FAQ's
Why do I have to register?
- By registering you can use the site fully. As a landlord you can advertise properties as a tenant you can search and contact landlords as you seek out a new home.
As a tenant why should I want to have feedback?
- In our initial market research into the feasibility of www.surerent.co.uk we found that the most worrying thing for the majority of tenants on DSS was ‘being lumped in with the bad payers’ and ‘landlords just won’t let to DSS’. This has come about for many reasons but particularly since April 2008 when the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) was rolled out nationally. This allowance being applied to all new tenancies and being paid to the tenant in all but some strict circumstances. The reasoning behind it is that DSS tenants should be encouraged to manage their ‘income’ in the same way as everyone else. They take responsibility and pay their landlord themselves. Many do of course but a large proportion do not. They view the LHA as a boost to their other benefits and do not see paying rent as being part of a rental agreement. We at Surerent believe that the feedback system will give all decent tenants the opportunity of showing proof of compliance with the terms of a lease and a good rent record etc. The ultimate aim is to stop them ‘being lumped with the bad payers’ and to give landlords confidence in letting to them. We also believe that in time nobody will be able to rent from a good landlord unless they have acceptable feedback on this site.
As a landlord why should I want to have feedback?
- Landlords are regulated and accredited and made responsible for their properties. This does not stop unscrupulous landlords thriving in many of our towns and cities. If you want to set yourself apart from these people you will want to receive feedback from tenants via the site. Tenants will trust the recommendations of others. If they can see that a landlord has an excellent record of maintenance or is very fair in his lease costs e.g. they will be happier to make an approach. Many landlords use agents to manage their property or find tenants for them and the costs can be prohibitive for what is after all not often a great deal of work. Using Surerent to find tenants and also getting feedback from them and in return, giving feedback to them should prove to be valuable for all concerned.
If I register how long am I signed up for?
- You register once only and your membership as a tenant will not lapse. There is no charge to tenants.
How will my details be used?
- We will never sell or divulge your details to a third party unless required to do so by legal means. Your details will be kept safe and private by us.
Why do some properties have more photographs than others?
- Surerent encourages all advertising landlords to put as many details as possible but some simply choose not to. Properties with more pictures are advertised on one of our Power or Super levels.
What does the phrase ‘let subject to contract’ mean?
- This means the landlord has chosen a tenant and is awaiting information about them before finalising the contract and signing the lease. While this may mean that the property is definitely ‘off the market’ there is always a chance even at this stage for the whole thing to fall through. The prospective tenant may pull out or the landlord may decide against letting to them. It is always worth contacting the landlord if you see a property you like even when it says let subject to contract.
Why can’t the search engine recognise the information I have typed in?
- This is probably because of a misspelling. It is very unlikely that a proper Postcode or area will not be recognised.
How can I change my search preferences?
- Simply refine the search or go back to the Home page and start again.
I have found a property I like what do I do now?
- If you have not already registered this is the time to do so. Once you have registered the details of the landlord for the property you are interested in will be available to you. You can contact the landlord by whatever means you prefer and deal directly with them.
I contacted the landlord but I have not heard anything?
- He may be busy, away or simply have forgotten to respond. Contact him again.
What do the days and times mean in the property details?
- These indicate how long the advertisement will remain on the site unless the landlord renews the ad. The time is more relevant on ‘make me an offer’ properties as the landlord will be considering offers received once the time is up.
What will happen if I contact more than one landlord?
- When looking for a property it makes perfect sense to look at more than one place so you can be quite comfortable about contacting more than one landlord. As in any other dealings you should keep people up to date on progress and if you have more than one landlord considering you for a property you really should inform everyone once you have accepted/been accepted by a landlord.
I have just recognised an ex-tenant who broke his lease and owes me money. Can you do anything and can I give them bad feedback to warn other landlords?
- We can commiserate but we cannot help in any other way. You cannot give negative feedback to anyone who has not come to you through Surerent. It is to be hoped that in time Surerent will have made it difficult for that type of tenant to ever rent privately again.
I have just seen a place I once lived in and it is the same landlord. I had terrible problems with him and the property was very damp but he would not fix it, will you stop him advertising the property?
- We cannot stop a landlord who has paid to advertise but if his future prospective tenants are careful in their viewing of the place it will not let.
I have found the ideal place but it does not accept pets. I am registered blind and have a guide dog. Is it worth approaching the landlord?
- The DDA states that a working dog, e.g. a guide dog is not a pet. The DDA also states that a disabled person cannot be discriminated against because of their disability and landlords should therefore ‘agree not to enforce the term where a 'no animals' clause is a term of the tenancy, waiving that term so that a guide dog or other working dog can be kept.’ In any cases that have reached court regarding this issue none have lost the action. So yes approach the landlord and explain your position. A good landlord will be aware of his obligations in this respect.
I work for an agency can I advertise on the site?
- Yes, you should register as a landlord and make clear in your details that you are an agency.
More Help
Other Surerent.co.uk help pages can be found in the list below.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please feel free to contact us or visit the site map.
