In almost every case the tenant is responsible for utility bills, unless the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST) states "Bills Inclusive".

Most rental periods or tenancies are fixed for 6 or 12 months, and this will need to be defined in the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST).

Barring any problems during the period the fixed-term can turn into a rolling contract, with the notice period being agreed between yourselves and tenant. In most cases the notice period would be 1 month.

Our fees are 10% of the rental income over the agreed tenancy period. This includes:

• Photographing the property and taking measurements to produce floor plans
• Managing any repairs, servicing or decoration you've requested before tenants move in
• Marketing the property on Rightmove, this website and through social media including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
• Searching for new tenants from our own database
• Handling all enquiries and carrying out accompanied viewings
• Referencing and credit-checking all prospective tenants and guarantors
• Compiling a full digital inventory and condition report supplied on CD or DVD
• Organising the assured shorthold tenancy agreement and carry out the tenants check-in procedure, reading all meters and notifying energy providers and local authorities

If you require further services including managing maintenance and repairs, collecting rent, organising safety checks and being the emergency contact for tenants, we will be happy to provide a fully detailed quote depending on your needs. See our Landlord services page for more details.

Typically tenants deal with us regarding viewings, credit referencing, and moving in. After that it depends on whether you have has asked us to manage the property going forward. If we are managing the property we will be the tenant's first point of contact for repairs or questions - if not they will contact you directly.

There is no legal requirement for an inventory, however Tingdene Lettings insist on creating one for all the properties we deal with. We supply these on a CD or DVD with digital photos. We believe they're invaluable for both landlords and tenants to avoid disputes.

This is a sum of money tenants have to pay against any possible damage. It is returned at the end of the tenancy as long as no issues have arisen. The amount is usually 1 or 1½ month's rent.

Any deposit taken by you or us has to be held in one of three recognised deposit protection schemes:

• The Deposit Protection Service
• MyDeposits
• The Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Landlords who fail to protect the deposit in this way face being taken to court by tenants, who can then claim between 1 and 3 times the original amount. In addition, landlords may be unable to seek possession of their property.

Where a landlord or letting agent fail to protect the deposit they will not be allowed to use a Section 21 eviction notice.

This will be defined in the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST).

Generally landlords are responsible for the fabric of the building, appliances and furniture (if furnished) including:

• Making sure the property is suitable for habitation before the tenant moves in
• Maintaining the structure of the building
• Maintaining water, electricity and gas supplies and making sure drains, baths, sinks and WCs are in working order
• Maintaining room heating and water heating
• Maintaining common areas in multi-occupancy dwellings

And tenants will usually be responsible for:

• Small maintenance jobs such as unblocking sinks and drains, cleaning chimneys, replacing fuses and replacing batteries in battery-powered smoke alarms etc.
• Making good any damage the tenant causes
• Keeping the property clean

With respect to gardens, again it is worth checking in the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST) as this will vary depending on the property and landlord.

Tingdene Lettings will read the meters at the beginning and end of the tenancy. However the tenant is responsible for setting up accounts with any utility provider before moving in, and ending or transferring any accounts at the end of the tenancy.

Yes, you are legally required to insure the building itself and your liability.

You can choose to insure any furniture and appliances that you have provided. You do not have to insure the tenant's personal items.

Gas:

If there are any gas appliances or gas heating, the landlord must arrange a yearly gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will provide a report. Existing tenants must be provided with a copy of the report within 28 days of the check being carried out, while new tenants must be provided with a copy of the report at occupation.

Energy performance:

Landlords are legally required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for a property before it is let. These detail the energy efficiency of a property and have to be undertaken by an independent inspector. EPCs are valid for 10 years.

As per the 1991 Smoke Detectors Act there is a legal requirement for landlords to fit, or have fitted, a mains powered smoke alarm in all properties rented after June 1992. The tenant is responsible for replacing batteries in any battery-powered smoke alarms.

At present there is no mandatory requirement for electrical equipment to be checked or undergo regular testing, but a constant duty of care remains. It is recommended you should have all appliances and electrics checked before any new tenancy and on a regular basis thereafter.

