Tenants’ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tenancy Deposit?

A tenancy deposit is a sum of money paid by the tenant and held in a Government approved Tenant Deposit Scheme. It will be used to pay for any damage over and above fair wear and tear caused by you during the rental.

What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme governs all deposits paid by tenants occupying property under Assured Short Hold Tenancies. JGL will hold your deposit in our approved scheme (The Deposit Protection Service) until the end of your tenancy. You will be issued with a certificate confirming which scheme your deposit is held in. JGL will carry out a full Inventory prior to the commencement of your tenancy.

When will the deposit be returned?

At the end of the tenancy JGL will arrange to check you out of the property and take a final meter reading. The property will be inspected and an Inventory taken, to compare against the condition of the property at the start of the lease. After the agreed deduction of any costs for repairs and or cleaning, your deposit will returned to you within 14 days. If agreement cannot be reached regarding any damage caused, an appropriate amount of the deposit will be sent to the Government Arbitration Scheme, together with all documentation, and they will make the final decision. It is extremely unusual for agreement not to be reached between JGL and you the tenant at hand back.

When do I pay my rent?

Rent is payable by Standing Order, to reach JGL by the first day of every month. JGL will provide you with the relevant forms to instruct your Bank or Building Society to this effect, before you commence your tenancy. At the end of your tenancy please remember to cancel the Standing Order, as failure to do so will incur a handling fee.

Can I pay using my debit or credit card?

Following the installation of a “Chip and Pin” terminal within the Lytham Office, JGL are now able to accept all major debit cards but unfortunately due to the bank fees we incur, we can no longer accept credit cards. This facility enables admin fees, damage deposits and rental payments to be made quickly either in person or over the phone. Please note there is no charge to use a debit card.

What happens if my rent is paid late?

Unless there are insufficient funds in your account your rent will be paid on time by standing order. If payment is consistently late, you will be asked to bring the payments up to date and an interest charge may be made, in line with the terms of the lease.

What do I do if there is a problem with my property?

JGL only operates a complete Property Management Service on all properties. If you have a problem, call us on 01253 795900 during office hours or Email: lettings@jgl.co.uk. We aim to action all faults reported to us by 10.00am the same day.

Who is responsible for contacting the utility companies?

JGL will contact the relevant utility companies with meter readings taken when you enter the property. These meter readings will be sent to the utility companies. The bills will be transferred into your name and sent directly to you through the post. You may also wish to inform the utility companies of your tenancy to speed up the process.

Telephone lines, Broadband, TV Licenses & Sky Television

Tenants need to speak directly to the service providers, as JGL are unable to set up contracts on your behalf. Please note that many suppliers insist upon a 12 month contract, and you are responsible for the duration of contracts set up and any disconnection fees incurred.

Are pets, smoking & children permitted?

JGL’s accurate, full colour, detailed brochures for each property include information about whether pets, smoking & children are permitted.

What if I want to break my lease agreement early?

You are contractually obliged for the 6 month duration of the initial lease and so are legally bound for the rent, utility bills and council tax until the end of this period.

How do I serve notice to vacate the property?

The terms of the tenancy agreement require you to give one month’s notice in writing to JGL of your intention to vacate the property.

What happens at the end of the tenancy?

Under a Six Month Assured Shorthold Tenancy you can extend your occupation of the property on a month by month basis. When you wish to end your tenancy, one month’s notice in writing to JGL is required. JGL will check you out of the property. We will read the meters and inform the utility companies and Council Tax authority that you have vacated the premises. We will also inspect the property and check the Inventory. In line with the terms of the Tenancy Agreement, the property must be left in the same pristine condition as you found it at the start of your tenancy. It must be thoroughly cleaned, all appliances must be absolutely clean, bathrooms and shower enclosures pristine and the garden must be neat and tidy. Assuming the property is in an appropriate condition; your tenancy deposit will be returned to you within 14 working days.