We as a Letting Agent have over 30 years experience in the field of property lettings and can assure our clients that we believe it is better to do a few things really well, rather than several things adequately. Stepping Stones direct all energy and resources towards giving clients an expert letting and management service. Our attentions are not diverted towards other activities and we are only dedicated to lettings and management.
Registering
Please feel free to contact us at any time and we will be more than happy to discuss what properties we have and which would be best suited to your needs. We do not want to waste your time showing you property that really is not what you are looking for. So call now and if we haven’t got what you want, we can add you to our mailing list so that as soon as we have we can contact you.
Viewings
All of our properties are finished to a high standard. All of our properties are professionally cleaned before any tenancy starts and all maintenance works carried out prior to the commencement of the tenancy. We will accompany all viewings so that any questions or queries you may have can be answered. We cannot accommodate viewings at all normal times and will try to arrange and accompany outside normal hours if we can.
Application and referencing
We ask all prospective tenants to view the property before we take an application or any monies. Any queries the tenant may have with the property can then be cleared up by one of our property managers.
An application will need to be taken from anyone who is planning to live at the property over 18 years old. It is quite a detailed application form but we can step you through it. Once the application is sent to our referencing agent it takes between 3 and 5 days for it to be processed, although this can be speeded up if necessary.
Deposits
We ask for a holding deposit to be paid along with the application fee, the holding deposit is then deducted from the total dilapidation deposit. If the application is unsuccessful then the holding deposit is fully refundable. Please note however that if you decide not to proceed with the application then the holding deposit is non refundable.
The total deposit is the equivalent to one months rent plus the holding deposit of £200.00. This is paid at the start of tenancy and is fully refundable at the end of the tenancy when you have been checked out of the property against the schedule of condition and inventory, subject to any damages.
Starting the tenancy
Once we have received the application back and they have been successful we can then arrange dates and times for the tenant to move in. We can carry this out either in Stepping Stones offices or at the property which ever is more convenient.
The tenant will need to sign an agreement, a draft of which will be sent prior to this to the tenants so that the tenants can have a read through and if required get it checked by a solicitor. The agreement we use is straightforward and we are happy to talk you through it so that you understand what you are signing.
On the day the tenant moves in they will be given a schedule of condition and inventory which will mark the condition of everything in the property which includes ceilings, floors, windows and doors etc. We ask the tenant to check it over and get it returned to us within 2 weeks. It is important that it is checked over thoroughly as this is the document which will be used to check the tenants out of the property.
Inspections
Basically we like to leave the tenants to live in their new home and will contact them within a couple of months after they have moved in so that we can pop round to carry out an inspection. We will then do the inspections in four monthly intervals after this.
Rent Payments
We ask for all rent payments to be paid by standing order into our bank or if more convenient either post a cheque or pop into our offices in Parson Street, Banbury. We have no problem with how the rent is paid as long as it is paid on time and in full every month.
Repairs and maintenance
If, whilst at the property there are any repairs or maintenance requirements then the tenant will need to contact Stepping Stones who will deal with it.
Leaving the property
Normally 3 to 4 months before the end of the tenancy, we will write to you and ask what your future tenancy wishes are. If you decide that you will not be renewing the tenancy then we ask for at least 2 months notice to be given in writing (please note that all notices must begin and end on a rent day). We will then start to market the property again and will ask that you will allow us to carry out viewings for prospective new tenants. If however you would like to stay at the property we will convert the tenancy to a periodic which means that you can give two months notice to begin and end on a rent day as can the landlord. Please note that if you are bringing the tenancy to an end then this will need to be put in writing.
