Tenants

Coast to Country Lettings and Property Management based in Seaford are flexible to each tenant’s needs. We are dedicated to finding you the right property. Our transparent way of doing business means that you can always expect:

  • Affordable admin fees
  • No charge for tenancy renewals
  • Maintenance cover
  • Easy application process
  • A friendly and personable approach
  • We are here to help you every step of the way
  • No hidden charges

 

Coast to Country Lettings are regulated by The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) Licence No: A5058 and registered as a SAFE agent and part of a Client Protection Money Scheme, Registration No: S5374.

Coast to Country lettings are Members of the Property Redress Scheme, Membership No: PRS000623


We have experience with Coast To Country Letting services from both sides of looking for property ourselves and having our current residence shown to potential new tenants. In both instances Coast To Country have been very courteous and efficient and they have always kept us informed and tried not to interrupt our daily living more than necessary. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to friends.
Owen & Louise, 2 bedroom bungalow, Peacehaven (tenants)


FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY
We want to assist tenants to find properties to rent that will meet their needs so we will conduct a brief interview with you over the phone or via email to find out your property requirements. We will then match your requirements to properties currently available with our lettings database. Additionally, we will make you aware of new properties as they become available via email, phone or text message. Properties to rent do generally become available about two months before occupancy date, so we would advise you to start looking early.

VIEWINGS
Once you have decided on any properties that suit you, we will arrange viewings at times convenient to you (subject of course, to the landlords permission). Prospective tenants are always accompanied on viewings so we can answer any questions, give you advice and find out which features you may or may not like about the property. We do ask that you bring proof of identification/current address with you. This will speed up the application process should you wish to go ahead. A courtesy car is available should transport be a problem.

APPLICATION
Once you have decided on your preferred property we will ask you to complete a written application form and provide us with the required application fees. It will not, however, be refunded if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if the tenancy fails to proceed due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the tenancy application. We will take references on behalf of the landlord, normally these will include your employer, any former landlord and a character reference. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. If you are unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the landlord may agree to you having a guarantor to underwrite any rent liabilities. Upon receipt of satisfactory references and landlord approval we will provide a tenancy agreement which must be carefully read and signed by all tenants before occupancy of the property.

DEPOSIT
A deposit (or ‘bond’) will be required prior to occupation. This will be a minimum of one month’s rent. Where we are managing the property, this deposit will be held in accordance with new legislation and forwarded to an authorized custodial body being the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) . Where we are not managing the property any tenancy deposit which is required will be taken by the landlord who must also deal with the deposit in accordance with an authorized scheme. The deposit will be used in the event of any damage, rent arrears or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing, at the end of the tenancy we will check the property in the presence of the tenant and assess any damages and deductions due. Please note that the deposit cannot be used by the tenant to cover rent. An additional deposit maybe requested in respect of pets.

FEES
We charge a fee of £199 (inc VAT) for a single applicant, £150.00 per applicant (inc VAT) for two or more applicants, £85.00 (inc VAT) per guarantor (if required), and a £51.00 (inc VAT) per property check-in/check-out fee which includes set up of utility accounts.  (Applicants are classed as adults over the age of 18). A guarantor will always be requested for applicants under 21 years old and applicants claiming housing benefit.  A fee of £60 (plus VAT) will be charged if a tenancy contract was to be broken or changed during a fixed term.  Letters sent concerning breaches of tenancy are charged @ £25 (plus VAT) per letter and any payment returned by the bank or re-presented by the bank are charged @ £25 (plus VAT). Copy of inventory charged @ £35 (plus VAT).We do not charge any additional fees during your tenancy and do not charge for tenancy renewals.  

INVENTORY AND ROUTINE VISITS
Before commencement of the tenancy we will conduct a full survey of the property and compile a comprehensive inventory of all fixtures and fittings. This is a vital document for both landlords and tenants and prevents any disputes arising at the end of the rental term. During the tenancy we will conduct professional routine visits of the property every three months to ensure any damage or loss which may have occurred is documented. These visits will also give you the opportunity of raising any problems. You will always be given notification when an inspection is due to be conducted.

