a holding deposit will be required. This is usually a sum of £100.00. Assuming the rental proceeds, this will be deducted from the invoice due before occupation. If Daava Estates or the landlord decline your application then it will be refunded. However, this will not be refunded if you decide against proceeding for any reason, or if the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application.
Income
The total combined monthly gross income of all tenancy applicants in a given property must be approximately three times the monthly rent. Only income that can be verified will count. We expect all applicants with income to provide at least three years of continuous employment. Full-time students are welcome if the total applicants’ combined income is sufficient or they have a guarantor. You must provide proof of source of income if unemployed or three years of accounts if self-employed.
Joint tenancies
It is important to remember that all adult tenants are joint and severally liable. This means that each tenant can be held responsible for the payment of all funds due, regardless of ability to pay. Agreements must be in the names and signed by all tenants over the age of 18 who will be residing in the property.
Credit history
You must be able to demonstrate fiscal responsibility. If you have any unpaid debts, a pattern of late payment or County Court Judgements (CCJs) against you, then your application may be declined.
Rental history
Each applicant must be able to demonstrate a pattern of meeting their previous rental obligations, leaving prior properties in good condition if they have rented before. If you have ever been evicted for violating a lease then your application may be declined.
Guarantors
If you do not meet one or more of the above criteria, you may be able to qualify for a tenancy if you have a third party who can guarantee your tenancy agreement. The guarantor must also pass the same application and screening process, must be a homeowner and reside in the UK for the duration of the tenancy.
Tenancy and Administration Charge
Daava Estates charge tenants £30.00 per person for referencing and a credit report. No other administration charges are applied before the commencement of the tenancy.
Additional tenants
Any proposed additional tenants must complete a tenancy application form and be approved through this same tenant-screening process prior to occupying the rental property.
Rent
This is due one month in advance payable by bankers draft or cash for the first month only (personal cheque is acceptable if funds clear by commencement date). Subsequent payments are to be made by monthly standing order from one bank account.
Security deposit
A security deposit equivalent to one months rent is required prior to occupation. Where a pet is to reside in the property, a deposit equivalent to two months rent is required.
The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage or other tenant liabilities. Under no circumstances is the security deposit to be used as part or all of the last month’s rent.
Tenancy Deposit Protection
From the 6th April 2007, the new tenancy deposit law will be introduced to give more protection to tenants by preventing landlords and letting agents from unfairly withholding a tenants deposit. The scheme protects all Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales (covering most tenancies since 1997).
When you are signing a new tenancy agreement with your landlord, ask how your deposit will be protected. Your landlord can provide you with the contact details of the scheme protecting your deposit.
Council tax and utilities
Rental properties are usually granted on an exclusive basis. This means that all household expenses such as Council Tax, water and drainage, electricity, gas, heating oil and telephone charges are all the responsibility of the tenant unless specifically stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement.
Television
Tenants must hold a current television licence if they own a television set. If moving within the UK this is transferable from your last property, otherwise a licence can be obtained from the Post Office.
Commencement of tenancy
On commencement of tenancy all charges listed on the initial invoice are due, including the security deposit, the first months rent and administration charges. The tenancy agreement and all relevant paperwork must be signed by all relevant parties before the tenancy can commence.
Insurance
Landlords are required to insure the buildings and their own contents. Tenants must make their own arrangements for insuring their contents and possessions.
Inventory and check-in
A full ‘Inventory and Schedule of Condition’ for the property will be drawn up prior to the commencement of the tenancy if the property is managed by Daava Estates. This details the contents and condition of the whole property. When we move a new tenant in, we read through the inventory with you to make sure that you fully understand and appreciate the condition of the property. Tenants are responsible for the upkeep of the property for the duration of the tenancy and we expect you to hand back the property in the condition that it was handed to you.
Extension / renewal
Before the end of your fixed period, Daava Estates will ask each tenant and landlord whether they wish to extend the tenancy. If both parties agree, then the tenancy will be extended on a periodic tenancy and continue on a month to month basis with a notice period of two months on either side. Alternatively a new fixed term of 6 or 12 months can be agreed.
Check-out
Tenants are responsible for the upkeep of the property for the duration of the tenancy and we expect you to hand back the property in the condition it was handed to you.
If you have any queries or questions about any of the above points, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss these issues in further detail.