For tenants
Renting through Sesimbra Properties: what a tenancy costs, what you can be charged for, how referencing works and what happens on moving day.
What you can be charged for
Anything outside this list is not something a landlord or an agent may charge you under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 – if you are asked for it, tell us.
- A holding deposit of no more than one week’s rent
- The rent itself
- A tenancy deposit of no more than five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is under £50,000
- A payment for a variation or replacement of the tenancy at your request
- A payment for a lost key or security device
- Any unpaid rent or damages you are liable for
How referencing works
We ask for photo identification, proof of address, and evidence of income – usually three months of payslips or bank statements, or accounts if you are self-employed. We contact your previous landlord where you have rented before. We run an affordability check against the rent. If your income does not meet the threshold, a guarantor can stand behind the tenancy, and we will tell you what we need from them.
Your deposit
Your deposit is lodged with a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme – the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, the Deposit Protection Service, or mydeposits – within 30 days of us receiving it. You will be told which scheme holds it, given the prescribed information, and told how to use the scheme’s free dispute service if you disagree with any deduction at the end of the tenancy.
Moving in
The inventory is checked with you at the start of the tenancy and you should read it before you sign it. Meter readings are taken on the day. You are told where the stopcock, the fuse board and the boiler are, and how to report a repair. Anything you spot in the first days should be reported in writing – it is easier to fix, and easier to agree on, at the start than at the end.
Ending a tenancy
Notice periods depend on the type of tenancy and who is giving notice. We will explain the position for your tenancy in writing, confirm the date in writing, and arrange the checkout and the deposit return through the scheme. If you want to leave early, tell us as soon as you know – a replacement tenant is sometimes possible, but only with the landlord’s agreement.
Looking for a place?
Tell us the type, the area and your budget – we will come back with what matches.