Identification and references

When drawing up the tenancy agreement EJ Harris will need to obtain references from all tenants moving in to the property. Once obtained these will be forwarded to the landlord so a decision can be made on granting the tenancy.

We use a credit referencing agency called keysafetv.com

We require 2 forms of identification ie:
a full valid Passport, Driving License, utility bill or bank statement

Right to rent

In accordance with the Immigration Act 2014 you will be asked to provide appropriate documents to demonstrate your Right to Rent in England. For further information please refer to the following document: Right-to-Rent-Guidance.pdf

Change of Tenant

If there is any change of name on the tenancy once the contract has been signed it is your responsibility to obtain written consent from the landlord if he is in agreement.

Once we are in receipt of this consent we will obtain identification and references as outlined above and once passed we will draw up and an amended tenancy agreement that will need to be signed by all parties.

We charge an administration fee of £50.00.

Deposit

A deposit that is equal to 5 weeks agreed rent needs to be paid in full when the tenancy agreement is signed. EJ Harris holds the deposit as a Stakeholder for the duration of the tenancy, in accordance with the terms of the tenancy. Where applicable EJ Harris will register the deposit monies with a deposit protection scheme on the landlord’s behalf and will issue a registration certificate to both tenant and landlord.

EJ Harris excludes liability in relation to loss caused by the insolvency of a financial institution which holds deposits in its contracts with landlords and tenants.

Deposit deductions must be agreed by both the landlord and the tenant(s) when the tenancy is terminated. As the tenancy agreement is between the landlord and the tenant EJ Harris cannot be held liable for any deductions taken from the deposit.

Payment of rent

The first instalment of rent must be paid in advance before the start of the tenancy directly to EJ Harris. After this initial payment rent is payable directly to the landlord via standing order (unless agreed otherwise) and must arrive on the on the due date as written in the tenancy agreement.

This means that the standing order must be arranged so that the money leaves your account three days before the rental due date.

Property Management

At the beginning of the tenancy we will tell you who is managing the property. EJ Harris is not always responsible for this.

When we manage a property we will have to obtain the landlords consent before we can agree to works being done. If we manage the property and hold keys we can provide access to the property if our contractors need to visit. We will obtain your permission for this and give as much notice as possible. If we do not hold keys or the contractor is not willing to collect keys from us, it is your responsibility to provide access.

Insurance

Throughout the tenancy, contents insurance for your own personal belongings is your responsibility.

Utilities

During the term of the tenancy, payment of council tax, telephone, gas, electricity and water are your responsibility. It is your responsibility to advise relevant companies and the local authority that you are moving in/out of the property.

You are also responsible for a valid TV licence throughout the duration of the term of the tenancy.

You may also be required during your tenancy to grant access to the utility companies.

Gas Safety Certificate

In accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1988, a Gas Safe registered engineer will check all the gas appliances, installations, flues and pipe-work and will issue a certificate.

The GSC is carried out annually and a copy will be provided to you by your Landlord or their managing agent within 28 days of the certificate being carried out.

EPC - Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England & Wales) Regulations 2007

From 1st October 2008, a prospective Tenant of a residential property has to be provided with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) free of charge at the commencement of marketing.

EPC’s must be provided by accredited energy inspectors and last for 10 years.

Anti-Money Laundering Regulations

EJ Harris is subject to the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. As a result we will need to ask you for suitable identification, and will be unable to proceed with any work on your behalf if we are unable to obtain this from you.

You are responsible for insuring your own personal possessions as these will not be included under your Landlords insurance policy.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Payment of any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) that might be due on a Tenancy Agreement is solely your responsibility as Tenant.

This is a legal obligation and HM Revenue and Customs may impose fines or penalties for failure to comply. The current Threshold is £125,000 per year. More information and guidance can be obtained from the Government website.

Data Protection

EJ Harris Limited will hold the personal information provided by the applicant in a secure manner. This information will be provided to a reference agency to enable the referencing process to proceed; to the Landlord to approve that the Tenancy may proceed; and to utility suppliers, contractors and the local authority. If the applicant is unsure of this process or wishes information withheld then he should contact our office without delay.

VAT

All charges made by EJ Harris are subject to the addition of the current rate of VAT. Currently 20%.
All fees listed above include VAT.

Change of Terms

EJ Harris reserves the right to change and or make amendment to any of these terms and fees, at our discretion.