Below are some of the questions we are frequently asked by our prospective or current tenants.
What criteria do I need to have to apply for a property?
In most circumstances anyone looking to apply for a rental property your gross annual household income needs to be equivalent to 2.5 times the annual advertised rent and a clean credit record (no CCJ’s, IVA's or bankruptcy orders).
What is the minimum term a property can be rented for?
MAK Estates will provide assured shorthold tenancies for a minimum term of 6 months.
Furnished or Unfurnished?
Around 75% of our rental properties are offered as unfurnished. This means properties may be offered with curtains, carpets and a cooker and you will need to provide your own furniture, kitchen utensils etc. You will be informed at the viewing what will/will not be included.
However, if you are looking for furnished property, please contact us as we can usually help.
Can I apply for a property without viewing it?
Unfortunately, not. We are unable to accept applications from those who have not viewed a property.
I have just arrived from abroad and have no credit or landlord history in the UK. How do I rent a property if you cannot reference me?
If it is possible for you to provide references from overseas landlords or agencies from whom you rented your last property, we will check them. Alternatively, some landlords will accept a lump sum (3 or 6 months in advance) in lieu of references.
Do you accept pets?
We cannot speak for all our landlords, but we will always put forward any requests. The final decision remains with the landlord. We recommend that you provide us with as much information about your pet so that we can fully discuss with our landlord on your behalf.
What fees are applicable to taking a tenancy?
TENANT FEES ACT 2019
What documentation will I be required to produce?
In line with Government requirements we require documentation to complete Right to Rent checks with our tenants. The Home Office have recently updated their criteria and from Wednesday 6th April 2022 landlords and letting agents will need to obtain a share code from an applicant and use the Right to Rent Online Checking Service for applicants who hold a Biometric Residence Card / Permit. We will not be able to proceed with the application until we have received your share code.
We use an external referencing company who will request further documentation with regard to income and further documents that you will be able to upload on to their system directly. They will need to contact your current/previous landlord, your employer or, if you are self-employed, you will need to provide at least the most recent annual tax return document. Referencing usually takes 1-2 working days providing they have all the information they require, and you will be advised when all checks have been completed. Please note that, as per the reservation agreement, if you provide false or misleading information and your references fail your holding deposit will not be returned.
Why might my application be refused?
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.
Will I need a Guarantor?
If you do not have enough 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 Guarantor 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 and/or own their home. Guarantors will be asked to complete a separate application and will be subject to a credit check. Please ask for a Guarantor Application Form for your Guarantor to complete so that your application can be properly considered).
How much security deposit will be required?
A security deposit equivalent to five weeks rent is required prior to the tenancy start date (i.e. a monthly rent of £1,000 would require a deposit of £1,153). Deposits must be paid in the form of bank transfer and will be protected by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The deposit will be returned upon the end of the tenancy subject to the property being in a satisfactory condition.
What deposit scheme does MAK Estates use?
We are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
When do I need to pay the first month’s rent and deposit?
You will be required to pay one month's rent plus the tenancy deposit (less the holding deposit already paid) by bank transfer, three days prior to the tenancy commencing. We cannot accept ordinary cheques, switch cards or credit cards. After this initial payment you will be required to pay your rent by standing order.
Can I renew my tenancy after the initial term?
Provided your tenancy has been conducted satisfactorily and the landlord is agreeable your tenancy can be renewed for a further fixed term or roll on a month-to-month statutory periodic basis.
Can the landlord increase my rent?
Yes, usually the rent can be increased annually, whilst an existing tenancy is on-going, this is usually only a small amount of between 3% and 7% of the current rent. However, should any new tenancy be entered into a landlord is within his/her rights to request an increased rent at this time also.
Can I leave early?
The tenant is legally responsible for the rent for the full term of the tenancy, which is usually 6 months. However, if special circumstances mean you have to leave the property early, we will always try to find another tenant as soon as possible, however you will still remain responsible for the rent until the new tenant takes over.
What does the rent cover?
In most of our rental properties the rental payment is just that- i.e. rent. You will be responsible for all utility bills, council tax, telephone, broadband services as well as your TV licence.
Who do I call in an emergency?
If you are dealing directly with the landlord, then you would contact them for any issues or emergencies. If you are in a MAK Estates fully managed property, then at move in you will be provided with the details of our maintenance department and 24-hour emergency helpline numbers.
Do I need Insurance?
We recommend that all tenants take out insurance to cover themselves and their belongings. The landlord will have buildings insurance in place to cover the property and any contents provided but will not cover your belongings. You must ensure that you have adequate cover in place.
How can I prove my right to rent in England?
From 6th April 2022 the Home Office require us to obtain a share code from an applicant and use the Right to Rent Online Checking Service for applicants who hold a Biometric Residence Card / Permit.
This means we will no longer be able to accept a BRP Card to verify an applicant’s Right to Rent and now must use a share code.
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
Additionally from 6th April 2022, we must now use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers to carry out a digital check for applicants who are British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport or Irish passport card.