Renting through us
Find the right property
As a small independent agent, we may not have a large selection of available properties but we will work with you to try and help you find the most suitable.
WHY RENT THROUGH US?
We offer a professional and friendly service to help find the right home for you. Please find on this page some useful information that will guide you through the process of renting with us.
ACCOMPANIED VIEWINGS
We will show you round any properties that seem suitable and provide you with a brochure, EPC and details of all the costs should you wish to proceed.
APPLICATION
Once settled on a particular property you wish to rent, we will ask you to complete a written application form. The planned commencement date shall also be determined.
ADMINISTRATION / AGENCY FEES
FEES TO TENANTS. NO VAT APPLICABLE
NO CREDIT CHECK, REFERENCE OR TENANCY PREPARATION FEES
DURING TENANCY
AMENDMENT FEE
£50.00 per amendment
Contract negotiation, amending terms and updating your tenancy agreement, at your request, during your tenancy.
OTHER CHARGES
Pay the Landlord for the reasonable cost of replacing keys, or other security devices necessary for gaining entry to the property.
Pay the Landlord for the reasonable cost of replacing keys, or other security devices necessary for gaining entry to the property if any keys or devices are not returned to the Landlord or the Landlord's Agent when the Tenant moves out.
Other charges may be applicable as detailed in the Tenancy Agreement.
In addition to what is listed about you will be required to pay a holding deposit as below:
INITIAL APPLICATION
HOLDING DEPOSIT
Equivalent of one weeks rent - Non-refundable* holding deposit to secure the property for seven days in order to proceed with the application – will be refunded against the first month’s rent. * If the landlord withdraws then the deposit is refunded.
IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT ANY OF THE CHARGES PLEASE ASK,
OUR POLICY IS TO BE COMPLETELY TRANSPARENT REGARDING ANY FEES.
IF YOU DECIDE TO RENT A PROPERTY THROUGH ANOTHER AGENT, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL THE POSSIBLE COSTS YOU MAY INCUR.
HOLDING DEPOSIT
In order to take the property off the market until the planned tenancy commencement date, a holding deposit is usually required. The holding fee secures the Landlord against all reasonable costs incurred should you withdraw from the agreement or fail to take up the tenancy within the agreed timescales.
REFERENCING
As part of the application, we will endeavour (with your permission) to obtain written references to support the information you provide. This will usually mean contacting your employer, current or previous Landlord and someone to give you a character reference. We will also carry out a credit search, using an independent referencing company. You will be asked to bring bank statements, utility bills, wage slips and other documentation for us to check.
We do not want to waste your money and our time, so if after an initial discussion and review of documents, we think you are unlikely to pass our referencing checks we will advise you of this before you pay the fee.
Should we decide a guarantor is required before a tenancy can be granted; the same process of referencing will apply to the guarantor.
RESTRICTIONS
Some landlords may wish to apply certain restrictions to a tenancy. Please find below some examples of typical restrictions that may be imposed:
Smokers
Housing Benefit
Students
Pets
You should be advised of any restrictions before an agreed viewing of a property takes place.
SELF EMPLOYED APPLICANTS
If you are self-employed, we will require a written reference from your bank and accountant. We will also require accounts, usually dating back 3 years, if you are unable to provide this, having a guarantor may suffice.
STUDENT APPLICANTS
If you are a student who cannot prove a consistent and sufficient income, you will need a parent, relative or close friend to guarantee the rent and adherence to any other tenant obligation listed within the agreement.
TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME
At the start of every tenancy we collect a deposit normally equal to a minimum of one month’s rent. This is used in the event of breakage or damage caused.
In accordance with the Housing Act 2004, Landlords are no longer permitted to retain a Tenant’s deposit and must select either an insured based or custodial based scheme in which to hold a Tenant’s deposit. A statutory certificate is then supplied to the Tenant advising on which approved scheme protects the deposit. This must be done within 14 days of the tenancy start date. Please speak to one of our representatives for further information.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A DISPUTE AT THE END OF THE TENANCY?
In the event of a dispute, both parties will have 10 days to resolve the matter. If no resolution has been reached, they will be invited to make use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process that is provided free with their chosen deposit scheme. Should the parties opt for Alternative Dispute Resolution they will be bound by its decision with no redress to the courts.
WHEN CAN I CHECK IN?
As soon as we receive satisfactory replies to our reference enquiries, we shall contact you to agree a time to move in on the planned commencement date.
We would advise that for the start of the tenancy, you arrange for Gas, Electric, Water, Telephone and Council Tax accounts to be transferred into your name. Please speak to one of our representatives who will instruct you further.
TENANTS INSURANCE
When renting a property it is very important to make sure you are covered by insurance for any damages that may occur. The landlords own insurance will not cover the tenant’s belongings. It will also exclude cover for if a tenant accidentally damages the Landlords property and therefore it could result in the loss of your deposit to cover the repairs.
Please speak to one our representatives for further details
RENT
Rents are paid in advance and by standing order unless otherwise agreed by the Landlord / Agent.
Friendly dedicated professionals
Our friendly team of dedicated professionals are ready to provide you with expert advice and support you at all times.
We can help you find:
Local council tax band costs
The catchment areas for local schools and their ofsted ratings
Local transport links
Local amenities including supermarkets, banks, gyms and more
Local community news
Flexible Viewings
Booking a viewing is simple and can be done anytime online or over the phone. We’ll work around you in order to agree a suitable time.
