Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about being a tenant!

Can you really save me time when I'm looking to rent?

Given Leaders' branch coverage and the 7000+ landlords who have appointed Leaders, we simply have many more properties than other agents. Rather than waste time patrolling up and down the high street looking in different agents' windows, chances are Leaders probably have just what you're looking for. We'll take you for a viewing in one of our courtesy cars at a time to suit you, whether that is a lunch time or even during the evening.

What's the difference between a Fully Managed property and Introduction Only?

If your property is let fully managed, then your assigned property manager will be your first point of contact for all maintenance and repair issues and Leaders will act on behalf of the landlord. Introduction Only means that Leaders finds tenants for the property and arranges the paperwork, then the Landlord takes over the management and in this scenario you would contact the landlord direct. Happily, most landlords prefer Leaders to act on their behalf.

Fully furnished? Unfurnished? What's the difference?

Properties are let with different levels of furnishings. Broadly speaking, unfurnished means you can expect carpets, curtains and white goods only. Fully furnished includes sitting room furniture, a dining table and chairs, beds, etc, and, sometimes other household bits and pieces. Leaders will issue you with a list showing what the property includes.

How binding is the Tenancy Agreement I enter into?

A Tenancy Agreement governs all rents, which is a legal and binding document. You will be committed to paying rent until the end of the agreed term and you could be liable to legal action if you break the terms of the agreement. If your circumstances should change for any reason during your tenancy, it is a good idea to tell Leaders as soon as possible.

How much are Leaders' fees?

Leaders charge a one-off Administration Fee that is payable when you have decided to proceed with the property of your choice. This fee cover our costs in the referencing and administration of your application.

Please contact your nearest Leaders branch for details.

Do I need insurance?

Yes! Your contents need to be insured, as the landlord's insurance covers the actual property/goods, but not your possessions. Happily, Leaders has arranged a specially negotiated specialist insurance policy with Hepburns Insurance Services. Not only does this cover all of your possessions, but it automatically covers your deposit, so you can be secure in the knowledge that even if the worst happens, and you spill red wine on the carpet the night before you check out, your deposit is still safe! Ask Leaders for details or click here.

What about pets?

Most landlords are not keen on the little darlings and often as not there will be a clause forbidding pets. Still, if you can't live without Fido or Whiskers then please let us know and we will do our utmost to find you a suitable property to let.

Who do you contact for references?

It is in everyone's interests to ensure that you can comfortably afford the rent on your chosen property. Leaders has appointed one of the most respected credit referencing companies in the UK, Letsure to handle this on our behalf. The checks are much as you'd expect, eg verification of employment, past addresses and so on. Sometimes a guarantor may be required. Leaders are on hand with any questions you may have and the sooner this can be completed, the faster you can move in.

When might I need a Guarantor?

If your financial reference is weak for any reason, we could ask for a guarantor to support your tenancy. This is a serious commitment, as the guarantor will be as responsible as the tenant for all monies due and obligations agreed for the tenancy. Guarantors need to have strong financial references to show that they will not suffer hardship should they be called upon to pay on your behalf.

How much is the deposit and will I get it back?

This is a sum equal to one and a half month's rent. So a rent of £800pcm will require a deposit of £1,200. This is held Leaders in a bonded client account in accordance with ARLA regulations. This means we keep it safe throughout your tenancy and then assist you and the Landlord reach agreement as to its return once you have left the property. However, sign up to Leaders specially negotiated tenants insurance and not only do you get contents insurance that is second to none, your deposit is automatically insured too - and all this for perhaps the most competitive premium on the market.

Leaders adhere strictly to ARLA rulings. This is very important for your peace of mind, as many landlords and agents use deposits as cash flow! Always press an agent for information on exactly where your deposit will be held and by whom. Applicants have often told us that they now wish to rent through an agent as they previously had problems over the deposit return, when renting directly from an unscrupulous landlord.

How long will it take from choosing a property to moving in?

Finding a property is much faster with Leaders simply because of the range on offer. Once you have made your choice, allow 14 days before you move in. This allows time for references and the preparation of the property although the timescale can be much shorter. However, it may be that the previous tenant has yet to move out, in which case more time may be required. Leaders will keep you informed all along the way.

How do I pay my rent?

Rent is paid monthly by standing order/direct debit from your bank. This is set up to be withdrawn from your account 3 days before your rent day so that it arrives on the due date. This is a worry-free way of ensuring you never fall behind in your rental payments. Be sure to tell us if your circumstances change, for instance you change banks or your employment situation changes as we can then help you to protect your tenancy. The last thing we want is for you to fall into arrears.

How much money do I need to move into a property?

Before your tenancy begins we need to receive your first month's rent, deposit and insurance premium in cleared funds, such as a bankers' draft or building society cheque. Personal cheques can only be used if they are paid seven days in advance, in order to clear. You will be given details in writing before taking up the tenancy.

Who pays the council tax and other bills?

You do! All utility accounts at the property will have been closed in the Landlord's name. In all fully managed properties we will let the companies know that you are moving in and you will be responsible for opening an account in your name. We will agree the meter readings with you at check in and at check out, so that there is no confusion over liabilities.

Why should I choose to rent through Leaders?

We value good tenants and our reputation depends on making your rental run as smoothly as possible. It's a fact that Leaders' tenancies seem to last longer than the industry norm and our feedback shows much of this is due to the relationship individual branches build up with their tenants. When tenants do move on, many choose to stay within the Leaders network. We adhere to the highest practices and follow a fair and thorough process - you'll always know where you are with Leaders.

Becoming A Leaders Tenant Is Easy!

Find A Property Online

Decide where you want to live and try our property search. You will soon get a feel for rental levels and you can refine your search to narrow down the properties that interest you most. You can request a viewing online and / or sign up for Leaders free property update at Let Me Know!™

Visit Your Nearest Branch

Visit a Leaders branch. Our managers and staff will carefully note your requirements and suggest a list of suitable properties. Because each branch knows its patch so well, you'll be amazed at the choice on offer. Such is Leaders coverage, that if necessary we can also recommend properties in neighbouring areas too.

Let Me Know!™

Simply register your interest with any Leaders branch. We’ll keep you up to date on a one-to-one basis by phone, email or SMS. Just sit back and let us do all the hard work for you!