Tenants FAQs

What is the deposit amount required to rent a property?

This is usually the equivalent of five weeks rent.

Can the deposit be refunded to me if I decide not to proceed with the tenancy, after paying the deposit?

The Security Deposit will be refunded in full if;

  • The Landlord decides not to go ahead with the Tenancy
    Please Note: This would only likely happen if the referencing process is unsuccessful (e.g., due to affordability concerns, employer or previous Landlord checks / references) or there are delays confirming a start date / signing the Tenancy Agreement
  • You decide not to proceed before the Tenancy Agreement has been signed

If you decide not to proceed after you have signed the Tenancy Agreement and committed to the Tenancy, the deposit will be used as rent calculated on a pro rata daily rent basis from the agreed start date until a new suitable tenancy is secured and started, or until all of the deposit has been used.

Can I keep pets at the property?

Request to keep pets will be considered depending on whether it is reasonable for the type of property and based on the Landlords preference. Please enquire with reference to the property you are interested in.

Does the monthly rental price include utilities?

No – once you have completed your tenancy agreement you will need to register with utility providers of your choice for gas, electricity, water, council tax and any other utilities that you require at the property and pay for those services separately. We will provide you with all necessary meter readings at the time of your check in.

How long does it take to complete the application process?

The initial credit reference, affordability, employers and previous landlord checks can be completed within 48 hours if all the required information is correctly provided. Once the application is approved in principle, we will require further information e.g. to complete Right to Rent Checks. The whole process usually takes 4 to 5 days from start to finish. This relies on prompt responses from your referees and the property you are applying for is vacant. In exceptional cases we have moved tenants into their new home in less than 4 days.

What is the minimum length of the Tenancy Agreement?

The standard term of our Assured Short Term Tenancy Agreement is six months (although in certain cases we can negotiate longer or shorter periods with Landlords).

How much notice do I have to give when I want to leave my rental property?

You will need to give one month’s written notice of your intention to vacate your property.

What happens if I have a maintenance issue at the property?

You will only need to make one call to Cookes Property Management and we will deal with any maintenance issues that you may have.

Do I need to have an active contents insurance policy in place?

No, but we do strongly recommend that you have adequate insurance cover for your personal contents and also pay for any accidental damage to the landlord’s furniture (if applicable), fixtures and fittings in the property. These products are known as Tenants Contents Insurance and Tenants Liability Insurance. If you have given consent on your application form, you will be contacted regarding contents insurance by our partner company HomeLet, who can cover your Tenant Liability and Contents Insurance requirements.