Frequently Asked Questions...
- Where are your offices?
- What are your opening hours?
- Is a property still available?
- What deposit is required for properties?
- Do you let to students?
- Do you accept DHSS (Benefit) claimants / Housing Benefit Claimants?
- Do you let to foreign nationals?
- Where do you let properties?
- Will I need a guarantor?
- What references will I need for my tenancy application?
- When can I book a viewing appointment?
- Does the rent quoted include rates?
- Do I need an EPC for my rental property?
- How can I see the EPC for a property?
- How Quickly can I move in?
Q: Where are your offices?
A: We DO NOT have offices open to the public.
Mail can be posted to: 53 Gleneagles, Cloughmills, Ballymena, BT44 9PQ
Q: What are your opening hours?
A: We offer flexible hours, property information is available via the call centre and online at www.pattonproperty.co.uk . Property Managers are generally available Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and by appointment outside those hours.
Q: Is a property still available?
A: The website is updated daily and properties are marked - "For Rent" (Available), "Under Offer" (No longer taking viewings), or "Let" (Agreed for letting and off the market). Please refer to the property listings for up to date information
Q: What deposit is required for properties?
A: A deposit equivalent to one months rental is required for all properties. The first month’s rental also must be paid in advance meaning that tenants must have twice the quoted monthly rental to move into a property. E.G. Property rental is £450 p.c.m - Tenant will need £900.00 before they can move in.
Q: Do you let to students?
A: No
Q: Do you accept DHSS (Benefit) claimants / Housing Benefit Claimants?
A: On each individual property description it will state “No DHSS” on the bulletin points if we cannot accept claimants for that property. If this is not stated then we can accept claimants for that property.
If a property accepts Housing Benefit Claimants then only those aged over 25 and able to provide an existing landlord reference and guarantor need apply. Some landlords will have additional conditions
Q: Do you let to foreign nationals?
A: Yes we do, however as all applicants must complete our credit check - Migrant workers resident in the UK for less than three years must have their employer either take out a company let or guarantor their tenancy agreement. Otherwise their credit score will not pass and the tenancy would be denied.
Workers should ask their employer to contact us in the first instance in all occassions. We cannot make exceptions to this condition.
Workers should also note that although the general Ballymena area itself is a very safe place to live, some areas are more suitable than others. We'll provide advice on this issue if requested. Should anyone experience any racism or harrassment then, of course, they should contact the PSNI immediately.
Q: Where do you let properties?
A: We cover BT42, BT43 & BT44 properties. However within that area we do not cover Carnlough, Glenarm, Cushendall or Cushendun. In addition we do not deal with properties in certain estates. Ask for our full landlord information pack to be sent to you if you require further information
Q: Will I need a guarantor?
A: In most cases guarantors are not required. However DHSS applicants and migrant workers both require guarantors (see above) and in some cases, those on low income, temporany employment etc will also require guarantors. Ask our staff when you are booking your viewing if you need further information.
Q: What references will I need for my tenancy application?
A: All applicants will be required to complete a credit check, provide identification and proof of income. In addition those renting privately will be required to provide a landlord's reference.
Q: When can I book a viewing appointment?
A: Viewings are normally held during normal office hours (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday), some appointments are available during evenings and weekends, however these book quite far ahead and the property you are interested in may be let before we can offer you an evening appointment so we recommend taking time off to view if possible.
Q: Does the rent quoted include rates?
A: All rents quoted are inclusive of the rates - the price you see is the price you pay!
Q: Do I need an EPC for my rental property?
A: All tenancies commencing on or after 30th December, 2008 will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be in place. These must be available to prospective tenants before they view your rental property.
Please note that if you are supplying your EPC from another provider this will be required BEFORE your property is advertised. If you are using our in-house service we can begin advertising pending the completion of your report by our assessor.
If you already have an EPC we'll need to receive it in PDF format to be displayed on our site (additional letting fees may be payable - speak to your property manager).
Patton Property Ltd can arrange your inspection via our in-house inspector and arrange issue of your certificate for a cost of £75.00 (Payable separately to your letting fees).
Q: How can I see the EPC for a property?
A: We've made the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for all properties available via the property information pages. Just click on the EPC button and then on "View the EPC", this will allow you to see the full EPC rating and report for the property you are interested in.
EPC's will normally be available as soon as a property is advertised. On some occassions it may not be available until slightly later but will always be available before a property is available to move into.
Q: How Quickly can I move in?
A: All applicants must complete a viewing of the property and then complete our application form for processing. This normally takes no more than 2 or 3 working days to be done (sometimes this can be a lot quicker).
Once approved we can normally have your contracts and keys ready within 24 hours provided the property is ready for occupation.