What reassurance do I have that Vine Lettings complies with standard codes of conduct?

Plenty. We’re licensed members of the National Approved Lettings Scheme, license number A3811. NALS is a UK wide licensing scheme for lettings and management agents offering peace of mind to landlords and tenants in knowing that Vine Lettings meets defined standards of customer service as well as having in place insurance to protect clients’ money and offering independent redress via The Property Ombudsman; membership number xxx.

What does ‘furnished’ really mean?

For a furnished property, the level of furnishing varies between one property and another, but most often it means there are basics like a table and chairs (if there is space), beds, wardrobes and perhaps a sofa. It very rarely means that you get everything right down to teaspoons, but it can happen. Either way, all the soft furnishings will have been approved as fire-safe, and the gas appliances will have been checked and approved before a tenancy can begin.

What references and checks do you carry out?

When you have found a property you’d like to rent, we will ask you for a few things. From all applicants we ask for two forms of identification one of which is photographic, a reference from a previous landlord, or if you have not rented previously we may ask you for a guarantor, a reference (status enquiry) from your bank and a credit search. If you are working, we will ask for a reference from your employer. If you are in new employment, we may also ask for a guarantor or previous employment reference. If you are self-employed we will ask to see your most recent business accounts or request an accountant’s reference and we may request a guarantor where there is no accounts history. If you are a student we will need a letter from your college or university to confirm you are a student there and a guarantor who guarantees the rent will be paid. This is a general guide and occasionally we vary these stipulations, either at our discretion, or at the request of the landlord or applicant; to ensure that a proper and fair check is made to verify the suitability of applicants for our landlords’ properties.

Once I’ve found a property I like, how soon can I move in?

Once you’ve found a property you like, we will agree a moving-in date with you, which will normally be around two weeks later to allow time for the references and credit checks to be carried out.

What does it cost to start a new tenancy?

When you have found a property you like, we’ll ask you for a £250 deposit which ensures we no longer market the property to any other applicants (per property and not per person) and our administration fee of £100 per adult which includes vat (this covers the cost of preparing the tenancy agreements, taking up references and registration of your deposit with the DPS, plus for managed properties the inventory and check-in and -out). On moving in day, you will be required to pay the balance of any deposit which is usually equal to just over 1 month’s rent, less the £250 you paid when you agreed to take the property and the first month’s rent in advance; all in cleared funds (i.e.: cash that we have had time to bank, completed bank transfer with funds showing in our account, bankers draft or debit card)

What costs am I responsible for during the tenancy?

As the tenant you are usually responsible for all bills for electricity and gas (if present), water, council tax, bills for telephone, broadband or cable TV if you want these, insuring your own possessions in the property, repair of any appliances that you have had installed and keeping the property clean and in good condition

Is there a charge if I decide to stay in the property at the end of the tenancy?

At Vine Lettings we don’t think it’s right or fair to charge fees for renewing a tenancy. Where the landlord manages the property your tenancy agreement will 'roll-on' after the first 12-months at no cost. Where Vine Lettings manages the property we will issue new tenancy agreements at no cost.

Is there a charge if a person I am sharing with leaves and is replaced by another person?

Yes. The person exiting and the person joining will each pay our administration fee of £100 which includes VAT (this covers the cost of preparing the tenancy agreements, taking up references and registration of your deposit with the DPS, plus for managed properties the inventory and check-in and -out).

Are there any other hidden, exit or second year charges?

No. Vine Lettings costs as limited to a £100 administration fee. We like to treat our tenants fairly and honourably.

How do I pay my rent?

The first month’s rent is paid at the start of the tenancy, in cleared funds on the day. (i.e.: cash that we have had time to bank, completed bank transfer with funds showing in our account, bankers draft or debit card). Further months’ rent should be paid by standing order either to your landlord or to us, and you will be given details of which to do at the start of the tenancy.

What happens if there is a problem with the property?

