What does it cost?
All of our properties will have a ‘price per month’ cost of rent and that does not include any utility bills or Council Tax (unless specified on the property details), so it is important that you factor those additional costs into your budget.
Your rent will be paid in advance, so prior to moving into your new home you will need to settle the first months’ rent (or more if you are paying for a longer period in advance as negotiated with your landlord).
A holding deposit equal to one week’s rent must be paid in order to reserve a property. Should your application and following references be acceptable, this amount will be put towards the balance of your first month’s rent.
Security Deposit
We will need a bond or deposit equal to 1.5 x your monthly rent. For the period of your occupancy, this will be protected by the DPS (Deposit Protection Scheme).
Most of the time, bonds and deposits are quickly refunded after the occupation contract is over and no claims are made. However, if a disagreement cannot be resolved, the subject might be forwarded to the selected deposit scheme for an independent resolution.
At Homelink Lettings we cover a wide area from Newport to Chepstow and can help you to find a rental property in any of these locations: Chepstow, Newport, Cardiff, Bulwark, Langstone, Mathern, Penhow, Caerwent, Caerleon, Portskewett, Malpas, Sudbrook, Rogerstone, Caldicot, Bassaleg, Rogiet, Duffryn, Magor, Risca, Usk, St Julian’s, Llanvair-Discoed, Gaer, Shirenewton, Beechwood, Crick, Christchurch, Sedbury, Brynglas, Tutshill, Pwllmeyric
Occupation Contract
We use a contract in line with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 which is easy to understand and you will be given a draft contract so that you can seek independent legal advice about any of the terms included, prior to being asked to sign. You should note that this is a legal document and you will be bound by the terms contained therein, so please ensure you read and fully understand your obligations before entering into this contract.
Inventory
A thorough inventory and schedule of condition report will be provided to you at the start of your contract if Homelink Lettings is managing your rental property. Please keep in mind that this document is for both your protection and the protection of your landlord. If it is not returned with any required amendments within 5 working days, the accepted condition will be determined based on the inventory that was issued.
Routine Inspections
Every 3-6 months, Homelink Lettings or your landlord will conduct routine inspections of the property. During this visit, the property’s structure will be examined, and any maintenance issues will be checked for. While it is ideal to visit while you are at home, that may not always be possible, and we are willing to come using management keys if that is acceptable to you. Appointments will be scheduled in advance at a mutually acceptable date and time.
Referencing
Once you have selected a suitable property and your offer has been accepted by the landlord you will be requested to pay a holding deposit to reserve the property while we gather references.
PLEASE NOTE: We can only hold a property for up to 15 days after receiving a holding deposit (unless an extension is agreed upon in writing by both parties).
Referencing usually takes between 3 to 5 working days (or 5 to 10 working days if references are required from a large organisation) and once references are accepted by the landlord, a moving-in date can be agreed upon.
We work with a reputable referencing agency in order to evaluate your credit-worthiness, employment status and salary, and rental history from your previous landlord.
Viewings
Please get in touch with us to set up an appointment once you’ve decided upon the property or properties you want to see. You can use the online inquiry form found beneath each property listing.
Every viewing will be accompanied by a member of our staff who can answer any questions you might have. By prior arrangement, we can help with transportation to and from the property.
Documents you will receive
When you move into your new rental home you will receive the following documents, which are a legal responsibility and should be kept safe:
- Gas safety record (if you have gas in your property) – this will be given to you annually thereafter to ensure that all gas appliances are safe and in good condition.
- Energy performance certificate – this has a rating of A (the best) to E and determines how energy efficient your home will be (and may affect your utility bills).
- Deposit protection paperwork – to confirm that your deposit has been protected, the scheme details and how to get it back at the end of the tenancy.
- Electrical installation inspection report – this will be carried out every 5 years to ensure that the electrics in your property are in good working condition.
What you must do in your rental home
- Pay the rent on time – The full amount of rent should be in the landlord’s bank account or our bank account (if we collect the rent) by the date stated in your occupation contract. Please, if you have any financial issues, get in touch with us as soon as possible or contact Citizen’s Advice Cumru or Shelter Cymru.
- Look after the property – Take care of all the small things around the home such as cleaning windows, maintaining the garden, removing leaves from the gutters, de-fluffing the tumble dryer, bleeding the radiators. Always get your landlord’s permission before attempting any major jobs or redecorating. Ensure that you advise us (if we manage the property) or your landlord of any repairs required as quickly as possible.
- Be considerate to your neighbours – This applies to you and any guests or visitors to your home. Act in a responsible manner and do not cause a nuisance.
Your landlord’s responsibilities
- To maintain the structure and exterior of your home.
- To deal with any electrical, gas, water, or sewerage issues in a timely manner.
- Carry out repairs if something is not working that is part of the contract and you have not caused the issue.
- To give you at least 24-hours notice of any visit and never enter without your express permission.
- To be registered with Rent Smart Wales and have a license for the property if necessary.
- To ensure that your gas is checked annually and your electric installations are inspected every 5 years.