Stupid questions about registering with a lettings agency

daphne_descends

I have only rented twice before, both times privately, but now I'm moving and dealing with a lettings agent.

The forms that me and OH have filled in have a space for each tenant, and asks the share of the rent they will be paying. Do they use this information when setting up a direct debit?

In our case I wish for all the rent to come out of my account, as I am paid monthly and OH, being paid weekly, contributes to my account throughout the month. This has worked really well for us for a year now, will it cause a problem to carry on? In which case should I put the full amount under my name, and zero under his?

There is also a section to be completed by a guarantor - is this mandatory, or applicable only if they are not satisfied with the credit checks?

Sorry if these are obvious

prudryden

Guarantor: Generally only used if they feel your income is insufficient for the rent. I have only used it once, where the Mother was the guarantor because her son decided to quit working and go back to UNI.

You can pay 100% - the contract will still read that you are jointly and severably liable for the rent.

lesleydejager

you should put that you will be paying 100% of the rent, legally you are jointly liable but as far as they are concerned they will receive payment form you alone.

If they have asked you for a guarantor you should give one, although usually if you have paid a deposit this should suffice in place of a guarantor. If you don't have a guarantor maybe you can ask to give a larger deposit to cover if you default on rent?