Our application and referencing process
We take the mystery out of a rental application process by explaining exactly what happens, at each stage. Our transparency helps new Tenants know exactly what they need to do every step of the way, so you feel confident and ready to take on your next rental property with Cherry Lets. We are here and ready to support any questions you may have.
Rental Application Process
Rental Referencing Process
NOTE: It is the law in England that all Landlords must perform Right to Rent checks on all occupiers aged 18 or over. Checks are carried out to ensure all occupants over 18 year of age are legally allowed to rent a residential property in England. Find out more details on the Government website about Right to Rent.
– Excerpt taken from Propertymark website.
Why reference Tenants?
Landlords and letting agents need to have trust in any Tenant that they will pay their rent on time, treat the property with respect and not be a nuisance to neighbours or others.
Satisfactory referencing confirms the Tenant’s past behaviour in other rented properties and whether they can afford to pay the rent, so there is confidence that the right Tenant has been picked.
Landlords and letting agents must ask the prospective Tenant’s permission to carry out a reference. Obviously, if this is refused the Landlord or letting agent may wish to decline the request to rent a property.
What Referencing can be used?
There are several forms of referencing that exist to provide a better understanding of a prospective Tenant and whether they are suitable to rent the property.
Landlord Referencing
This involves getting in touch with the Tenant’s previous Landlord to find out how they behaved as a Tenant. They can tell you if the Tenant paid rent on time, if they treated the property with respect and any other information that might influence the decision.
Credit Checks
This reference will confirm the Tenant’s credit history. Any County Court Judgements (CCJs), bankruptcy and insolvency will be brought up, which may lead to an unacceptable credit score. These checks should bring up past addresses and details on the electoral roll (if any).
Tenant Affordability
As a guide, affordability will need to be shown of 30 times the monthly rental figure, as an annual household income. Checks exist to confirm the Tenant’s income – this could include where applicable, employer reference; statement of benefits received; confirmation of self employed income; and pension statements. For Independent means, as a guide, three times the rental due for the contract period would need to be shown via Savings Account Statements.
Frequently asked questions during application:
What property redress scheme are Cherry Lets part of?
By law every letting agent must be part of one. When speaking to letting agents it’s always best to double check on the redress scheme’s website to see if they are really a member. We are part of the Property Ombudsman Scheme – https://www.tpos.co.uk/.
Which Client Money Protection Scheme are Cherry Lets part of?
This is also required by law. Money such as rent, or a deposit is considered client money. These schemes exist to prevent the money being misused. We are part of the Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme.
What tenancy deposit scheme will my deposit be protected by?
Where the tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), the Landlord or Agent is legally required to ensure that any tenancy deposit taken under the tenancy is protected within one of three statutory tenancy deposit schemes within 30 days of receipt and comply with the rules of the scheme. Cherry Lets are part of the Deposit Protection Scheme and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Where can I see fees?
Letting agents must clearly display fees on their website and in their office.
If you can’t see them, or if they contain any prohibited payments, then the agent is potentially breaking the law.
Please see our fees in detail here.
How are Cherry Lets Authorised?
“To offer their clients even more protection and to stand out from the competition, your letting or estate agent may join a membership body such as ARLA Propertymark or NAEA Propertymark. Although these aren’t legal requirements, being a member means they have proven to be following the law, qualified in their field, are part of a CMP scheme, have professional indemnity insurance. They also adhere to a strict code of practice and disciplinary procedures with sanctions for those who fall below the expected standards.”
– Propertymark website
We're Specialists in Residential Letting
We are an independent company with a wealth of experience in the residential lettings and property management industry. Coupled with our enthusiasm, excellent local knowledge and expertise, our sole objective is to provide the best service that our Landlords and Tenants could wish for.