Tenant Responsibilities
Before moving into a property, all tenants are required to sign a tenancy agreement. This sets out the responsibilities that we have as a landlord and that you have as a tenant. Whilst living in one of our properties we would ask that you undertake to ensure that
- Rent is paid on time
- Your home is kept in good order and that you advise us of any maintenance issues that might arise
- You maintain your garden, if you have one
- You are considerate to your neighbours.
Please ensure that you have read your tenancy agreement carefully and that you have understood it. If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us.
Rubbish and Recycling
Vermin and other pests can become a problem if rubbish is allowed to build up and therefore we would ask you to ensure that household waste and recycling are disposed of correctly in the containers provided. Details of what day your rubbish and recycling is collected can be found on your local authorities website.
Shared areas (e.g. communal hallways) must be kept clear of rubbish and other items (e.g. bikes, pushchairs) for safety reasons. Blocking these areas means that in the event of a fire your safety, and other people’s, could be compromised.
Condensation
This is a problem being experienced more and more especially in newly refurbished properties which have been insulated to building regulations standards or where double glazing has been installed. Condensation occurs where moist air comes into contact with air, or a surface, which is at a lower temperature. Moist air can be caused by normal day to day activities such as breathing, cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors. A common sign is water drops or streaks on the inside of the window.
A number of simple measures can be taken to help prevent this. These include
- Increasing ventilation by opening windows
- Drying clothes outside. If this is not possible then use clothes horses either in a well ventilated room or in the bathroom. Do not dry clothes on radiators
- Moving the bed away from the wall to allow air to circulate
- Closing the bathroom door after hot showers or baths.
A guide was recently published my myDeposits which you can download from here – guide-to-understanding-damp-and-mould
Home swapping
If your home is no longer suitable for your needs, it may be possible for you to move into another, more appropriate, property managed by Pelagon Homes. This will only be offered if you have:
- No rent arrears
- No current breaches of tenancy
- Maintained your current property adequately.
If you would like to discuss your options, please contact us.
Moving on
In accordance with your tenancy agreement, you will need to tell us in writing when you want to move out of your home.
Before moving out please ensure the following:
- All personal belongings are removed
- The property is clean and tidy
- All light fittings are fitted with working bulbs
- Any repairs have been reported (or carried out if they are your responsibility)
- You have informed the Benefit office, if you are in receipt of any benefits.
- All keys are left in the property with a note stating who currently supplies your gas and electricity and a forwarding address.
- All washable furnishings (e.g. curtains, seat covers) should be laundered.
- Mail is redirected.
Your deposit will be returned to you within 7 days along with a final statement detailing deductions, if any, that have been made.
We will take final meter readings and provide them to the utility companies along with a forwarding address. The local authority will also be advised of your forwarding address.
When you want to move out of your home, you will need to tell us in writing in accordance with your tenancy agreement.
Repairs
It sometimes becomes necessary for repairs to be carried out in order to maintain a good quality home. Should you have any maintenance requirements please contact us at repairs@pelagonhomes.com or, in an emergency, on 07802 324 801.
We will endeavor to ensure that repairs are carried out in a timely manner and to a high standard.
Please remember that seemingly minor repairs can lead to major problems if left unchecked therefore please report any concerns as soon as possible.
Fire safety
Every property managed by Pelagon Homes has been fitted with a smoke alarm. There are a number of simple steps worth taking to minimize the risk of fire.
- Check your smoke alarm regularly – at least once a week – and keep spare batteries. Please bear in mind that even integrated fire alarms have been fitted with batteries.
- Plan an escape route. Ensure that everyone living in the property is aware of how to escape in the event of fire and that the route is kept clear.
- Ensure windows can be opened in the event of an emergency
- Avoid overloading electrical sockets
- Ensure cigarettes are put out properly
- Never leave naked flames unattended
- Ensure candles, incense etc are in suitable holders and kept away from flammable objects (e.g. curtains, papers)
- Take extra care in the kitchen. Never leave chip pans unattended.
Doors have been fitted with automatic closures for your safety. Please do not remove these.
Gas safety
We are required, by law, to carry out an annual service and safety check of any gas appliances and pipework we have provided in your home. This will usually be done in either March or October. In order for the trained gas engineer to carry this out, access to all rooms and loft spaces will be required. This is essential as you, your family and neighbours could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if your appliances, flue or ventilation are not working properly.
What to do if you smell or suspect a gas leak?
The following actions should be carried out if you smell gas:-
- Turn off all gas appliances, and shut off the gas supply at the meter
- Extinguish all flames i.e. cigarettes, candles and incense sticks
- Open all windows and doors to ventilate the property
- Do not use any phones or electrical switches within the property
- Leave the premises
- Contact National Grid on Freephone 0800 111 999, preferably using a neighbour’s phone or from outside of the property.
Difficulty Paying
We understand that situations can change and that finances can be tight however paying your rent is a priority to avoid being evicted from your home.
If you are having difficulty paying your rent please contact us as soon as possible to discuss possible options. Wherever possible we will try to work with you to find a suitable payment plan.
DO NOT ignore the problem.
Deposits
All deposits taken by Pelagon Homes for Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be protected by MyDeposits. Pelagon Homes already provide clear and detailed information on the condition of rental properties in the form of written inventories so disputes over deposits are kept to a minimum. However, in the event of a dispute arising, MyDeposits will make these disputes easier to resolve. You should receive a certificate within 14 days from the start of your tenancy with relevant details and a reference number. This will usually be sent to you by email.
Letting Fees
Pelagon Homes can either let property directly or through accredited letting agents. If you have been introduced to Pelagon Homes via a letting agent the agent’s pre-tenancy fees will apply. You will not pay two sets of fees. These would have been clearly explained to you prior to renting.
Every effort is made to keep costs as low as possible, however some expenses are incurred in the management of a tenancy. If you are renting directly through Pelagon Homes the following costs will apply:
Pre tenancy
Admin / credit referencing and right to rent checks – £70.00 per person.
Guarantor referencing (if required) – £70.00 (there will be no charge for the first one to be referenced)
Check in report – there is no charge for this
Advising utility companies and the local authority that you have moved in – there is no charge for this
Deposit – typically 5 weeks
During tenancy
Change of occupation – £50.00 per person.
Admin / credit referencing and right to rent checking for any new occupant – £0.00 per person
Renewal fee – there is no charge for this
Check out report – there is no charge for this
Post tenancy
Early termination fees – Should you need to terminate your tenancy early a 10% charge will be made on the rent due for the remaining tenancy (i.e. should 8 months of the contract be due then you will be charged 10% of your monthly rent x 8 months
Reference request fee – £30.00 per person.
Throughout the tenancy and at the end of the tenancy there are other costs that must be covered on top of the rent. These might include:
- Utilities (gas, electricity, water and telephone)
- Council Tax
- Television licence
- Installation of cable/satellite
- Insurance (for your personal and own contents)
- Garden maintenance
- Professional cleaning of the property
- Dilapidations
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us – just as knowing how we use your information is important to you. Our Privacy Policy gives you full visibility of how we collect, use, share and protect your personal information when you use our products, services and our website. Your information will not be passed to any Third Party without your consent and will never be passed to any direct marketing companies. Out full Privacy Policy is available below.