Maintaining High Standard Accommodation
We provide quality accommodation and ensure compliance with the latest legislation, regularly inspecting properties.
Renting Terms and Conditions
Holding Deposit (per tenancy): One week's rent. This is to reserve a property. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right- to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and / or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).
Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year): Five weeks' rent. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.
Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent of £50,000 or over per year): Six weeks' rent. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.
Unpaid Rent: Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.
Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s): Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc. VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).
Variation of Contract (Tenant's Request):£50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Change of Sharer (Tenant's Request):£50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Early Termination (Tenant's Request): Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to the landlord's costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.
If you any questions on our fees, please ask a member of staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will ask for your address history for the last three years and complete a credit check on each individual tenant. We will also require a reference from your existing Landlord or Letting Agent (if you are currently renting) as well as a written reference from your employer. If you are self-employed, we will ask for an accountant’s reference and most recent set of submitted accounts.
The lease you sign will be an Assured Shorthold, which means that you can stay in the property for the period of the lease (provided you meet all the obligations of the lease). If the landlord wishes to end the tenancy after the fixed term, you will be given a minimum of two months’ notice to quit the premises.
We have an obligation to conduct regular inspections of all tenanted accommodation. This is to ensure the property is not in need of repair, that you are looking after the property and discuss any problems you may be experiencing. You will be given notification when an inspection is due to be conducted.
In the event of maintenance being required please telephone us at the earliest possible time in order to minimise any problem that could subsequently arise. Trades persons will be alerted by the Agent and dependent upon the nature and urgency of the task will respond accordingly. Simple precautionary procedures should then be taken by the tenant to prevent any additional problem arising e.g. turn off water at the stopcock if necessary, isolate electric or gas supplies at the mains where required.
You cannot have any pets unless we have permission from the landlord/ourselves in writing. You must consult us prior to obtaining a pet and submit a written request to have a pet stating age/type/breed.
YES! You should take out contents insurance to cover for your own contents and preferably to cover accidental damage to the Landlord’s contents, buildings, fixtures and fittings. The landlord is responsible for insuring the building.
The Deposit normally equates to 5 weeks rent and will be held throughout the tenancy in a government approved deposit scheme and will be returned at the end of the tenancy subject to the property being left in a good condition without any claim for potential damages beyond fair wear and tear.
As a tenant you are responsible for ensuring the rent is paid in full and on time. We have facilities to enable you to establish a standing order which will mean payments are paid directly from your bank to our designated account. You will need to cancel the standing order before leaving the property.
Utility bills, including Council Tax is your responsibility unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement. You will need to choose your supplier upon moving in and ensure accounts are closed when you vacate. If you change supplier please notify us.
Once the Landlord has agreed to accept your application (subject to references and contract) we will ask for a holding deposit equating to one week’s rent. Upon successfully passing the referencing stage of the application, the holding deposit paid will count towards the total balance of rent and deposit owed before the tenancy start date. You risk losing your deposit in the event you provide inaccurate or misleading information on your application, fail a right to rent check, do not all reasonable steps to enter into a tenancy agreement or unilaterally withdraw your application.
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26 letters was recommended to me. They have been superb - finding a tenant, and carrying out financial checks for me. They have offered sound advice, carried out regular inspections and kept me up to date on current and future possible legal requirements. I can rely on them to source quality maintenance services if I need them and consider them excellent value for money.
Their friendly approachable manner has removed much of the worry of being a landlord. i highly recommend their services.
J S
Great service received from everyone at 26 letters. This was the first time in using a letting agent and they were extremely helping in answering all of my questions and giving me piece of mind. Great communication throughout the whole process. Would highly recommend.
Mr A S
As a Landlord 26 Letters provided us with a professional, friendly and efficient service. They kept us regularly updated and provided prompt answers to any queries. I would be very happy to recommend 26 Letters to other Landlords
Mrs J B
I would not hesitate to recommend 26 Letters to any tennant. We had been unfortunate enough to have had a very bad experience with our previous letting agent and were not looking forward to dealing with a new one. Maria completely put us at ease from day one. She was helpful and responsive to all our queries and requests. When we moved into the house she even hand delivered a congratulations card. A very personable and professional company and service.
Miss K K
When we got the opportunity to work overseas we decided to let out our U.K. property. We selected 26 Letters as agents and we have never regretted it. It’s quite daunting leaving what was your home behind, but the 26 Letters team were superb. They helped us through deciding what we needed to do to the property and the contents, successfully advertised the property, vetted the tenants and generally made us feel comfortable with the process. Now we are overseas the team have kept us up to date with progress, including house checks and quickly resolved the inevitable issues that arise from time to time.
We would recommend 26 Letters to anyone wanting a friendly, reliable and trustworthy letting agent
Mr M W
We have been using the services of 26 Letters for nearly 3 years and in that time we have always found their service to be both efficent and friendly. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Thank you.
Mr B J
I would highly recommend 26 Letters. As a Landlord, I have used letting agents before and have badly been burnt. Using 26 Letters has been a breath of fresh air and they consistently demonstrate first class service from start to finish. From the moment I made the enquiry I have been kept up to date every step of the way. Even with a pandemic they went above and beyond what was within their remit. They went the extra mile on literally everything and I felt fully supported. I can't thank them enough for all their help and I will definitely be using them again should I need their services.
Mrs A L
Fastastic agency. They look after both the Landlord and the Tenants equally well. Thank you for providing such a fab service.
Mrs F L