Yes, Whites are registered with the RICS CMP Scheme. A copy of our CMP Certificate can be seen here: ‘Client Money Protection Certificate.’

Yes, Whites are registered with The Property Ombudsman. Our complaints procedure is available from our complaints manager, Tony Williams  on email tonywilliams@hwwhite.co.uk

You will be required to sign an assured shorthold tenancy under the provisions of the Housing Act 1988, the Housing Act 1996 and the Housing Act of 2004 for a minimum period of six months. This is the ‘fixed term’.

At the end of this period, you can be contracted into an extended fixed term period or you will move to a ‘periodic term’. This periodic agreement may carry on a statutory periodic basis monthly until either side terminates the contract.

We require an employer’s reference, a bank reference, a credit reference, and a letting agent or landlord reference.

In certain circumstances, we will advise you that you will need to provide a guarantor.

You do need to provide proof of identity before signing a tenancy agreement by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. We require a valid passport or photo-card driving license AND a utility bill dated within the last three months or a current council tax bill.

We require the equivalent of five weeks’ rent as a deposit before your tenancy begins (or six weeks’ rent if the annual rent is over £50,000).

Your deposit will be placed into the Government-backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme or TDS which will ensure it is kept safe until the end of the tenancy when it will be repaid, assuming you have paid all rent and the property is as it was when you took it over.

If the landlord makes deductions, say for damage, and you don’t agree with those, there is an independent dispute resolution service from the TDS which is free.

You can read more here.

The TDShis scheme is supported by the RICS, the NARLA, and the NAEA.

Some of our properties are not suitable for pets. You must inform Whites before processing your application if you have a pet. The Landlord’s consent will be required before a rental period is agreed with a pet in-situ.

Please note: You will breach your Tenancy Agreement if you subsequently have a pet living on the property without written permission. This may jeopardise your ongoing tenancy and result in a claim for damages.

Most of our properties have a non-smoker policy. Please inform Whites if you are a smoker before your application is processed. Landlord consent will be required.

You will breach your Tenancy Agreement if you habitually smoke in your property without prior agreement. This may jeopardise your ongoing tenancy and result in a claim for damages.

Rent is payable in advance. A standing order needs to be set up direct from a bank account. Please note interest can be charged on late payments of rent and interest accrues from day one if the rent is not paid within 14 days of the due date. The interest is limited to 3% over the bank base rate.

Your initial invoice will be issued before the start of your tenancy. This invoice must be paid in full on or before the start date of the tenancy.

A bank transfer or debit card payment is preferred. If you have to make a cheque payment, this must be made at least 10 working days before the start of your tenancy to give it time to clear through the banking system.

You are responsible for all utility bills such as gas, electricity and water

You are responsible for all Council Tax charges.

Disclaimer: We make every effort to provide accurate information on the property. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, nor do they form part of any contract. We strongly advise you to verify the Council Tax banding directly with the local council tax office.

At the start and end of your tenancy, we will inform the current utility companies of the meter readings and the change of occupancy.

You will then receive a welcome letter from the utility company with details of your future payments.

Please contact Whites if you do not receive any information.

You are completely responsible for the connection of the telephone line and bill payments.

The Landlord is responsible for the building’s insurance.

Prior to the start of the tenancy, the tenant is recommended to take out contents’ insurance including accidental damage cover. If you choose to take out insurance, please bring the policy details with you when you sign your Tenancy Agreement.

Please phone our lettings team and speak where possible to your dedicated property manager to report any problems with the property.

You are responsible for minor repairs such as changing light bulbs, fuses and batteries.

Please note that we will not accept responsibility for payments to a tradesman who has been employed by you without prior agreement from Whites.

You must check that the smoke alarms and CO2 detectors are working at the start of your tenancy. You must regularly check this equipment and change the batteries when necessary.

At the end of your tenancy, we will arrange for an inpsection of your property. This includes a final inventory, check for any dilapidations and confirming closing readings to the utility companies.

We will issue you with an end of the tenancy checklist. Please read and complete this, and return it with your keys.

Please be aware that the details on this form are crucial, and the timing of your deposit refund may be delayed if the form is not completed.

Please check our Tenancy Checkout Guidelines under lettings advice on our website. This also includes contact details for our recommended professional cleaners. LINK

NB Cleaning – We strongly recommend using a professional cleaner as it is essential that cleaning is carried out to a high standard. If the clean is unsatisfactory, you will be in breach of your contract.

Once the check-out inspection has been completed, your tenancy checklist has been returned, and any dilapidation costs and/or rental payments have been deducted (with your written agreement), we will return any deposit monies by bank transfer.