Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How hard is it to rent an apartment/house in Bristol?
It certainly is not easy, particularly if you are not sure what it is you are looking for. It is worth the time and effort to sit down and make a checklist for yourself of the criteria you will use in looking for a home. How many people is it for? Do you want to limit yourself to any particular neighbourhoods? Do you need a garden? Do you prefer furnished or unfurnished? You need to be realistic about what you can afford and you must be prepared to act immediately when you find a place you like- quality accommodation gets let very fast.
Q2: How do people with modest means get an apartment/house?
If you are a student without an income or you are just starting out in a new job at a beginner’s salary, renting is still a possibility. You may need a GUARANTOR to make the landlord feel more comfortable that someone will pay the rent. The guarantor pledges to pay the rent to the landlord if for some reason you fail to so do. It is also customary for guarantors to underwrite any damage that you might cause over and above fair wear and tear.
Q3: Who can be a guarantor?
A guarantor is an individual with a sufficiently high income and good credit who will guarantee the terms of the tenancy agreement, including the monthly rental payments should the tenant default. This is usually needed for students, low earning tenants or tenants with poor credit histories. In general, landlords like the guarantor to be a close relative and to be able to show that the financial obligation would be within their means. However, each landlord will have a different view so it is worth discussing it. You may also need a guarantor if you are self-employed and don't meet the criteria, or your employment contract term is less than the tenancy or you are not in full time employment. The guarantor will be referenced.
Q4: I don’t have anyone who could act as a guarantor. What can I do?
A landlord might be happy to accept a tenant who isn’t an immediate "perfect fit". You need to negotiate with the landlord- they might accept a higher deposit than is usual practice.
Q5: I have everything ready, now what?
You need to conduct a property search by filling in the enquiry form. Click here to go directly to property search. The Westwick Properties Rents Direct listing will give you sufficient information for you to decide whether or not you are interested in viewing the property. This should cut down your search and viewing time considerably. Once you have decided which properties to view simply contact us via E-mail to arrange an appointment. We shall contact you within 24 hours.
Q6: What do I need to do to secure a property?
Once you have seen a property that you want to rent, you'll need to complete the necessary paperwork and pay a reservation fee in the form of cash or cheque. The reservation fee will be taken off the balance due for the tenancy.
Q7: When can I view properties?
Usually within 24 hours, depending if the property is vacant or if we have to inform the occupier.We typically arrange viewings:
Monday - Thursday: 9.30 – 6.00pm
Friday: 9.30 - 5.30pm
Q9: What references do you take?
We carry out a credit reference and search of public records, employment or accountant's reference if you are self employed. We also obtain a previous landlord address and character reference. The references usually take up to 5 days but this very much depends on how quickly the referees respond. You will also need to supply a form of ID – e.g. passport or photo driving Licence - and proof of residency at your current address.
Q10: How long can I rent for?
The minimum term of tenancy is 6 months, though most people sign for 12 months.
Q11: What are my obligations?
Your obligations are listed in the tenancy agreement and whilst there are many you need to pay your rent and any bills relating to the property; and to return the property and gardens in the same condition as when you moved in. It's also your responsibility to inform the landlord or agent of any maintenance issues affecting the property.
Q12: If there's a problem, who do we contact?
Depending on the type of service we provide for the owner, it could be the landlord or us. If in any doubt, please contact us.
Q13: What happens to my deposit?
Your deposit will be held in one of the three government approved schemes. The scheme selected will depend on the level of service we provide to the Landlord. At the end of the tenancy we will try to return it within 7 - 10 working days after you vacate. However, this will depend on whether or not there are any dilapidation issues. If there are issues receipt will be governed by the timescales indicated by the deposit scheme within which your money is held.
Q14: Will I have to pay a fee to the Landlord?
No. The only money you will need to pay to the Landlord is one month’s rent in advance.
Q15: Will I have to pay a fee to Rentsdirect?
You will need to pay a fee of 35% + VAT which will be payable by you if and when you agree to take up a tenancy.