The 1Let Difference, For Tenants

Veiwings

All prospective tenants who would like to rent a property through 1LET must view the property before their application will be considered. You can view all available properties and request a viewing through our website under the properties tab – all requests will be followed up by the relevant property manager. 
 

Application Process – these are the steps you can expect

Step 1:
If you wish to proceed after viewing a property, you will need to submit an online application here.

Step 2:
After receiving your application, we will assess the information you have provided. If we are able to progress your application to the next stage, you will be asked to provide documentation to further verify the information on your application. We will send you a secure online link that enables you to upload important documents and progress essential references. 

Step 3:
When an application has been fully processed and accepted, a new Tenancy Agreement is prepared by 1Let and sent to the tenant(s) with an invoice for the deposit and first month’s rent.

Important notes:
Each adult occupying the property must submit an individual application form.

We require tenants who are working to have a combined annual income of 3 times the annual rent. If you are not working you may require a guarantor. Guarantors are required to complete a Guarantor Application.

In some cases tenants may also be asked to submit an advance payment with their completed application form. Advance payments are a confirmation of interest only. They are fully refundable if a tenancy is refused or not taken up.

1Let reserve the right to continue to market the property and refuse the offer of a tenancy at any point until the Tenancy Agreement has been signed and the deposit has been paid in full by the prospective tenant(s). In the case of an unsuccessful application 1Let will seek to advise the tenant in question as soon as possible and may provide reasons, but are not required to do so.
 

References

In addition to proof of ID and proof of address prospective tenants are asked to provide the following as it applies to them: 

Financial References
Financial references should give an indication of the tenant’s financial standing and therefore their ability to pay the rent.

Tenants are required to provide the following:

• copies of their current account bank statements covering the last 3 months and showing salary payments/regular income into this account
• a copy of their Contract of Employment including confirmation of their current salary and start date
• a personal guarantee (where this applies)
• a copy of their most recent business accounts (where this applies)

Landlord Reference
Tenants must provide a Landlord Reference if they have been a tenant within the last 5 years. Our verification process enables tenants to request a Landlord Reference.

Personal Reference
This reference is only required for tenants who have not had a landlord within the last 5 years. A personal referee should be someone of professional standing who is able to confirm the tenant’s ability  to act responsibly and keep the rental property in good order. A personal referee should not be a  member of the tenant’s family and would, for example, include: a community leader; previous employer; academic supervisor; professional contact who knows the prospective tenant well.

Guarantor
Guarantors are required to provide the following as it applies to them:

• photographic ID (passport or driving licence)
• proof of their current address (utility bill, bank statement or driving licence)
• copies of their current account bank statements covering the last 3 months and showing salary payments/regular income into this account
• a copy of their Contract of Employment including confirmation of their current salary and start date
• a copy of their most recent business accounts (where this applies)
• credible proof of savings or other independent financial means (for guarantors who are not in employment)

The guarantor, together with the tenant, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the tenant’s obligations under the terms of the lease. The guarantor will be required to sign the tenancy agreement and will be responsible for any non payment of rent, property damage or other tenancy breach during the tenancy.
 

First Month’s Rent and Deposit

The initial monies must be paid to 1LET in full prior to the commencement of the tenancy and before keys for the property can be released. Initial monies can normally be broken down as follows, but may be subject to change in some circumstances: 

• the first month’s rent
• the deposit (standard = one month’s rent plus £200.00; HMO = one month's rent plus £500.00)

First Month’s Rent
The first month’s rent is due in full prior to the tenancy commencing. Each month after this tenants are required to pay their rent via standing order to 1Let. We will provide you with details on how you can set this up before you move in to the property. You will be required to pay your rent on the same date each month - for example if you move in on the 5th of the month your rent will be due on the 5th of each month thereafter.

Deposit
Prior to the commencement of a tenancy 1Let require a deposit to be taken on behalf of the landlord.  The landlord will be entitled to use the deposit to:

• meet any outstanding rent, sums or accounts due by the tenant
• meet the cost of cleaning such that the property is returned cleaned to the same standard as was the case at the commencement of the tenancy
• meet the cost of repairing or replacing any of the fittings and fixtures which have been broken, damaged or lost
• meet the cost of making good any staining, marking, infestation or any other form of damage within the property
• meet the cost of making good any other form of damage resulting from the tenant’s actions, failures or negligence with the exclusions of general wear and tear
• meet the cost of any other expense relating to a failure by the tenant to fulfil any condition of this lease

The deposit shall be paid to a tenancy deposit scheme of the landlord’s choosing in terms of the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The deposit will be held by the scheme in  accordance with the scheme’s rules. 

Tenancy Agreement

All (adult) occupants of the property are required to sign the original Tenancy Agreement prior to commencement of the tenancy. The Tenancy Agreement will be a Private Residential Tenancy. The Tenancy Agreement is a legal document and tenants are encouraged to take time to read it and take advice if necessary before signing it. A draft copy of our Tenancy Agreement is available upon request.
 

Moving In

Inventory Procedures
The ‘check-in’ visit is usually carried out on the day that the tenancy commences regardless of whether occupation takes place at the same time. On completion of the check-in the tenant(s) will be asked to sign a fully detailed inventory (and check-in report) which reflects the condition of the property and its contents. A copy of the inventory is then made available to the tenant who is given a further 7 days to check the details of the inventory and record any additional comments. 

At the end of the tenancy a ‘check-out’ visit is carried out and any differences are recorded. Tenants are given full opportunity to be present during the visit. 1Let then prepare a check-out report which is sent to tenants. Any changes (other than fair wear and tear which is allowable under the terms of Tenancy Agreement) will be subject to deposit deductions which are then presented to the tenant for approval. Please see the deposit section of the Tenancy Agreement for further details on what the deposit can be used for. 

Utilities
Tenants are responsible for all utility bills including gas, electricity, IT, landline, television, water, drainage and local council tax. 1LET inform the relevant utility companies and local authority at the commencement of the tenancy and pass on meter reading taken at the time of the move in. Should the tenant choose to change any existing suppliers during the tenancy then they must notify 1LET or the landlord of the new details. 

Insurance
The landlord has no responsibility for the tenant’s contents and personal effects whatsoever. The tenant is therefore responsible for insuring and protecting their own goods and gear.

Periodic property visits (normally every 3-6 months)
Property visits involve a 1Let property manager arranging a visit to ensure the tenants are looking after the property. If, in the opinion of the agent, the occupants are not taking proper care of the property the agent will inform the tenant, also copying such information to the landlord.