UTILITIES
Supplies of electricity, gas and water will be transferred into your name on commencement of your rental contract. They will be your responsibility throughout the duration of the tenancy and we will require copies of receipted final invoices for all utility accounts at the end of your tenancy.

TELEPHONE
When moving into your rental property, you will be responsible for making your own application to BT or another supplier for any phone or broadband connection you require. You will be liable for all telephone bills relating to the time you occupy the property.

COUNCIL TAX
The tenant is responsible for making payments to the council for tax charges. This can be paid monthly or annually by cheque, standing order or direct debit and should be arranged directly with the council. The tenant is solely responsible for any charges that may occur as a result of non-payment.

RENTAL PAYMENTS
Your rental payments will be made monthly in advance, usually by standing order from your bank or building society. Any additional costs or charges should be paid before commencement of the tenancy.

KEYS
One set of keys per tenant will be issued on commencement of the rental agreement. You are responsible for ensuring the property is secure and locked at all times when no one is at home. All additional household keys will be marked and left in the kitchen. Coast to Country also retains a set of keys to the property.

APPLIANCES
All electrical and gas appliances including fridges, freezers, ovens, hobs, dishwashers, washing machines etc. should be clean, serviced and in good working order. Your landlord is responsible for complying with any applicable safety regulations. Service contracts, warranties and guarantees may be held on certain appliances by the landlord.

GARDENS
If the rental property includes a garden, the tenant is responsible for keeping it in good order during their lease. The landlord should have provided appropriate tools for lawn cutting, weeding and the maintenance of any trees, shrubs or flowers present.

SAFETY REGULATIONS
All properties will comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) regulations and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations, where applicable.

PROPERTY REPAIRS
We want you to be happy in your rental property and, where managing, will deal with any arising problems quickly and efficiently, therefore any faults or repairs must be reported as soon as possible. We use only professional, respected tradesmen to carry out any necessary maintenance or repairs.


OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE CONTACT

General Emergency
An out of hour’s service is available in the event of an emergency. Faults are classified as either routine or emergency.Routine repairs should be reported to our office for attention during normal office hours.
Definition of an Emergency that may require immediate attention: Where lives or health are at risk or there is serious risk to the property.
The following problems are examples of the type of situation that would be considered to be an                                   emergency:

  • total loss of electric power;
  • unsafe, broken or missing electrical fitting (not simply defective) comprising a dangerous fault that is immediately life threatening;
  • total loss of gas supply or gas leak on the property side of the meter;
  • blocked, damaged or defective flue to an open fire or gas appliance;
  • loss of heating or hot water (in particular those with medical conditions, tenants aged over 60 or those with young children)
  • blocked toilet pan if only one in house, soil stack or blocked foul drain;
  • leak from a water supply pipe, heating pipe, tank or cistern;

REPAIR NOTICE TO TENANTS: Please note that you must not authorise any repairs to the property or incur any unauthorised expenses without contacting our recommended contractor in the first instance. The cost of any work authorised by you or someone acting on your behalf conducted without our agreement may not be reimbursed, and especially in instances where the event is not considered to be an emergency. Please note that we accept no responsibility for any problems that may occur doing self-help repairs.

TENANT WARNING: Please be careful when calling out our engineers out of hours or over public holiday periods. If the repair is not deemed as an emergency you as the tenant will be liable for any emergency call out charges.

Contact numbers in the event of an emergency:

  • Leave It To Me Property Services on 01273 612 342 or 07778 103611 (plumbing, heating/hot water, gas)
  • I.B.S Electrical Services (electrical emergencies) 07803179557
  • Smell gas? Please call the National Grid as a matter of urgency 0800 111 999
  • Power cut? Please check your fuse box first ( to make sure it hasn’t tripped), otherwise call UK Power Networks on 0800 783 8866 or 0333 202 2023 (from a mobile phone)
  • 999 for Police, Ambulance or Fire Service

No guarantee can be given for response times of local contractors. Sometimes delays are unavoidable due to availability and the time of year.