Tenant FAQs

1. Identifying a property you would like to rent

(a) What properties are available?

We list properties as either Furnished or Unfurnished. Unfurnished Properties are let with carpets and curtains and often with the main kitchen appliances. The appliances supplied varies property to property. Furnished Properties will usually have basic furnishings (but not crockery, TVs, bed linen etc). You should satisfy yourself as to the level of furnishings, appliances etc provided prior to the completion of the Tenancy Agreement. Additional furnishing will not normally be provided after the start of the tenancy. If you have any queries about furnishings, you are advised to discuss these with CP Walker & Son before/when you submit your application.

(b) How do I arrange a viewing?

Our website provides a useful initial point of reference prior to viewing. Internal photos, room sizes and floor plans are shown to give you an impression of what each property is like. There is a link to Google Maps so you can see the location and the surrounds. If you do not have internet access, there are Browse Points in our Office that you can use to look through the list of available properties and shortlist those that you would like to view.

If you want to view a property then you need to make an appointment through our office. This can be done via email or telephone. Once an appointment has been made, viewers are advised to re-confirm the appointment by calling our office before 10 am on the day of the appointment. Failure to re-confirm may result in our representative not being at the property at the appointed time. Please note that appointment requests made via our CP Walker website where time and date is specified by you should not be presumed as confirmed until you hear from us.

2. Applying for a property

(a) What do we do if we see a property that we like?

Inform the office that you wish to apply and a link to commence will be sent to the "lead tenant". Once you have submitted your application it will be forwarded to the landlord for consideration and you will then be advised of their decision. If accepted, you will be sent a link to pay Holding Deposit equivalent of 1 weeks worth of rent, which will be allocated toards your Security Depsit when you sign your AST. Once HOlding Deposit is paid the next step is to complete referencing and you wil be emailed a link to commence this process. The property will come as seen/advertised unless otherwise agreed. Please refer to the advert and confirm any queries you have with us prior to paying this Holding deposit as this will confirm you are happy to conitune as such, especially if you have decided to apply without physically viewing the property.

(b)  What happens if there are multiple applications for a property?

Occasionally we are in a position where we are expecting to receive more than one application for the same property (e.g. if two parties view the property at the same time and both want to apply). In these circumstances the applications will be put to the landlord for a decision on which application to accept. Once a decision has been made, we will inform the successful applicants, request payment of the Holding Deposit and, once paid, referencing process will begin.

(c) How do we know that the property is ours?

Once the Owner has accepted your application and the Holding Deposit has been paid, the property is taken off the market and is reserved for you.  We will confirm this to you in writing and will not show the property to other applicants or accept other applications.  In return, at this point we expect that you will not apply for any other properties.  We aim to complete the application process and complete the Tenancy Agreement within 15 days of your application being accepted by the Owner.  Your Holding Deposit is at risk where an applicant of guarantor a) provides false or misleading information which it is reasonable for a landlord or agent to consider in deciding whether to grant the tenancy b) fails a Right to Rent check c) withdraws from the property d) fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into a tenancy agreement when a landlord has done so.  

(d)  Why might my application be rejected/terminated?

Your application could be refused if we are unable to verify your identity and legal right to rent a property in the UK, you have adverse credit history, unsatisfactory references from your employer/previous landlord, or if you do not satisfy our affordability criteria.

(e)  Will I need a Guarantor?

If you do not have sufficient income to cover the rent, or there are any other issues with your application, it may be that the landlord will accept your application, subject to you providing a satisfactory guarantor. Our minimum affordability criteria are that you have evidence of income 2.5x the rent.  The Gurantor is someone e.g. a parent or guardian, who will agree to guarantee the rent and the other obligations of the lease. This person should be in full time employment (earning 3x the monthyl rent) and/or own their home.  Guarantors will be asked to complete a separate application and will be subject to a credit check. 

3. Checking and Completing the Tenancy Agreement

Once references have been approved, we can complete the Tenancy Agreement. A copy of the Tenancy Agreement will be provided to you prior to the signing so that you can read through and raise any queries that you may have on any of the terms and conditions. Once the Agreement has been signed, you will need to pay the Move in Monies.

4.  Before you move in

(a)  Pay initial monies

On completion of the tenancy, and before you are given the keys to the property, you will be required to pay: 

• One month’s rent in advance.
• A Deposit which is equivalent to 5 weeks worht rent (less the Holding Deposit which will be allocated to the deposit). N.B. If renting a room in a house share deposit is equivalent to half a month's worth of rent.

The Deposit will usually be held by CP Walker & Son, in accordance with the terms of The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Some of our ‘Let Only’ clients make alternative arrangements for the registration of deposits. The TDS provides tenants with the protection that the Deposit will be dealt with fairly and will be returned at the end of the tenancy less any proper deductions. The Scheme offers an arbitration service for both parties to use should there be any dispute about the Deposit at the end of the Tenancy. For further details, click here.

(b)  Arrange Internet Services etc.

Once the legally binding Tenancy Agreement has been signed, you may wish to start making arrangements for setting up internet, phone and TV services, given that there can be a significant lead in period before the services are set up. We will not be able to confirm either whether there is an active BT or Virgin connection or which company is currently providing the telephone/internet services. As a Virgin Media partner, we can arrange for you to be contacted by our dedicated advisor with details of offers exclusive to C.P. Walker and Son tenants. Please ask a member of staff for details.

5. When you move in

(a) Collect Keys

After having signed the Agreement, paid all initial monies and completed the 'Right to Rent' check by physically bringing in your ID document to our Office, you will be given keys to the property. We will also supply you with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable). Future rent payments need to be made by Standing Order (bank transfer) and you will be required to make arrangements to set this up acordingly. We recommend that you check with your bank before the next rent due date to ensure that they have a record of the Standing Order being set up.

(b) Agree the Inventory

When or shortly after you move into the property, we will give you an Inventory & Schedule of Condition.  This document records the general state of the property as at the start of the tenancy, and lists its contents. You will then have a period of 7 days to check through the Inventory to make sure that you are happy with it, making any necessary comments before returning it to us. The Inventory forms a record of the state of the property for the benefit of both parties and against which any disputes can be referred to during or at the end of the tenancy.

(c) Set up accounts with the Utility Suppliers

We will take meter readings at the start of the Tenancy and will notify the gas, electric and water suppliers. We will also notify the Local Authority Council Tax Department.  If you are exempt from Council Tax, you will need to provide the Local Authority with the relevant evidence. Once accounts have been set up, and the suppliers begin billing you, you should speak directly with them with any queries that you may have on any of these accounts, such as ensuring you are on the cheapest tariff. As these accounts will be in your name, the suppliers will not discuss any aspect of the account with CP Walker or the Landlord. Utility bills sent to your property for previous occupiers should be forwarded to CP Walker to allow us to deal with them.

(d) Reporting Problems

If CP Walker are managing your property on behalf of the landlord, maintenance issues should be reported to us via our online Fixflo system click here or by telephone - 0115 925 4062 if an emergency.

If you have any further questions, please telephone 0115 925 4062 or email [email protected].