How to rent a room

If you have not rented a room in a shared house before you might not know what to look for, what questions to ask or what being a tenant in an HMO means for you. At Quality Yorkshire Homes we thought it would be helpful if we put together a handy guide to help you choose the right property, and what our process is for renting a room.

What’s important to you

When choosing your ideal property, you’ll probably have a number of considerations including:

• Price
• Location
• Size/quality of room
• Available facilities
• Who the other tenants are.

At Quality Yorkshire Homes we only rent to employed professionals, so you can be assured of living with like-minded people! Let us know what your priorities are, and we’ll make sure we find your ideal room at the right price.

What next?

Once you have identified your preferences, contact us to arrange a viewing on a day and time that suits you best. Alternatively, if you are unsure of what you are looking for just ask us and we will happily help you to find the right home to meet your needs.

What your rent includes:

• Superfast broadband
• TV Licence
• Gas
• Electricity
• Council Tax
• Water
• Regular cleaning of all communal areas.

What's the minimum length of time I can rent for?

We prioritise tenants who can commit to a minimum of 6 months tenancy. However, in exceptional circumstances we will consider shorter lets.

Do you accept pets?

No, we do not allow pets. So you'll have to find another home for your pooch or moggy while you live in one of our houses!

Reserving your room

If you like the property and have found the home you’ve been looking for then you will need to reserve your room. The rental market moves quickly so it is important for you to reserve the room of your choice quickly otherwise it may be lost.

In order to reserve your room, you will need to show us the following documents:

• ID (Passport / Driving licence)
• Proof of your current address
• Previous landlord reference from last two landlords
• Proof of current income (Bank Statements and Job Contract)
• Right to rent documents (If you are not a UK national)

Reference checks

After you have reserved your room we will carry out a reference check. Through this process we will need to see the addresses of your previous rental homes and the landlord’s details. We will need to confirm you are currently employment status and will ask you to provide references. We will also check that you have no history of bad credit in the form of CCJs or bankruptcy.

Tenancy agreement

If you successfully pass the reference checks, we will then send you the tenancy agreement that will show you the terms of the tenancy. This is a legally binding document to ensure the rights and obligations of the tenant and the landlord.

Rents

Rents are normally quoted weekly, and payable weekly in advance. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account. We can take rents monthly on request if it is easier for you.

Deposit

A security deposit of a minimum of four week’s rental will normally be required. This deposit will be treated in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Protection regulations, and you will be provided with the appropriate prescribed information and receive details regarding the scheme used. The deposit is held to cover damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.

Moving in

We will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient move in date will be arranged and you will be required to pay your first two weeks’ rent and the deposit 24 hours before moving in. A member of our team will meet you at the property and show you around. We will go through the inventory during the check in process and answer any questions you may have.

After checking in you will be given your keys and then you can relax and settle into your new home!

Property inspections and maintenance

The property will be inspected at least once a month to ensure your safety and to identify any maintenance issues that need addressing.

In the case of any emergency maintenance issues please contact us and we will arrange for a member of our maintenance team to fix the problem.

A cleaner will visit your property either once a week or fortnightly to ensure that all the communal areas (living room, kitchen, bathrooms and hallway) are clean and tidy. This is for your convenience and to ensure that all our properties are well maintained. This will come at no extra cost to you but if you require cleaning services for your room please contact us for more details.

When your tenancy ends

Before the end of your tenancy, we will contact you to understand what your plans are for staying in the property and whether you would like to extend your term with us.

If you decide to leave at the end of your tenancy we will arrange a checkout date for you and will require an inspection of the property to ensure that it is given back to us in the same condition as the beginning of the tenancy. You will be required to clean your room thoroughly and to return the keys back to us on the day of your checkout. Ensure no personal belongings are left behind.

If you require any help prior to check out, feel free to contact us for further advice and guidance for a swift a secure return of your deposit.