We have listed here Tenant FAQs and will up-date this page according to the questions that are fielded from potential and current tenants.

Q: What is my application deposit for?
A: The deposit is a good well gesture on your behalf to secure your tenancy. The deposit will be transferred and form part of the deposit on granting the tenancy.

Q: Is the application deposit refundable?
A: The application deposit will be returned to you if the application for tenancy is unsuccessful.  If the applicant decides not to take the tenancy, the application deposit will not be returned to the applicant.

Q: Why are references required?
A: Employers’ references, Landlords’ references and credit checks are made to ensure that the applicant has the means to pay the rent and utility bills.  In the case of Joint tenancy or multiple occupancy properties these checks and references also help to ensure that suitable applicants (socially and financially responsible persons) are accepted as tenants.

Q: What is my deposit for?
A: Your deposit is an insurance against any damages to the Landlord's property and for any unpaid bills and rent.

Q: How much is the deposit?
A: Your deposit will depend on your prospective Landlord's decision.

Q: When can I have my deposit returned?
A: Your deposit will be returned to you at the end of your tenancy once all relevant deductions have been made. The deductions may include the cost of cleaning, payment for outstanding bills and damages.  Considerations will be made to the age and condition of items requiring replacement due to damage (excluding wear and tear). This process may take several weeks to complete. In order to speed this process ensure that all bills have been paid dated to the end of your tenancy and all payments for damages paid in full.

Q: What is fair wear and tear?
A: Fair wear and tear is the normal deterioration of an item in normal use. A deduction will be made for fair wear and tear from the value of the original item. There are various methods of accounting for damages to be paid. We may advise the Landlord of the amount to be compensated and the methods to calculate.

However, the final amount payable is the Landlord’s decision. Where the damage is not too severe to require replacement, a charge can be made towards its premature future replacement.

Protect yourself against theft and accidental damage to your possessions and landlords property with Tenant's insurance.

Q: What happens before we leave the property?
A: A final inspection of the property should carried out to ensure that all possessions have been removed from the premises and the property is clean and tidy. Remove all junk mail and black bags containing rubbish generated in the move out.  All black bags of rubbish should have been disposed of in the normal rubbish collection cycle.

All carpets should have been vacuumed as well as under any moveable furniture. The original lampshades fitted with working light bulbs. Bedroom doors wiped down. Wardrobes, chest of drawers and desks are emptied and dusted. All floors should be swept and mopped.

Bathroom toilet cleaned, shower curtain washed and rehung, bathtub, sink and taps are cleaned. Bathroom and Kitchen wall tiles and grout cleaned. Kitchen appliances degreased and thoroughly cleaned. The fridge and freezer are to be switched off and the freezer defrosted. The fridge and freezer must be emptied and cleaned. The doors of the fridge and the freezer are to be free of labels, magnets and stickers and be left ajar.

All bins must be emptied and cleaned. All black bags of rubbish should have been disposed of in the normal rubbish collection cycle. Remove all stickers, posters, and/or tape from all walls.

Q: What is the procedure for the return of keys?
A: All keys for the property must be returned in order to hand these to the next tenants. Failure to do so would mean that new keys must be cut. You will be charged for the replacements.

Q: Evidence of bill payment, what is the reason?
A: We need the proof that all the utility bills have been settled to prevent the new tenants being chased for bills that do not relate to them. It is VITAL that all bills cover the complete tenancy period. You should contact the utility provider with the meter readings and to inform them that the bill must be dated for the final date of the tenancy.

Please submit the original copy of the bills showing one of the following: Zero bills dated the last date of your tenancy, Bills dated the final date of your tenancy with a post office stamp indicating payment or a bills which shows credit dated to the last day of your tenancy.

Q: What happens when one of my guests damages the Landlord's property?
A: If you do not have Tenant Insurance. You are responsible for you and your visitors’ actions. You are liable for cost of the damage. It is advisable to take out adequate Tenant Insurance cover against losses through theft or accidental damages. 

Q: What is the Landlord responsible for?
A: Your landlord is responsible for:

• Repairs to structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water installations, basins, sinks, baths and sanitary installations.
• The Safety of gas and electrical appliances provided.
• The fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided by the Landlord.
• Maintaining the house in a habitable condition.

Q: What is a habitable condition?
A: The Housing Act provides guidelines as to determine whether a dwelling is fit for human habitation. Namely, the property has to be in good physical repair, free from damp, have natural light in each bedroom and living room, adequate ventilation, clean water supply, proper drainage and sanitary conveniences; to have facilities for the storage, preparation and cooking of food.

Q: What am I responsible for?
A: You are responsible for:

• Prompt payment of the rent.
• Prompt payment of gas, electricity, telephone and Internet bills.
• You are also responsible for early reporting of damages and items requiring repairs.
• You are required to be a responsible citizen and respect the needs of your neighbors.