Helpful Guide for Tenants

Finding a property in Ashford and Surrounding Areas

The first step is to contact us at Chatsworth Lettings to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable rental properties for you to view. If your needs are not urgent, we log your details so that we can contact you as suitable rental properties become available. It is wise to start looking about a month before you wish to move into rental property, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly. We regret that we cannot assist DSS claimants. Our tenancies are granted for a minimum term of 6 months.

Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends, and you will invariably be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

Reserving the Property
Once you have decided on a property to rent, you will need to reserve it by paying a 'holding deposit' of £100. Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted from the monies due before you move in. If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy, it will be refunded. However, the deposit will be forfeit if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your rental application.

References
As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer (or college), and a previous or current landlord. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. We may use the services of an independent referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.

Rents
Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account.

Deposit
A security deposit of a minimum of one month's rental must be paid, and will be held by "The Deposit Protection Service" throughout the tenancy term. This is held to cover damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.

Fees
We charge £75 per applicant to cover administration and referencing costs.