Paperwork With Contract-holder

The paper trail will start at the viewing, if not before.

Typically:

• EPC is available for viewing.
• Agent's terms for renting include a clear breakdown of costs the prospective tenant will incur.

For prospective contract-holders (and guarantors), as is applicable:

• The agency application form/s is in plain English and offers help completing it if needed. This will likely ask the questions for the reference process and credit check, and request the information the agent will need to verify.
• Proof of age and ID. This should be a photo ID, which should be copied and verified for all intended adult occupiers.
• A visa/work permit for any non-EU resident is valid beyond the proposed contract term.
• Offer of tenancy letter and guarantor request.
• Draft an occupation contract for all adult occupiers, guarantors, and guarantor terms and conditions.
• Inventory and Schedule of Condition.
• Appliance safety sheets/info for all electrical appliances and smoke detectors.
• Gas Safety Record if appropriate.
• Electrical safety inspection
• Prescribed Information and scheme information for any deposit taken.
• Move-in pack to include information about the agency services around repairs and emergencies, consents, as well as relevant information about living at the property and operating heating and so on, refuse/recycle arrangements. The agent's expectations should be expressed at the outset when the contract ends. Some agents include a simple explanation of the main occupation contract terms in the move-in pack.

The Rent Smart Wales code of practice requires potential tenants to be allowed to read a draft or sample occupation contract before signing. A guarantor must also see the draft terms before committing to the guarantee agreement. Otherwise, the guarantor will not be bound to compensate for any breach of the contract-holder's part of the contract terms.