Westcountry Landlords Association
Frequently Asked Questions - (F A Q)

We have listed a number of commonly asked questions 

Table of Contents

1. How much deposit & advance rent should I charge ... ?
2. Should I always complete an Application for accommodation questionnaire... ?
3. Is it always necessary to complete a Tenancy Agreement ... ?
4. What "frequency of rental payment" should I apply to the Tenancy Agreement... ?
5. What does the "Section 48" notice mean on the Tenancy Agreement... ?

How much deposit & advance rent should I charge... ?

[This depends really on the rental you are charging - "a rule of thumb guide" would be to charge the equivalent to one months rental in addition to one months actual rental in advance...
(in an "ideal"world)....... However, depending on the "segment" of the market that you are in, you may wish to vary these terms to enable you to let your property]

Should I always complete an Application for Accommodation questionnaire... ?

[This is really vital that you do this, as it is important that you record as much information as possible about the ingoing tenant(s). Most important please ensure that you obtain the applicant'sN.I. number and their D.O.B. You may also wish  consider contacting a Credit ReferenceAgency]

Is it always necessary to complete a Tenancy Agreement... ?

[Technically YES - as it is deemed to be a legally binding written agreement between yourself and your tenant(s), thereforeeveryone is then fully aware of their legal obligations (it can save various problems at a later stage. Legally one doesn't have to a Tenancy Agreement, as it is assumed in law that every tenancy since 28th February 1997 is on a Assured Shorthold Tenancy), owever, you do have to issue one if requested by the tenant, setting out the main terms of the agreement. In practice it would be foolish not to do so, as in the event of any disagreement, which may end up in court, you wouldn't have anything to referto.]

What "frequency of rental payment" should I apply to the Tenancy Agreement.. ?

[This should be set at either every calendar month or two calendar months. - We do not recommend that you should set it any different.......(i.e weekly) as different rules apply and you can fall foul of the law.]

What does the "Section 48" notice mean on the Tenancy Agreement... ?

This is where the tenant can "serve notice" upon you (as the landlord). The address given/issued DOES NOT necessarily have to be your home address.

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