Do we accept Housing Benefit?
Yes but not for all properties although you will need a guarantor and have to pay the referencing deposit and rent as normal, the agreement is with you personally not the council so you are responsible for the rent in full.

How long do I have to have been employed to be a tenant?
To be accepted by Cooke & Co as a tenant, you must have been in full time employment with the same company for a period of at least 6 months or more.

But I am just about to start a new job here.
Then you will need a "Guarantor". This is someone who has been in full time employment for 6 months or more and who knows and trusts you enough to agree to pay your rent for you if you are unable to do so i.e. a parent, friend, relative or an employer.

When is Rent Due?
Rent is always paid per calendar month in advance. The payments shall be made payable to Cooke & Co. When calculating your expenses please remember to take into account all utilities you will also have to pay, on top of the rent due.

How much Deposit do I pay?
Usually one month. A deposit of one month's rent. This will be held by Cooke & CO on behalf of the Landlord.
The purpose of the deposit is to settle any claim for dilapidation that may arise during tenancy. This deposit cannot be used by the tenant to offset any payment of rent and will be refundable only after the inventory has been checked and cleared at the end of the lease.

Do you inspect the property and Inventories
An inventory of the contents and schedule of condition will be prepared and checked in with the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy, at this time, any defect or discrepancies should be noted on the inventory. At the termination of the tenancy the inventory will be checked out with the tenant and a schedule of dilapidation, if any prepared. There will be no charge for the inventory check.

Am I responsible for services?
Yes - It is a condition of the lease that the gas, electricity, water and telephone service are transfered to the tenants name for the duration of the tenancy. If a telephone service is required the tenant must contact British Telecom direct. (In some instances a deposit may be requested from the relevant boards.)

As a tenant do I pay Council Tax?
Yes - Tenants will be responsible for the payment of Council Tax for the property they are renting and will pay this direct to the Local Authority. The local authority is Thanet District Council and their telephone number is : 01843 577000.

Do I have to Care of House and Garden?
Yes - It is the tenants duty to keep the property clean, tidy and secure. Damage caused by a tenant must be repaired at his/her expense. The garden has also to be kept in good order (provided the necessary equipment is provided.)

Do I have to have insurance?
No. The landlord insures the building but it is up to you as to weather you wish to insure your personal possessions. You are however required to ensure you have adequate cover to protect against damage to the landlords fixtures and fittings.

(www.homelet.co.uk - form available from our office on request)

Do you inspect properties?
Yes - All properties are inspected quarterly. In some cases the Landlord may require more frequent inspections. The first inspection shall be made on the commencement of the tenancy.

Are we allowed Pets?
Usually not but there can be some exceptions which must be agreed in writing before the agreement is signed