Tenants

Landlords

Step One: Finding the right property

The first thing you should do is search through all our available properties with your requirements in mind. We update our website daily so what you see online is available! Alternatively, you can call us and we will be delighted to discuss your specific requirements.

Step Two: Consider a managed property

An increasing number of tenants insist on renting properties managed by WHM for complete peace of mind. This way you know that you will have someone available to deal with any problems which may arise 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

Step Three: The key to successful viewings

We open longer hours allowing you to view our properties after work or at weekends. Prior to viewing, create your own check list of what you need from a property. This will help you decide if it's for you.

Step Four: How to apply (application form)

If you decide to apply for the property the agent will help you fill in the application form. You will be asked to return the application form to ourselves along with the required information and references. You will need an application from each person wishing to rent the property. The more information you can supply, the better.

Step Five: Required Information

You are required to provide the following information (where applicable)

• Photographic identification.
• Landlord reference - should detail length of tenancy, how the property was maintained and whether rent was paid in a timely manner.
• Character reference - should be from professonal e.g. teacher, doctor, policeman or solicitor who knows you on a personal level for over 5 years.
• Employer's reference - this should be from your place of employment and whether it is part time or full time position.
• Pay slip - last three months slips (if employed)
• Proof of residency - utility bill or bank statement that shows your name and current address.
• Proof of current housing benefit - the most up to date notification letter from the housing executive.
• Guarantor details - applicants under the age of 25 will be asked to provide a guarantor who will take on the responsibility of the tenancy if the tenant is not fulfilling their obligations. A seperate guarantor application will be issued which should be filled in by the guarantor. The guarantor will be needed on the day the lease is being signed.

Step Six: Application Process

Once you have all the relevant information you should sign and return the application to your nearest WHM office. At this stage, an agent will begin to process the application. In doing so, they will confirm that all references are genuine by contacting them, preferably by phone (ask referees to include contact details). There may be more than one application for each property. Once the references have been confirmed, the agent will contact the landlord of the property and discus each application with them. It is then up to the landlord which application they are willing to proceed with.

Step Seven: Length of process

The length it takes us to process an application differs from case to case. This can be due to a number of factors including how quickly the referees can be contacted and the speed at which each individual landlord responds to your application. It is therefore important to include telephone numbers on all references and to ensure that they are readily available to be contacted regarding the reference they have provided.

Step Eight: Agreed Application

Once the landlord has agreed the application the agaent will make contact with you to arrange a suitable date and time to come into your nearest WHM office to sign the tenancy agreement and pay a holding deposit. This deposit removes the property from the market. The holding deposit is non-refundable, however should you proceed, the holding deposit will be used as part payment of your security deposit.

Landlords Services

Our services include:-

Tenant finding service

• Initial inspection and rental valuation of the property
• Advice given with regard to achieving maximum rental value
• Marketing brochure prepared & displayed in our office
• "To Let" board ordered for outside the property
• Property advertised on our own website and www.propertypal.com for maximum exposure
• Tenancy database checked for suitable tenants
• Commence viewings on the property
• Collect the deposit & 1st month's rent on your behalf
• Request guarantor forms, working references, copies of identification
• Set up standing order mandates to your account
• Provide the tenants with a rent book

Full managed service

As above but will also include the following:

• Repairs & maintenance carried out on your behalf
• Annual safety checks carried and certificates issued
• Clear monthly statements are issued to you
• Monthly rental payments paid directly into your bank account
• Robust arrears systems and procedures are in place to minimise problems
• Properties advertised in advance of tenants vacating thus minimising vacant periods