Tenants

We care about our tenants.

For a start, our landlords know that a happy tenant is usually a good tenant.

So we make sure our landlords are aware of what constitutes an acceptable environment (small repairs and good decoration being two important factors) and we will not handle properties where landlords do not comply with safety procedures. It is in their interest to get this right.

With our fully-managed properties, response to problems is swift and quarterly property visits (always booked in advance with you) ensure everything is in good working order. Emergencies and repairs receive our prompt attention. We think communication is important; we keep in touch and will encourage you to keep in touch.

Landlords have obligations, but so do tenants - so we make it easy for you to have a trouble-free tenancy.  You'll find our Tenant’s Welcome Pack really useful.   What is more, we offer a great deal of support for the first-time tenant.

If you are just moving into the area, have a look at our relocation section, with help and information about jobs and schools.

The property of your choice

When you have found the property of your choice, you need to apply to us quickly, as there is often considerable demand.

References

You will be asked to fill in an application form which will enables us to take up references from employers or accountants, bankers and your previous landlord and to conduct a credit check. Our charge for referencing and administration is 20% of one month’s rent, 30% if more than three tenants are involved.

The Deposit

A holding deposit (taken while references are followed up) will be one third of the main deposit.  This is not an extra charge and it becomes part of the main deposit once you sign the agreement.  Your money is, of course, returnable, should the landlord withdraw before exchange of contracts, unless it is that your references are unsatisfactory.

Deposits are equal to one month's rent or six weeks’ rent, if furnished. If rental is over £1,000 pcm, the deposit will be equal to six weeks’ rent. Cheques should be made payable to Echo Property.

If Echo does not manage the property, your landlord will receive your deposit and hold it until the end of the tenancy. If we do manage the property, your deposit cheque is paid into a separate client account and held there until the end of your tenancy. It is refundable then, subject to the property being in the condition in which it was described in the inventory. To avoid any problems over this, a comprehensive inventory is carried out at the beginning and referred to at the end of the tenancy. This protects both you and the landlord and will be signed by both parties

The Rent Payments

Payments are made by Standing Order on the date agreed in the tenancy agreement.

Rent is paid one month in advance, the first month being payable by banker's draft or cash before you occupy the property. A cheque is acceptable but keys will only be handed over when the cheque has cleared.

The Tenancy Agreement

Tenancy agreements are generally Assured Shorthold, for a minimum period of 6 months. They are renewable, if conditions have been adhered to.

The agreement sets out the terms and conditions of tenancy. It is important to read it in full before signing. This is a legally binding contract for the period of time stated and cannot be terminated prior to the end date.

Housing Benefit

We do not have a specific policy regarding Housing Benefit but some of our landlords will not accept Housing Benefit claimants, so please check with us.

Insurance

You are responsible for insuring the contents you take into the house. The landlord will insure the building and its contents.

Details are available for this insurance and for the protection plan which covers your rental in the event of ill-health, redundancy, etc, should you wish for one.

Utilities

The tenant is responsible for paying services such as gas, electricity, water, sewage and council tax unless otherwise stated. All services will automatically be transferred to the tenant's name by us or by the landlord. Tenants must contact the telephone company directly and must also obtain their own TV licence.

Property Visits

These are made within the first fortnight and then at 3-monthly intervals and are an opportunity for you to talk over any problems. However, we would urge you to report any problems when they occur. A property visit will always be booked in advance with you.

Terminating the Tenancy

You will have to give two months' notice, to expire on the last day of the tenancy period. Your landlord must also do this if he wishes to take back his property.  A tenancy can be extended on the same terms, by mutual consent, or by putting in place a new agreement.

Checking In and Checking Out

We agree a mutually convenient time for this process. At check-in, keys are only released on our having from you a signed tenancy agreement, a signed inventory and all monies paid (and cleared, where necessary).

For a trouble-free tenancy, it is important to understand all conditions and pay your rent on time. Each property comes with a Tenant’s Welcome Pack for your convenience.

At check-out, we will check the property against the inventory on the final day. We will arrange a time which will be convenient for you. This will enable us to deal with the release of deposit efficiently. You will be asked to hand over all keys.

Fees

A one-off payment equal to 20% of the monthly rent is required by Echo Property for up to three named tenants. For larger groups, the cost is 30% to cover referencing costs, etc.