At Homelink Lettings, we understand that renting a property can involve many questions. To help you, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by tenants and contract-holders.
If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to contact us directly.
Referencing usually takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on how quickly all required information is provided. The process involves verifying your income and affordability, checking your credit history, and obtaining references from your employer, accountant (if self-employed), or previous landlord.
Delays can occur if employers or referees are slow to respond or if documents like proof of ID and income are not submitted promptly. To ensure the process runs smoothly, it’s important to provide all requested information as quickly as possible and notify your employer or accountant that they may be contacted.
Homelink Lettings will keep you informed throughout the process and work to ensure referencing is completed efficiently.
If your referencing is unsuccessful, the holding deposit may be withheld in specific circumstances, such as providing false or misleading information or withdrawing from the agreement. To avoid issues, please ensure you disclose any adverse credit history or County Court Judgments (CCJs) in advance. If you believe there has been an error in the referencing process, please contact us for further guidance and clarification.
As a tenant or contract-holder, you are responsible for paying utility bills (gas, electricity, water), communication services (broadband, TV licence), and council tax unless otherwise stated in your agreement.
Your tenancy deposit will be protected under a government-authorised scheme, such as the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). This ensures your deposit is held securely and returned at the end of your tenancy, subject to any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
Routine inspections are typically carried out every 3 to 6 months to ensure the property is being maintained in good condition and kept clean. In accordance with UK housing laws, agents or landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before an inspection, although we aim to give more notice whenever possible to ensure convenience for all parties.
Inspections are conducted at a mutually agreeable time and are non-intrusive, focusing on the overall condition of the property.
If you lose your keys, contact your property manager immediately. We will arrange for replacement keys or, if necessary, new security devices. The cost of replacements will be charged at the actual cost incurred, and an administration fee will apply, as outlined in your tenancy agreement or occupation contract.
In some cases, if the loss of keys results in a lock change for security purposes, the cost of the new locks and additional keys for the landlord and other tenants or contract-holders (if applicable) will also be included in the charges.
If you are locked out of the property, we may assist with access, but out-of-hours call-outs may incur additional fees. Always refer to your contract for full details of costs and procedures.
If you’re wondering whether landlords have to allow pets, the short answer is no, they’re not legally required to. However, landlords can’t simply ban pets outright without reasonable grounds. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a blanket ban is discouraged, and landlords must provide fair reasons for refusing a pet request.
The type of pet you have plays a big role. For instance, larger pets like dogs or cats may raise concerns about damage to flooring or furniture, while smaller pets like fish or hamsters are less likely to cause issues. It’s always best to let us know about your pet during the application process so we can check the landlord’s policy and discuss your situation.
If you have a pet and want to apply for a property, be upfront about it. We’ll work with you and the landlord to see if your pet can be accommodated and make sure any requirements are clear from the start.
If you’re self-employed and looking to rent, you will usually need to provide at least two years of accounts to demonstrate your financial stability.
The most common forms of proof include SA302 tax calculations and Tax Year Overviews from HMRC for the past two years, recent bank statements showing consistent income, or a letter from your accountant confirming your earnings.
If you don’t yet have two years of accounts, you may need a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent if necessary and must also pass affordability checks.
If you don’t have two years’ worth of accounts, it means you’ve been self-employed for a shorter period and may not yet have the financial history needed to demonstrate a stable income.
In these cases, landlords may still consider your application if you can provide a guarantor. A guarantor acts as additional financial security and must meet the required income threshold, typically earning at least 36 times the monthly rent annually. This can help strengthen your application and provide landlords with the assurance they need.
At Homelink Lettings, we do not operate a blanket ban on housing benefit applicants. The decision to accept applicants who receive housing benefits depends on the individual landlord’s preferences and circumstances.
If you are applying for a property and receive housing benefit or Universal Credit, let us know during your application. We will discuss your situation with the landlord to determine if your application can be considered.
In some cases, landlords may require a guarantor or additional references to provide further financial security.
Yes, you can redecorate your rental property, but only with written permission from Homelink Lettings or the landlord. It’s important to get approval before making any changes, as unauthorised redecoration could result in deductions from your deposit at the end of your tenancy.
Landlords are often happy to allow minor changes, such as repainting walls, particularly if you use neutral colours that maintain the property’s appeal.
However, every request needs to be approved to ensure the proposed changes meet the landlord’s expectations.
To redecorate, you’ll need to let us know your plans in writing. At Homelink Lettings, we’ll discuss your request with the landlord and seek their approval. If permission is granted, there may be conditions attached, such as:
Restoring the property to its original condition when your tenancy ends and ensuring the work is carried out to a professional standard to maintain the quality and condition of the property.
“Tenant-like manner” refers to the standard of care and responsibility a tenant or contract-holder is expected to demonstrate while occupying a rental property.
This term is often used in the contracts to outline the basic maintenance and upkeep duties that tenants or contract-holders are responsible for during their contract.
In simple terms, it means behaving in a way that a reasonable and responsible tenant or contract-holder would, by taking care of the property and addressing minor, day-to-day tasks. This helps maintain the property in good condition and ensures that any issues are promptly reported to the landlord or letting agent.
Examples of acting in a tenant-like manner include:
However, acting in a tenant-like manner does not mean the tenant is responsible for major repairs or structural issues. Tasks like fixing broken boilers, replacing roofing, or addressing plumbing failures remain the landlord’s responsibility.
If you’re unsure about your responsibilities or have concerns about property maintenance, Homelink Lettings is here to help clarify your duties and ensure you enjoy a smooth tenancy experience.
When you work with us, you gain more than just a letting agent—you gain a trusted ally committed to protecting and maximising your investment. Here’s what sets us apart:
Legal Compliance: We ensure your property adheres to the latest laws and regulations.
Financial Security: Our ARLA-backed CMP scheme keeps your money safe.
Professional Expertise: With our experience and training, we manage your property to the highest standards.
Tenant or contract-holder Confidence: Our reputation attracts tenants who are responsible and reliable.
At Homelink Lettings, we’re proud of our ARLA Propertymark accreditation because it reflects our dedication to professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service.
Choosing us means choosing an agency that goes above and beyond to care for your property and ensure a smooth letting process.
Get in touch with Homelink Lettings for a free consultation. Call us on 01633 910018 or email [email protected] to start your journey towards stress-free property letting.
We’re here to make your letting journey simple and stress-free.
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