Finding a Property

Ballymena
The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. If not urgent, we log your details so that we can contact you as suitable properties become available. It is wise to start looking about 6-8 weeks before you wish to move, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly. Our tenancies are granted for a minimum term of 6 months with many of our landlords offering longer-term contracts if required.

Other Areas
If you are looking for a property to rent outside greater Ballymena area, we are unable to help you at this time. We'd suggest starting your search online and then contacting local agents in the town in which you are interested. We do hope to expand our service accross Northern Ireland in the near future.

Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you and you will invariably be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

Reserving the property
Once you have decided on a property, you may wish to reserve it by paying a 'holding deposit', usually £100.00 or one week's rent. Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted from the monies due before you move in. If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy, it will be refunded. However the deposit will be forfeit if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application.

References
As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer (or college), and a previous or current landlord. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. We may use the services of an independent referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.

Foreign National Workers
Due to the legal nature of our tenancies we are unable to let properties directly to foreign national workers. We must be able to demonstrate that all contract terms and conditions are fully understood by our tenants. We will only consider this type of tenant where the employer or employment agency take on the tenancy on their employees' behalf or act as guarantor for the tenancy. Please also note that not all landlords will accept this type of tenant and some properties are located in areas also not suitable.

Rents
Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. On some properties the tenant is also responsible for rates - contact us about a specific property. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account or direct to the landlord by the same method.

Deposit
A security deposit of one month's rental must be paid, and will be held by ourselves as stakeholders in a secure client account throughout the tenancy term. This is held to cover damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.

Fees
We charge £50 per property to cover administration and referencing costs. This fee is payable with your deposit payment. The property manager arranging your tenancy will give your further details of when this payment is due.