The landlord is usually responsible for the hot water, heating system, pipes, electricity (but they won’t change lightbulbs for you!), the structure of the building, i.e. walls, roof and any appliances that were included with the property. If the problem is with one of these items, then either call Vine Lettings or your landlord, depending on which of our services your landlord has opted for, which you will have been told at the beginning of the tenancy. If the problem is with something else, it will normally be up to you to sort it out, although if it is causing damage or sufferance to the property you should again call Vine Lettings. You can also report problems 24/7 through the Vine Lettings website and login to see the how they are being resolved.

How do I get my deposit back when I move out?

At the end of your tenancy, where Vine Lettings are managing the property, an inventory clerk will come to do the ‘check-out’, comparing the condition of the property and any contents to the inventory made at the start of the tenancy. If there are no dilapidations, your deposit will be returned within 5 working days. If the inventory identifies that dilapidations have occurred during your tenancy, your landlord may choose to withhold some of your deposit to cover the costs. In most cases, the amount to be withheld will be agreed between the tenant and the landlord, assisted by Vine Lettings where necessary and the balance will be returned to you. Where your landlord manages the property he will compare the condition of the property to the inventory he prepared for you. In both circumstances the deposit is held by the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), a government approved scheme, and will only be released with the agreement of both parties. www.depositprotection.com

What if I disagree with the amount of deposit my landlord is withholding?

The DPS run an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service which aims to resolve any dispute quickly and without the need for court action. It is an evidence-based adjudication service, but requires the consent of both parties. www.depositprotection.com

What reassurance do I have that Vine Lettings complies with standard codes of conduct? Plenty. We’re licensed members of the National Approved Lettings Scheme, license number A3811. NALS is a UK wide licensing scheme for lettings and management agents offering peace of mind to landlords and tenants in knowing that Vine Lettings meets defined standards of customer service as well as having in place insurance to protect clients’ money and offering independent redress via The Property Ombudsman; membership number xxx.

What insurance do I need?

You will need to make sure that your property is properly insured with buildings insurance, and where appropriate we advise you to let your insurer know that your property is to be let, otherwise if the worst happens you may find you will not be covered. You may also want to make sure that any furnishings and fittings are insured with adequate contents insurance, depending on their value.

How do you protect the tenancy deposit?

Vine Lettings will register all deposits with the government authorised and custodial Deposit Protection Service (our ID is 1470168)

What if agreement cannot be reached about the deposit allocation?

The DPS run an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service which aims to resolve any dispute quickly and without the need for court action. It is an evidence-based adjudication service, but requires the consent of both parties. www.depositprotection.com

What happens at the end of the tenancy?

When the end of the tenancy approaches, we start our renewals procedure to allow plenty of time for you and the tenants to decide whether you will be renewing the tenancy, whether we will begin remarketing the property for new tenants, or perhaps make plans for you to move back in.

Does the landlord pay a fee to renew the tenancy?

No. At Vine Lettings we don’t think it’s right or fair to charge fees for renewing a tenancy. Where the landlord manages the property the tenancy agreement will 'roll-on' after the first 12-months at no cost. Where Vine Lettings manages the property we will issue new tenancy agreements at no cost.

Does the landlord have to pay a second year or third year fee if the tenant remains in the property past year one?

No. At Vine Lettings we don’t think it’s right or fair to charge fees into the second or third year simply because the tenant remains in a property.

Where you are managing my tenancy and I decide I want to manage it, will you charge me a fee to ‘buy-out’ my tenant?

No. At Vine Lettings we don’t think it’s right or fair to charge fees to ‘buy-out’ tenants. Your contract with us is for a minimum of 12-months; thereafter you can serve notice without penalty.

In the event that I sell my house to my tenant will you charge me a percentage of the sale price because you introduced the tenant to me?

No. At Vine Lettings we don’t think it’s right or fair to charge fees against the sale of your house to your tenant.

Can I use my own tenancy agreement?

Vine Lettings provide a FREE Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) as part of our service to landlords. You are of course free to use your own contract.