First time renter - some quick advice

Nick__4

Hi there,

myself and my partner have a flat we'd like to rent and we've put down the holding fee, the flat is no longer on the market and the referencing came through fine.

All that remains to the best of my knowledge is the tenancy agreement but the estate agents are being very slow in getting this out to us. We are due to move in under a week and considering its a fair distance of about 200-250 miles, I am understandably concerned about the length of time they are taking.

Is it common place for estate agents to take so long with the tenancy agreement and am I protected in any way until I sign the agreement or can they still terminate the whole thing? I am worried that they are trying to mess with us in some way?

Lastly, just to confirm, once the tenancy agreement is signed by both parties, the property is 100% ours to rent right?

Thank you!

clutton_2

""Lastly, just to confirm, once the tenancy agreement is signed by both parties, the property is 100% ours to rent right?

yes its yours

have you asked them to email you a copy - faster than snail mail ?

tizhimi

First rule of renting.... LL's and agencies are slow to act!

If you are concerned, ring them and tell them to get there little bottoms in gear. They are working for you as much as they are working for the LL.

I second what Clutton says, ask him to email a copy

Jowo_2

You've said that you've paid a holding deposit but haven't mentioned payment of the first months rent and the full deposit. Tenancy agreements aren't issued until these funds have cleared - contracts aren't signed before payment is made. Have you paid the rent and full deposit?

Nick__4

I haven't put down any money but a holding deposit.

The Letting Agent told me we'd sort out first month rent etc. on the day I move down?

clutton_2

you should be sent a copy of the Agreement ahead of time for you to read adn seek advice on if necessary - you will be siging a legally binding document and need time to read and understand it

barnaby-bear

Nick_ wrote: »

I haven't put down any money but a holding deposit.

The Letting Agent told me we'd sort out first month rent etc. on the day I move down?

Is there a tenant already there if they have given notice/been given notice they should leave on that date but can stay on if something goes wrong and then the LL has to go through a long expensive legal process to force them to move, if the LL is stupid enough to sign a new contract with a new tenant before he has the property vacant then he would be liable for your costs and providing alternative accommodation so he may be delaying until he has vacant possession.