An AST is a legally binding document covering the arrangement and obligations between yourself and the landlord. It should detail such things as the rental or tenancy period, the frequency and amount of rent and who is responsible for repairs of any furniture, fittings or appliances.

The government publication "How to Rent - The Checklist for Renting in England" is a useful guide for assured shorthold tenants. It's available from www.gov.uk and summarises what you should expect from a tenancy as well as your rights and responsibilities.

In almost every case the tenant is responsible for utility bills, unless the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST) states "Bills Inclusive".

Most rental periods or tenancies are fixed for 6 or 12 months, but refer to your Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST) for details.

Barring any problems during the period the fixed-term can turn into a rolling contract with the notice period being agreed between yourselves and the landlord or letting agent. In most cases the notice period would be 1 month.

This is where an agreement exists in the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST) that allows either the landlord or tenant to end a lease despite not having run its complete period.

The NLA is a professional organisation upholding best practice for landlords. Landlords have no legal requirement to join, although it is considered a good indication of commitment and service to the tenant.

Typically you will deal with us regarding viewings, credit referencing, and moving in. After that it depends on whether the landlord has asked us to manage the property going forward. If we are managing the property we will be your first point of contact for repairs or questions – if not you will deal directly with the landlord.

There is no legal requirement for an inventory, however Tingdene Lettings insist on creating one for all the properties we deal with. We supply these on a CD or DVD with digital photos. We believe they're invaluable for both landlords and tenants to avoid disputes.

We normally require the following references:

• Previous landlord
• Employee and/or character references
• Proof of address
• Passport, or national ID card, or driving licence

This is a sum of money tenants have to pay against any possible damage. It is returned at the end of the tenancy as long as no issues have arisen. The amount is usually 1 or 1½ month's rent.

Any deposit taken by the landlord or letting agent has to be held in one of three recognised deposit protection schemes:

• The Deposit Protection Service
• MyDeposits
• The Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Landlords who fail to protect the deposit in this way face being taken to court by tenants, who can then claim between 1 and 3 times the original amount. In addition, landlords may be unable to seek possession of their property.

Where a landlord or letting agent fail to protect the deposit they will not be allowed to use a Section 21 eviction notice. If a landlord or letting agent asks you to leave in these circumstances you should take legal advice or speak to your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

This will be defined in the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST).

Generally landlords are responsible for the fabric of the building, appliances and furniture (if furnished) including:

• Making sure the property is suitable for habitation before the tenant moves in
• Maintaining the structure of the building
• Maintaining water, electricity and gas supplies and making sure drains, baths, sinks and WCs are in working order
• Maintaining room heating and water heating
• Maintaining common areas in multi-occupancy dwellings

And tenants will usually be responsible for:

• Small maintenance jobs such as unblocking sinks and drains, cleaning chimneys, replacing fuses and replacing batteries in battery-powered smoke alarms etc.
• Making good any damage the tenant causes
• Keeping the property clean

With respect to gardens, again it is worth checking in the Assured Short-Term Tenancy agreement (AST) as this will vary depending on the property and landlord.

This depends on whether the landlord has asked us to manage the property going forward. If we are managing the property we will be your first point of contact for repairs - if not you will deal directly with the landlord.

Tingdene Lettings will read the meters at the beginning and end of the tenancy. However the tenant is responsible for setting up accounts with any utility provider before moving in, and ending or transferring any accounts at the end of the tenancy.

This is the responsibility of the landlord who has to insure the building itself and their liability.

You do not have to do this but it is highly recommended that you do, as your personal items will not be protected by the landlord's insurance.

Gas:

If there are any gas appliances or gas heating, the landlord must arrange a yearly gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will provide a report. Existing tenants must be provided with a copy of the report within 28 days of the check being carried out, while new tenants must be provided with a copy of the report at occupation.

Energy performance:

Landlords are legally required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for a property before it is let. These detail the energy efficiency of a property and have to be undertaken by an independent inspector. EPCs are valid for 10 years.