Moving to Scotland?
Wanting to rent a home but not sure where to start?
Diarmid Mackenzie Smith who runs the Letting and Management Department of Rettie & Co. describes some of the common questions asked by would-be tenants and highlights the quality service offered by him and his team.
How and where do I start my search for a property?
Rettie & Co.'s website, which won the Daily Mail UK Estate Agency Website of the Year in 2006, is the first port of call allowing one to start their search from wherever they are. This details a broad range of properties giving not only the required details but a broad selection of photographs to allow users to "have a good look inside".
Email us for a Property List or give us a ring - alternatively come and visit our offices in central Edinburgh which are open all week and one of the few letting agents who are also open on a Saturday (9.00 am - 2.00 pm).
If I was a landlord I would want my tenants to be referenced - how do I prove I will be exemplary?
Absolutely right - it is only correct that we seek references for tenants on behalf of the landlord. We outsource this to a third party who, for a small fee, undertake official checks. It is our experience that all tenants completely understand that this is part of the process and must be undertaken. It involves providing evidence of where you have lived and worked over the last 3 years.
What sort of lease will I be signing and how can I be sure I am not signing something I don't understand?
Most leases are agreed under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 and are for a minimum period of 6 months with the option for either the Landlord or the Tenant to terminate at this time. Rettie & Co.'s Letting Agents are very well trained to help answer any questions you may have, but if someone wishes to have the lease checked by their legal advisors we are clearly pleased to pass this on.
My time in Edinburgh is short - how can I arrange a viewing?
Once we have shortlisted with you a number of properties you wish to see we can easily meet you and arrange to show you round either during office hours or equally easy outwith these or at weekends. We recognise that people need to view properties when not at work and we have a very efficient set-up for this service.
I'm coming to Edinburgh on public transport and don't have a car - how do I get around the viewings?
This is not a problem as we can easily arrange to drive you to the viewings. In this way we have a better chance to meet you and get to know your requirements and explain the City to you.
Once I've seen something I like - how do I secure it?
Paying a deposit secures a property for you, and we can make this easy with debit or credit card payments. Final confirmation is given once references have been checked and details agreed with the Landlord.
Once I've paid my deposit, how do I know I will see it again? I've heard lots of bad stories about agents and deposits.
Rettie & Co. are a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and we are therefore governed by the RICS regulations. The deposit or bond is held as security during the term of the lease to ensure that the property is returned in the same condition it was let, less fair wear and tear. It is very much in our interests to return a full deposit to the Tenant because it simply means that the property has been well looked after, all agreed bills and rent paid in full and the property returned to us in good condition. I can categorically say that Rettie & Co.'s interests are in ensuring the property is returned in a satisfactory condition and that all deposit monies are returned to the Tenant.
How do I know that the property I am moving into is safe?
Rettie & Co. strictly adhere to the stringent guidelines and compulsory regulations set out. All gas and electrical appliances are tested by qualified engineers and soft furnishings pass all required regulations. Both gas and electrical safety certificates are available for inspection by tenants prior to their occupation should they so wish.
What happens if something breaks down in the property - whose responsibility is it and how long will it take to repair?
If Rettie & Co. are managing the property we have a full, dedicated Management Team experienced in this field and have a 2_/7 contractor back-up for emergencies. Our system is run by a sophisticated database for logging and monitoring jobs and we use reliable tradesmen. Repairs and maintenance are the responsibility of the owner of the property and a call from the tenant to inform us of any problems is all that is required.
How do I pay my rent?
Rettie & Co. will assist you in setting up a standing order which is simply your instruction to your bank to pay the exact amount of rent. Once this is established with your bank then the payment is made automatically each month on your behalf.
What happens when I want to terminate my lease agreement?
Provided you wish to terminate the Lease within the terms of the agreement, then simply submit your request in writing to our office and we will confirm matters with you and the Landlord.
What about insurance - who covers that?
The property and the owner's contents in the property are insured by them. Tenants have to insure their own belongings themselves and are advised to take out accidental damage cover in case of any mishaps.
What are the procedures for moving out of a property?
Once a departure date has been agreed we will confirm to you a time for an inspection to be carried at which point we will go through the inventory. You may choose to be at this meeting or not. Provided everything is in order we will make arrangements for the swift return of your deposit direct to your bank account.
Utility and Council Tax bills
At the time of the checkout we will take the meter readings and write to your gas and electricity suppliers together with the Local Authority regarding the Council Tax. We will inform them of your forwarding address and then make arrangements for the redirection of subsequent bills.
The systems we have in place are well rehearsed and work well. There is quite a lot to do and we are here to assist and guide you and make your move to Edinburgh a very pleasant and professional experience.
Contact
Diarmid Mackenzie Smith
Head of Letting &
Management Services
0131 624 9036
diarmid@rettie.co.uk
www.rettie.co.uk
|
