Matheson's Estate Agent

Finding a property

The first step to finding your ideal property is to Contact Us and provide us with details about yourself and the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view.

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 have.

Securing

Properties through 'Rent' are in high demand. It is a requirement that once you have found a suitable property, that you complete a credit reference form. This will allow an independent referencing company to take employment and personal references as well as a credit check

Deposits

When signing the tenancy agreement, a minimum deposit of 1 months rent must be paid. It will be held by the landlord as stakeholder and refunded at the end of the tenancy subject to any reasonable deductions as required by the tenancy agreement

The Tenancy Agreement

This is normally a Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement for a minimum of 6 months. The agreement contains the Terms & Conditions that both landlord and tenant are bound to for the term of the let. There are two separate agreements, the original and the counterpart.

The counterpart is an exact copy of the original and is signed by the tenant and held by the landlord. The landlord signs the original and this is held by the tenants. We request that you read the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement fully before signing so that you are aware of your obligations.

Inventory

The inventory is a list of all furnishings, fittings and equipment within the property at the beginning of the tenancy. as well as highlighting the conditions of the interior ie. walls, flooring. doors, woodwork etc.

Rental Payments

The Rent is paid in advance on a monthly basis via standing order either to the agent (a managed property) or landlord (unmanaged). You are advised that it is a landlord requirement to adhere to the standing order payment procedure.

Utilities

We will inform the utility companies (ie council tax, water, gas, electricity) when a tenancy commences and terminates, however some companies will only take instructions from the occupier. For this reason we advise that you are totally responsible for these accounts and their charges during the tenancy.

Insurance

You are responsible for insuring your contents and those of the landlord in case of accidental damage. Cover is available. Please ask for details.

Inspections

When a property is managed, we will conduct a periodic inspection at the property, initially at the beginning of the tenancy and quarterly thereafter. You will be notified of the date and time of these inspections so that you can be present. The purpose of these visits is to discuss any problems or issues that you might have with respect to the property that need to be addressed.

Termination

If you wish to give notice to leave the property, you must give at least one months notice in writing to expire on the last day of the rental period and no earlier than the current agreed term on the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement.

Fees

Fees are payable for:

1 Taking references and credit checking (non-refundable)

2 Processing your Tenancy Application and drawing up the Tenancy Agreements (refundable if your application is unsuccessful).