Key Tenant Information

At Jigsaw Letting, we understand that moving home can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming. Our experienced and approachable team is here to guide you through every stage of the process, from your initial application right through to moving into your new home. We believe in clear communication, fair processes and providing a professional service that helps tenants feel informed, supported and confident throughout their tenancy.

If you have any questions before, during, or after your tenancy, please contact a member of our team who will be happy to help.

 

Applying for a Property

Once you have viewed and chosen a property that suits your needs, you will be asked to complete an application form so we can begin the referencing process.

A holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent may be requested to reserve the property, subject to contract and satisfactory referencing. This holding deposit will be deducted from your first month’s rent upon successful completion of the tenancy agreement.

 

At this stage, key details can be discussed and agreed, including:

tick Proposed move-in date

tick Proposed tenancy arrangements

tick Occupancy details

tick Any specific requirements or requests

Please note that holding deposits are handled in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

 

Referencing & Tenancy Process

Jigsaw Letting will carry out referencing checks on behalf of the landlord. These may include:

tick Identity verification

tick Credit checks

tick Affordability assessments

 

Employment and Landlord References

In some circumstances, a guarantor may be required, for example where affordability criteria are not met or where applicants have limited credit or rental history.

Once referencing has been completed successfully, we will contact you to arrange a proposed move-in date. Please note that move-in dates remain subject to contract and may occasionally change. We therefore recommend waiting until contracts are signed before arranging removals, deliveries, or time off work where possible.

Once all documentation has been completed and cleared funds have been received, you will be able to collect your keys from our office in Selby on the agreed tenancy start date.

Prior to move-in, an inventory and schedule of condition will have been completed for the property, including meter readings where applicable.

Tenants should review this carefully at the start of the tenancy and ideally notify us of any discrepancies within 7 days of moving into the property.

Where a guarantor is required, all guarantor documentation must be completed before the tenancy can commence.

Our team will explain the tenancy process and documentation fully before you commit to the agreement.

 

Tenancy Deposit

Before moving into the property, a tenancy deposit will be required. This is normally equivalent to five weeks’ rent, in line with current legislation.

For residential tenancies in England, tenancy deposits are protected within a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within the required legal timescales. Where applicable, Jigsaw Letting will register the deposit on the landlord’s behalf.

The tenancy deposit may be used, where appropriate and in accordance with the tenancy agreement and deposit protection scheme rules, to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, missing items, or other agreed tenant liabilities.

At the end of the tenancy, the property will be inspected and any proposed deductions will be discussed with you. Any remaining balance of the deposit will then be returned in accordance with the deposit protection scheme rules.

 

Rent Payments

Rent is usually quoted per calendar month.

Unless otherwise agreed, tenants are normally responsible for utility bills, council tax, TV licence, broadband, and other services relating to the property.

Rent payments are typically made by standing order to the Jigsaw Letting Client Account and are generally due monthly on the agreed rent due date set out within the tenancy agreement.

To help ensure payments arrive on time, we recommend setting your standing order to leave your account three working days before the rent due date.

If you experience any difficulties making a rent payment, please contact Jigsaw Letting as soon as possible so we can discuss the situation with you.

When your tenancy ends, please remember to cancel your standing order directly with your bank once your final payment has been made.

 

Returning Keys

At the end of your tenancy, all keys should be returned to our Selby office unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.

Failure to return all keys may result in additional costs, including replacement locks or security measures where necessary.

Please note that rent and tenancy responsibilities continue until vacant possession is returned and all keys have been handed back.

 

Tenant Rights

Under current legislation, tenants renting in England benefit from a range of protections, including:

tick The right to live in a safe and well-maintained property

tick Protection of tenancy deposits within a government-approved scheme

tick Protection from unlawful eviction

tick The right to challenge unfair rent increases

tick The right to request permission for pets, which cannot be unreasonably refused

 

Further information can be found on the UK Government website.

 

Previous Landlord References

If you require a landlord reference from Jigsaw Letting for a future tenancy, please email: info@jigsawletting.co.ukPlease quote: “JL PREVIOUS LL REQUEST” We will aim to complete reference requests within 14 days of receiving your email.

 

Pets in Rental Properties

At Jigsaw Letting, we understand that pets are an important part of many households and we recognise the changes introduced under current rental legislation in England.

Tenants may request permission to keep a pet within a rented property. Each request will be considered individually by the landlord based on factors including:

tick The type and size of the pet

tick The suitability of the property

tick The building or head lease restrictions (where applicable)

tick The potential impact on the property and neighbouring occupiers

 

Permission for pets may be subject to reasonable conditions, including ensuring that pets are kept responsibly and that the property is maintained in good condition throughout the tenancy.

 

Tenants remain responsible for:

tick Any damage caused by pets

tick Additional cleaning required due to pets

tick Ensuring pets do not cause nuisance or anti-social behaviour

 

Where appropriate, landlords may request evidence of suitable pet insurance.

 

If you wish to request permission for a pet during your tenancy, please contact our team in writing with details of the pet and your request will be discussed with the landlord.


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