Who do I speak to if I have problems with my tenancy?
If Rolstons manage your property, please call 01923 551111 or email your enquiry to propertymanagement@rolstons.co.uk
If Rolstons do not manage your property, please call our Lettings Team on 01923 777790 for general enquiries, or call our Credit Control department on 01923 775000 if you have a payment-related question.
What references do I need to get?
You will be asked for a previous landlord, bank, employee and character references to demonstrate proof of income and suitability. You will also need to provide proof of ID, proof of address and evidence of a 'Right to Rent' in England through a passport or combination of passport and valid visa.
Who is responsible for contacting the utility companies after I move in?
As the tenant, you are responsible for setting up accounts with the utility companies directly when you move into your property and when you leave, taking care to provide meter readings at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
How do I pay rent?
You will be asked to set up a monthly standing order with your bank.
When will the rent leave my account?
Generally, rent is paid by a standing order mandate and will leave your account three days before the rental due date to be in the recipient’s account on the due date (The due date is typical, although not always the date on which you moved in).
What happens if my rent is paid late?
Any problems with rental payments that may result in late payment should be conveyed to Rolstons Lettings. Arrears letters will be issued if rent remains outstanding beyond three days after it was due. A default interest fee on late rent is payable at 3% above the Bank of England base rate applicable if rent is over 14 days overdue.
How do I serve notice to vacate my property?
The notice would need to be given in accordance with your particular lease agreement by recorded delivery to Rolstons Head Office or by emailing lettings@rolstons.co.uk. The agreement should always be referenced.
Rolstons Lettings
One Kings Court,
153/155 High Street,
Watford,
Hertfordshire,
WD17 2ER
What penalties will I incur should I break my lease agreement early?
The primary liability is for rent until the end of the contract or its break clause point.
If the landlord agrees to re-market the property and once a new tenant is found, your liability will be reduced to covering the landlord's commission and any other expenses from when the property is re-let. Payments would be calculated on a pro-rata basis for the unexpired term of the contract.
When should I cancel my standing order for rent?
Please get in touch with your bank to cancel your standing order once the last rent instalment has been paid in full. Rolstons cannot cancel a standing order instruction, so you must do this directly with your bank.
Where should I return the keys at the end of the tenancy?
Please return your keys to your local Rolstons office on the last day of your tenancy. If you are at the check-out inspection, please hand them to the check-out clerk, who will return them to Rolstons.
Is there a checklist of things to do when I am moving out?
- Read through your inventory check-in report and refresh your memory about the condition of the property when you first moved in
- Return all items of furniture to the original room if they have been moved around - the inventory check-in report will help if you can't remember
- All areas of the property need to be cleaned to the same standard they were when you first moved in
- Check light bulbs are in complete working order
- Any outdoor space you are responsible for, like a garden or terrace, needs to look like it did when you moved in
- Remove any unwanted items before you leave the property, as you might be charged the cost of disposal
- If you have been hanging pictures or TVs on the walls, affixing brackets or inadvertently creating holes, then you are responsible for returning the walls to their original condition
- Mould in the bathrooms is usually due to condensation. There are lots of mould-cleaning products available for a DIY clean-up!
- All sets of keys need to be returned to your landlord or estate agent's office, including any security passes or security fobs
- Take a photo of the meters on the last date of your tenancy. Contact the utility companies to give them your final readings and pay any balance owing
- Close your council tax account and pay any balance owing
- Notify TV Licensing about your change of address
- Re-direct your post with Royal Mail
- Chat with your landlord before moving out if you think there might be any issues - it can be much easier to reach a compromise in advance!
What is the Tenant Deposit Protection Scheme?
The Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme will protect your deposit.
In line with legislation introduced in April 2007, all deposits paid by a tenant for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy must be registered with a recognised deposit protection scheme within 14 days. Where appropriate, Rolstons will register the deposit for you.
When and how will I get my deposit back?
Your landlord has up to 10 days from your vacate date to propose deductions from your deposit. Once agreed, your deposit will be sent back to you by bank transfer to the lead tenant, which can take up to 3-5 working days to clear into your account. If there is a disagreement, then that portion of the deposit will be retained pending a resolution.
How do I renew my contract?
Please inform us two months before the end of your tenancy to allow enough time to arrange all the related administration. Please feel free to contact lettings@rolstons.co.uk for more information.
