Tenant's Guide

Renting a property can be as stressful as buying/selling a property, but with our extensive knowledge of the rental industry you can be sure that we will help you every step of the way to make the whole experience seamless.

When viewing a property of interest or recommended by one of our agents, he/she will then be responsible to look after you throughout the whole process.  If you are moving into one of our managed properties then you will be looked after by our property manager right up until the day you vacate.

All properties have a full inventory so you can be assured that your check in and out will be handled quickly and effectively.

We work closely with our landlords to make sure that every property is presented in the best possible condition on the mutually agreed move in date, we will provide you with any instructions/guide moving in, and even will help you to get to know the local area.

Maintenance issues are dealt with quickly and effectively with the least amount of disruption as possible by our property manager. Rest assured that even the smallest issue will be treated as a matter of urgency. 

Rental Charges Guide

  • The rent: as stated in the tenancy agreement.
  • A refundable tenancy deposit: capped at five weeks’ rent, where the annual cost is below £50,000.
  • A refundable holding deposit: sometimes required to reserve a property, this is capped at one week’s rent. It can be retained for a maximum of 14 days before entering into an agreement.
  • Bills: any cost associated with the running of the home, ranging from broadband and council tax to energy.
  • Changes to the contract mid-tenancy: if requested by the tenant, these are now capped at £50.
  • Late rent fee: interest can be charged at no more than 3% above the Bank of England’s base rate for each day the payment remains outstanding, and only after 14 days.
  • Repairs: these should be charged at a ‘reasonable cost’ and evidence should be provided for the cost of repairs and replacement, during or at the end of a tenancy agreement. 
  • The rent: as stated in the tenancy agreement.
  • A refundable tenancy deposit: Equivalent to 1 week’s rent.
  • And deposit: equivalent to 5 weeks rent.
  • Companies seeking to rent a property: Will be required to pay £300 (No VAT) for the completion of a Company Reference carried out by an independent referencing agency.
  • Payments to other third parties: such as Council Tax, utilities or payments for communications services;
  • Default Charges: such as payments for the replacement of lost keys or interest on overdue rent may be applied.
  • Tenancy Changes: such as requests to vary the terms of or reassign the tenancy may also be applied which will be limited to £50 (No VAT).

We may consider numerous tenancy applications for a property but will not collect a Holding Deposit until initial enquiries have been completed and the Landlord’s approval to proceed to formal referencing for a specific party has been obtained.

Holding Deposits will be paid towards the Tenancy Deposit upon commencement of the Tenancy where successful referencing and statutory checks have been completed.

A Holding Deposit will be retained by Town & Country where a prospective tenant:

  1. Withdraws from contract before entering into the tenancy agreement
  2. Provides false information for referencing purposes
  3. Fails to act reasonably to enter into the tenancy before the deadline for agreement
  4. Fails ‘Right to Rent’ checks

If you fail referencing you will lose your deposit, however if you fail the referencing due a CCJ or Bankruptcy  which hasn’t been declared by yourself your deposit will be forfeit due to the cost incurred for references.  A  guarantor will be required if the Landlord decides to proceed with the tenancy and this is at the landlord discretion , alternatively the rent will need to be paid up front.