At Porters we do our utmost to ensure things run smoothly before, during and after your Contract. We pride ourselves in offering a supportive and friendly service to our Contract Holders.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the property market, we have the expertise to support you as a Contract Holder. Our aim is to ensure your property is compliant, your Landlord adheres to the Law and regulations set out in Wales and that you are fully aware of your responsibilities as a Contract Holder.
If your property is managed by us as the agent, we will be your first point of contact for any issues or queries. Communication is key in being able to support you, we can't help if we aren't aware! All relevant details on contact numbers, email addresses, etc, will be provided to you on the Contract start date.
Here you’ll find some valuable guidance to support you through finding a rental property, viewing properties, the application process and what’s expected of you during your Contract.
Finding the right property
Be realistic about your property search - There’s no point in looking for a property if your financial circumstances don’t allow for it. Have a clear idea of what your budget is, as a sole or joint applicant. Once you’ve worked out your finances (you might find the Rent Affordability Calculator useful for this), it’s important to find a property to meet your individual or family’s needs.
What property is right for you? An apartment, semi-detached, townhouse or bungalow. Do you want a garden for the children to play in and how many bedrooms will you need? And then there’s the location to consider! We have first hand knowledge of the whole of Bridgend County to help you decide.
Viewing your dream property - Take the time to look around and ask questions, remember this is going to be your home for at least the next six months. You can find all our available properties here.
You’ve fallen in love with the property you’ve viewed so now you need to apply. It’s an easy process with Porters, as everything is done online. You will need to complete and submit your application that will be emailed to you, as well as providing proof of address, photo ID and your credit score. (If you’re using a Guarantor, the same documentation will be required from them also). Without these, your application is unlikely to be considered. At this point, your application will be presented to the Landlord for their consideration.
You’ve been accepted and referencing
You’ve been chosen by the Landlord to proceed with referencing, congratulations! You’re one step closer to moving into your new home. We will contact you to say that your holding deposit of £100 will need to be paid before we proceed with referencing and identification checks, these will be carried out by our third party referencing company.
Your references have passed and it’s time to confirm your Contract start date and create your Occupation Contract and Written Statement. The Contract is a legally binding document and must be signed by all Contract Holders/Guarantors, this will be done electronically.
If your references do not pass, we will contact you to discuss how your application could still move forward if the Landlord is in agreement. If this is not possible, the property will be re-listed for rent.
A comprehensive Check-In report will be created to catalogue the standard of the property including fixtures, fittings and the gardens. The Check-In report will be emailed to you via our KPR portal on the day your Contract starts and must be reviewed to ensure it is accurate. If you wish to add anything to the report or disagree with any of the contents, you can do so within 7 days. After that, the report is signed, locked and used as the comparison tool for when you vacate the property. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to you and your deposit.
You will need to pay your first month’s rent and deposit at least two days prior to the start of the Contract. As long as all relevant paperwork and money is in order, your keys will be released to you on the first day of the Contract start date and you’re free to move into your new home.
We will provide you with the utility suppliers for your property on your welcome letter when you collect your keys. You will need to change all utilities and the council tax into your name and set up a payment plan.
Details of your refuse collection can be found here.
We recommend you check the Wifi in the area and you can use this link.
You can check mobile phone coverage with this link.
During Your Contract
There are certain requirements set out in your Contract that you are obligated to meet throughout your occupation of the property. Here are a few important points we thought we’d mention:
- Pay your rent on time and in full by standing order.
- Maintain the property and report any issues via KPR promptly, to prevent damage or ongoing problems.
For emergencies only:
- Our plumber is Celtic Plumbing on 07507 713245
- Our electrician is Lektromek on 07968 725071
- A1 locksmith is 01656 648815
Please note that if you use these numbers in a non-emergency you may be charged for the call out by the contractor.
- If you can smell gas please ring the gas emergency number 0800 111 999. For water leaks please ring Welsh Water on 0800 281 432.
- Provide access to your Landlord (managing agent) when required for management visits, maintenance or regulatory checks.
- Carry out your self-assessment reports as required via KPR.
- To behave in a Contract Holder like manner.
The Rent Smart Wales Tenant Guide can be found here.
This list is not exhaustive and you should refer to your Contract and ensure that you read it thoroughly.
Whilst you are responsible for your part of the Contract, the Landlord and/or managing agents have a responsibility too, including:
- Keeping the structure and exterior of the property in good repair.
- Ensure installations for the supply of water, gas or electricity, for sanitation, for space heating and hot water are in repair and proper working order.
- Providing all safety certificates when they are due.
- Ensure mains installed smoke alarms are present and also carbon monoxide alarms where necessary.
- Provide 6 months Notice to end your Contract in a ‘no fault’ situation.
- To allow you quiet enjoyment of the property.
This list is not exhaustive and you should refer to your Contract and ensure that you read it thoroughly.
We will also conduct management visits at your property to ensure it is maintained to regulatory standards. As an award-winning agency, our aim is to ensure both Landlord and Contract Holder are satisfied with the property and services we provide.
Ending your contract
It’s time to move on and end your Contract - Notice is required in writing or by email to us. If you are in a fixed term the Landlord must be in agreement for you to leave or you will be liable to pay full rent until the Contract ends. If you are not in a fixed term, 30 days Notice is required from you.
You will receive an email for our deposit management system called The Depositary. This system tracks the stages of your deposit in the run up to and after you have vacated the property.
Your keys need to be returned to the office on the last day of the Contract. Within 48 hours (where possible) a Check Out report will be completed and compared to your original Check In report. We will be comparing the two reports for differences, damage or change, with fair wear and tear taken into consideration. The Check In and Check Out Reports will be available to you on The Depositary.
We will contact you to either confirm that your Landlord has agreed a full refund or that there are issues, with a cost breakdown to rectify them or pay compensation. You can either agree, partially agree or disagree and if an agreement cannot be made between you and the Landlord, a dispute will be raised with the TDS who your deposit is registered with. Please see your Contract for full information on this.
Once the deposit refund and/or deductions have been agreed and you have provided proof that your water charges for the property are up to date, your deposit will be released to you via bank transfer.
