Tenant FAQs

Before any referencing begins you will be asked to complete a form. As part of the referencing process we will request certain details from you, including:

• Details of your current and previous address
• Proof of current address
• Details of your employment
• Confirmation of your income
• Identification of who you are
• Details of your right to live and work in the UK
• We may also ask for bank statements and payslips
• Contact details for your landlord
• Copy of your current tenancy agreement

These documents will allow us to complete our pre-tenancy process by collecting references from your current landlord and employer and completing a credit check and any visa checks if relevant.

You may be asked to provide a guarantor. The same reference checks are then carried out for your guarantor as were done for you.

Before you move in Northwood (or the Landlord) will have had an inventory prepared. This document, describes the condition of the property and anything left behind by the landlord. By both parties agreeing that the inventory is correct at the start of the tenancy, any risk of disputes at the end of the tenancy will be minimised.

A tenancy deposit is used to cover the cost of damage that might incur during the tenancy. The detailed inventory produced at the beginning of the tenancy is used in conjunction with subsequent inspection reports and will be used to assess whether deductions from the deposit are necessary.  Deductions are  used to cover the cost of professional cleaning, damage above fair wear and tear, non-payment of rent and any outstanding expenses as detailed in your tenancy agreement.

It is a legal requirement that the tenancy deposit is registered with a Government approved deposit scheme after it has been paid, apart from company lets. Northwood have produced a Tenant guide to tenancy deposit protection which explains in simple terms what is required.

Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that sets out your rights and obligations during the tenancy. It will be signed by you and your landlord, or the landlord’s representative. For more details on the different types of tenancy agreements refer to our Tenant handbook.

Although Northwood initially notify the utility companies if we manage the property, it is your responsibility to ensure that your account is set up and your bills paid. It is a good idea to also take meter readings both when you move in and when you move out.

You are normally responsible for paying the council tax during the tenancy (as long as this is stated in the Tenancy Agreement).

If the landlord provides a television then they are expected to pay for the TV licence. The responsibility on who has to pay for the licence is usually stated in the Tenancy Agreement. Otherwise the responsibility sits with you.

Your landlord is responsible for insuring the building and their possessions but you may want to take out your own contents insurance. You can get specialist Tenant insurance from Northwood Insurance Services.

As the tenant you are expected to

• Pay the rent on time
• Pay the council tax
• Pay all the utility bills and the TV licence unless otherwise agreed
• Do general household and garden maintenance
• Dispose of all rubbish
• Clean the windows
• Carry out basic maintenance* such as replacing light bulbs
•  Keep the property secure at all times
• Advise of any repairs or maintenance needed as soon as it arises
• Not create unnecessary noise for neighbours
• Ventilate property

You should advise us of any repairs or maintenance needed as soon as it arises. We will contact your landlord and discuss next steps. If the landlord is on our managed service we will take responsibility for liaising with any appointed contractors. Many of our offices have an online repair and maintenance reporting system to speed up the process.

You must be given at least 24 hours’ notice if access is required. The exception is an emergency – the details of the most common emergencies and details of who is responsible can be found in the Tenant handbook. 

Any problems that may affect the potential payment of rent should be notified to the relevant office straight away. You may be charged a fee for late payment of rent – details of the exact charges that apply can be found on the fees page for the relevant office and in the fee guide you were given at the beginning of the tenancy

At the checkout, the property and its contents will be assessed and compared to the initial inventory and subsequent inspection reports.  The expectation is that the property is left in the same condition in which it was let to you – allowing for Fair wear and tear.

Any deductions from the tenancy deposit should be agreed. The formalities of how and when the deposit is returned will depend on the provider that protects the deposit. You can refer to the Tenant guide to tenancy deposit protection for more information.

You must notify your bank to cancel the standing order (we can’t do this for you)