Tenants Frequently Asked Questions

What are your admin charges?
We don't charge any administration charges like other estate and letting agents. However, all applicants have to pay £50 in order to have their references checked by an independent referencing company.

How much does it cost to move in?
£50 per applicant + One month rent + Six weeks security deposit

Do you consider DSS?
Most of our landlords are reluctant to let to DSS.

When is your office open?
Our estate agent office opening time is from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. We host viewings until 7.30pm most evenings and during the day on weekends.

How do I arrange a viewing?
You can email us or call the office to speak to one of our estate agents or letting agents.

What kind of offer should I put forward?
Every sensible offer will be put forward to the landlords.

What happens if my offer is accepted?
At this point you need to transfer the equivalent of one week rent as a holding deposit and also the references fees to our account. The property is now off the market.

Will you stop viewings at my chosen property?
Once you have paid us your deposit, and the Landlord of your chosen property has approved your application, we will cease all viewings. The choice of tenant for the property is ultimately that of the landlord.

I like the property I viewed, but I would like to have something changed, added or removed. How do I go about that?
This needs to be submitted as a condition of your offer.

Is the holding deposit refundable?
The holding deposit will be returned to you if the application for the tenancy is unsuccessful. If the applicant decides not to take the tenancy, the holding deposit will not be returned.

What is my security deposit for?
Your security deposit is an insurance against any damages to the landlord's property and for any unpaid bills and rent.

How much is the security deposit?
Your security deposit is the equivalent of 6 weeks of rent.

What happens if I have an emergency outside your office opening time?
Our estate agent landline is diverted to a member of staff's mobile phone 24/7.

How do my references get checked?
Our contractor Letsure will do it on our behalf. They will check employment, current landlord and credit references.

What are Letsure's affordability criteria?
The rent should not exceed 40% of the applicants' salary.

What if I am self-employed?
This is not a problem as long as you have been self employed for longer than 12 months and have a full set of accounts. Letsure will get in touch with your accountant and they need to be UK based.

What if I need a guarantor?
In this case Letsure will check the guarantor's references as well.

How long is the tenancy for?
The majority of our tenancies are 12 month Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

What happens if I have to move out before the contract has elapsed?
You are liable for the rent throughout the validity of the tenancy agreement. MMP will try to re-let the property in order to reduce your liability.

Do you manage all your properties?
We fully manage a large proportion of our properties. If we don't manage your property then you will be given the contact details of the landlord or other managing agent.

When can I have my security deposit returned?
Your security deposit will be returned to you at the end of your tenancy. MMP tries to refund deposits within 10 days after the vacating date subject to an agreement being reached between the landlord and tenant regarding any reductions.

What is the Landlord responsible for?
The landlord is responsible for:
- Repairs to structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water installations, basins, sinks, baths and sanitary installations.
- The Safety of gas and electrical appliances provided.
- The fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided by the Landlord.
- Maintaining the house in a habitable condition.

As a student do I have to pay Council Tax?
Students don't have to pay council tax if they live in a house where ALL the residents are in full time further education, provided that all the students in the shared accommodation have supplied the council office with a copy of their tenancy agreement and student certificate.

How do I arrange Utility bills/Council Tax?
It is important to ensure that new accounts are set up in your name for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas and Electric bills. Under the terms of your tenancy agreement, you are responsible for these bills from the start of your tenancy.

What happens to the personal information I supply to you?
Any personal information you supply to us will be treated confidentially and held in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. On signing the application form you authorise us and our estate agents to share this information with the landlord and any third party contractors that effect works at the property of in order that we can gain approval for the tenancy.

How do I pay my rent each month?
Your rent should be paid each month by Standing Order and this is a condition of your tenancy agreement (we do not operate a direct debit system). Please allow three days for the clearing of the payment.

How is my deposit held? How will it be returned when my tenancy ends?
The Government has introduced a tenancy deposit protection scheme for all assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. From the 6th of April 2007 all deposits paid under an AST have to be protected within 14 calendar days of receipt by the landlord or agent.

Your deposit will be protected by the following scheme: The Deposit Protection Service www.depositprotection.com

MMP will instruct DPS to refund your deposit at the end of the tenancy.

What about insurance?
Tenants are responsible for insuring their own possessions. We would strongly urge you to take out an appropriate Contents Insurance, which includes Third Party cover for the Landlord. Please ensure that your possessions are covered by Contents Insurance from the very beginning of your Tenancy.

Who pays for Council Tax and Utilities on rental property?
It is normal for Assured Shorthold Tenancies to operate on a 'Utilities excluded' basis, in effect this means that you will be responsible for Council Tax and Utility bills during the period of your tenancy. There are exceptions to this and occasionally tenancy agreements will be made at an inclusive rent.