Flats & Houses

Renting a flat, house, studio or loft apartment in West Hampstead

Renting a flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment in London is a major transaction that can be made simple and convenient, if handled by professionals with a genuine interest in your well being. At Paramount Properties, we are proud to have organised a lettings and rental team that is dedicated to providing that kind of service.

Paramount Properties are north west London letting agents with flats, houses, studios, penthouses and loft apartments for rent in Brondesbury, Cricklewood, Hampstead, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St Johns Wood, South Hampstead, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

What information is required if I want to make an application to rent a flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment?

When you are renting a property in London you are being given care and control of an investment which may be worth several hundred thousand pounds. The owner is entrusting Paramount Properties with the supervision of his/ her property investment and we must be sure of our tenant's credentials.

Careful tenant selection also assists you as a tenant by ensuring that as far as is reasonably possible your neighbours will be compatible and will allow you quiet enjoyment of your new home.

To assist us we will require a Tenancy Application form to be completed. The information required from you will be:

• Full name(s) of occupant(s)
  
• Current address, telephone number, agent or landlord and period of tenancy. Previous address, agent or landlord and period of tenancy.
  
• Date of birth and drivers licence number and/or passport number
  
• Current occupation, employer, period of employment, name of person who can verify this information and telephone number.
  
• Number of adults and children to occupy the property.
  
• Number and type of any pets.
  
• Name, occupation and daytime telephone numbers of three personal references (excluding those above or family members).
  
• Name, address, relationship and telephone number of next of kin.
  

:How do I get my deposit back when I move out?

When you move out Paramount Properties will arrange a final inspection to ensure that the flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment has been left in a good condition.
Provided that all obligations are performed and keys have been returned and all rent due has been paid we will refund the deposit to you. This can be done by cheque or by direct crediting the funds into your bank account.

How much money do I need to pay before I can move in?

For most rental properties in London, four weeks rent is required to be paid in advance, together with a deposit and sometimes a lettings fee. The rental deposit can vary depending on the landlord and on your personal circumstances. If someone has been a UK resident for more than three years with sufficient references from work, landlord and bank, then a six week deposit will most likely be taken. If someone has not been a UK resident for years or has just recently moved to the UK and does not have sufficient references, then the deposit might be between 8 to 12 weeks deposit.

How much notice must I give prior to moving out?

If you are not a fixed term tenant you must provide written notice of your intention to vacate. This is clearly stated in the Agreement. Paramount Properties will not accept verbal notice and it is your responsibility to confirm any such notice in writing.

Do I have to have Building and Contents Insurance?

When you are renting a flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment it is the landlord's responsibility to take care of the building insurance. However, this does not take care of your contents and possessions or damage caused by you or your visitors to the landlord's fixtures and fittings.

There are also several other risks which, as a tenant, you should consider. It is well worth thinking about the benefits of a relatively inexpensive tenant's insurance package.

For example, comprehensive cover can be arranged which includes:

• Full all-inclusive risks cover for your house contents
  
• Cover for damage to landlord's fixtures and fittings - protects your security deposit
  
• Malicious damage and vandalism
  
• Occupiers and personal liability
  
• Alternative accommodation and rent payments
  
• Frozen food
  
• Money and credit cards
  
• Extended cover to possessions when outside and away from home.

In addition tenants may consider taking out accident, sickness and redundancy protection by way of protecting their rent payments.

Do I get interest on my deposit?

Yes. Interest is paid on the deposit at the prevailing rate.

What do I do with my keys when I move out?

All keys and remote controls must be returned to Paramount Properties at the end of the tenancy.

What happens if the owners decide they want to move back into the flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment that I am renting?
Lettings legislatio provides that where a landlord wishes to use the property for their own use, or for the use of their family, they can do so either under the terms of the tenancy or under the general law where notice is given.

What happens if my north west London rental property is put on the market or sold?

If your flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment is put on the market you should be given written notice of this. If your property is sold and the purchaser does not wish you to remain as a tenant in the property you must be given written notice of this.

Do I have to sign a tenancy agreement?

Yes. This protects both your interests and the interests of your landlord.
If you elect to take a fixed term tenancy when that agreement expires you cannot be forced to take out another may elect to go onto a periodic tenancy with the agreement of both yourself and your landlord.

Under a fixed term tenancy there is security of tenure (meaning the landlord cannot regain possession of the property). There is also a certainty about the rent during the term of the fixed term agreement, as it cannot be increased, unless the agreement has a clause specifically stating to the contrary.

What do I do if something on my flat, house, studio, penthouse or loft apartment needs repairing?

Paramount Properties have relationships with a wide range of builders, contractors and tradesmen and will arrange for property repairs to be done on your behalf.
To request property repairs contact our London property management department by phone or by email and we will arrange the work and let you know the details of the builder, contractor and tradesman we have placed the work with.

Can I sub-let my property?

No. All tenancy agreements used by Paramount Properties specifically prohibit sub-letting. This is for the protection of both tenants and landlords.