Tenant Guides

Tenant Guide

Welcome to Harris & Co., your dedicated partner in the quest for your ideal rental property. Our mission is to guide you seamlessly through the rental process, ensuring you find a home that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. Below, we’ve prepared a guide to assist you along the way. Additionally, we’ve included an overview of our Tenant Fees to provide transparency and clarity in our partnership. It’s important to note that while the information below is tailored for our agency, it can also serve as a helpful reference for engaging with private landlords, offering valuable insights into the rental journey.

1. Property Search:
Discover your ideal rental property by exploring our extensive listings. Whether you’re seeking a cosy apartment, a spacious house, or something in between, our diverse portfolio has something for everyone. Once you’ve found a property that catches your eye, give our office a call to schedule a viewing. During the call, we’ll gather additional details to ensure we fully understand your preferences and requirements, helping us tailor our search to find the perfect match for you.

2. Viewings:
View the properties you’re interested in; We understand your time is valuable, which is why we offer flexible viewing appointments, usually between 10am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). However, if these times don’t suit your schedule, don’t worry—simply let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate viewings outside of these hours upon request (if possible)  Please keep in mind that occasionally, we may be hosting an open house event for the property. Contact us today to schedule your viewing and take the next step toward finding your perfect rental.

Open House Events:
An open house viewing offers a convenient and flexible experience, as there’s no need for an allocated timeslot. Simply drop by within the scheduled hour window and explore the property at your leisure. It’s a fantastic chance for multiple interested parties to tour the property simultaneously, allowing you to immerse yourself in its ambience, ask questions, and envision yourself living there. Our knowledgeable agent will be present during the event to provide guidance and answer any inquiries you may have. 

3. Holding Deposit:
To secure a property that captures your interest, we may request a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent. It’s important to note that the decision to require a holding deposit is made at our discretion. This deposit serves as a commitment from you to proceed with the rental process and will be deducted from your first month’s rent upon approval. Rest assured, if the landlord withdraws the property or if your application is declined through no fault of your own, the holding deposit is fully refundable. This ensures fairness and transparency throughout the process, allowing you to confidently pursue your desired rental property.

4. Referencing and Credit Checks:
Ensuring a smooth and secure rental process is paramount to us. As part of this commitment, we undertake comprehensive referencing and credit checks. This meticulous process involves reaching out to your employer, previous landlords, and other pertinent parties to verify your financial stability and rental history. By conducting thorough checks, we aim to provide both landlords and yourself with the confidence and assurance needed on a successful tenancy.

5. Moving In:
Once all essential payments and paperwork are finalised, your tenancy is ready to begin. It’s essential to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place before moving in. Don’t forget to take responsibility for notifying utility providers and local authorities of your move. This ensures a smooth transition and allows you to start enjoying your new home without any delays. If you have any questions or need assistance during this process, our team is here to help—just reach out, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

6. During Your Tenancy:
Once you’ve settled into your new home, it’s important to uphold the terms outlined in your tenancy agreement. This includes ensuring timely rent payments and maintaining the property in good condition. If our agency manages the property, anticipate periodic inspections as outlined in the agreement. These inspections are conducted to ensure the property remains well-maintained and to address any issues promptly. By abiding by the terms of your tenancy agreement.

7. Deposit:
Rest assured, your security deposit will be safeguarded by a government-approved scheme, providing you with peace of mind throughout your tenancy. Upon signing the tenancy agreement, you’ll receive a deposit protection certificate along with comprehensive details of the scheme. This ensures transparency and accountability, offering you the necessary reassurance that your deposit is in safe hands. If you have any queries regarding the deposit protection process or require further clarification, our team is always available to assist you.