How Letting Agents Handle Tenant Check-In Once Approved

Following on from the tenant’s application having been approved through the referencing process, the landlord or letting agent then needs to complete a number of administrative tasks prior to the tenant collecting the keys.

Table of Contents

Signing the Tenancy Agreement

The agreement for a ‘Joint Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ (JAST) is drawn up by the agent and both parties sign prior to the tenant’s move in date. This document details the tenancy agreement, the start date, rental amount, deposit amount and any special conditions of the tenancy.

Compiling the Inventory

A detailed inventory is drawn up of all rooms, fixtures and fittings, noting the meter readings. This inventory is used at the end of the tenancy should there be a dispute between landlord and tenant over the return of the deposit.

Notifying Utilities and Council Tax

Notify all the utilities and the local council of the start date for the tenancy. This ensures that the tenant’s name is placed on all billing for services and council tax to prevent disputes with previous tenants later.

Handing Over the Statutory Documents

Finally, at the check-in, the letting agent will prepare a document pack to hand over to the landlord. There are a number of documents that the landlord must supply under statute to new tenants. See Citizens Advice list of documents required to be supplied to tenants at the start of tenancy. If you are looking for Letting Agents Bridgwater, see www.sykesmoore.co.uk/lettings/letting-agent.

Walking Through the Property

The tenant is then provided with a copy of the inventory which has been completed during the viewing. The tenant is then walked through the property with the agent and any points of dispute noted before being signed off by the tenant.

By following the above steps to complete a thorough check-in process, landlords and tenants can save a lot of hassle at the end of the tenancy.