Tenants resources

Information for prospective tenants

For 60 years we have been making it easy for prospective tenants to find suitable homes, providing a seamless service from selection to possession.

Finding the right property

To take advantage of our extensive database of high quality rental properties throughout London, you can register by calling one of our 21 letting offices.

Viewing a property

We will arrange for you to inspect selected properties at your convenience, including evenings and Saturdays. One of our team will always accompany you to view a property.

Making an offer

Once you have settled on a suitable property, we will submit your offer to the landlord for instructions.

Acceptance of your offer

Upon agreement of terms we will apply for references and prepare a tenancy agreement.

Charges

To see all Tenant charges, please go to our Fees page.

The tenancy agreement

This document embraces the terms negotiated and agreed, through B&R, between yourself and the landlord, also reciting the statutory obligations of each party. The contract thereafter is signed by each party and exchanged.

Safeguards

All offers / acceptances are made subject to contract, which means that either party is at liberty to withdraw until such time as contracts have been signed and exchanged.

Inventory

This is an important document prepared by an independent firm immediately before possession, recording the condition of the accommodation together with the contents. A copy is supplied to both landlord and tenant for verification and signature. This avoids disputes at the end of the tenancy.

Deposit

This is a sum usually equivalent to five weeks rent or if the rent is over £50,000 per annum, then it will be six weeks rent. The Deposit is used to offset the cost (if any) incurred in reinstating the property at the end of the tenancy as existed at commencement, less fair wear and tear. These monies are retained in accordance with the following:

• Custodial Scheme - paid directly to the Government direct to be held for the duration of the tenancy.
• Insurance Backed Scheme - paid to B&R with monies held in a separate account as stakeholders on behalf of both landlord and tenant, neither of whom has access to these funds unless agreed between the parties.

For full details see https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection

Deposit refund

At the end of the tenancy the sum is released, less any mutually agreed deductions, as determined by the tenancy agreement. If in dispute the matter is referred, together with the deposit, to the government scheme administrator, whose decision is final and binding on both parties. For full details see https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection

Accounting

Prior to occupation we will submit a statement for advance payment of the first month / quarter's rent, the deposit and tenancy agreement costs, together with any other incidental sums that might arise.

We must be in possession of cleared funds before keys are released and occupation commences.

On taking possession

You will be met at the property by the inventory clerk who will go through the inventory with you. On satisfaction, you will be asked to sign the document, the keys will be passed over to you and you are then able to move in to your new home.
Benham and Reeves will be available throughout your tenancy to provide advice and support.

To find your next home, contact us now by clicking here