Renting Process


London house hunting: it’s stressful. We get that. Creating a sense of “urgency” around a property is the oldest trick in the book. So let’s leave that in the past, and instead offer you a refreshingly direct approach to finding your new home.

At Found, you’ll speak with a person, not an agent. What’s the difference? For a start, we listen. Secondly, we offer 360-degree service, from the initial needs analysis and sourcing of your new home, through to contract signing, moving day check-in, and consistent maintenance reports.

Found will be there through every step of the process to keep you informed and at ease, for a stress-free letting process.

Is there anything included in the rental fee?

Unless otherwise stated, council tax and bills will not be covered by your rent. It’s a good idea to have this in mind when searching for a property and set a budget that allows for them, as well as other utilities and Internet etc.

Do you help with utilities?

Because moving can be stressful enough, our concierge service is on hand to help with changing over or setting up everything from utilities and council tax to Wi-Fi and insurance.

What checks are required?

At Found, we know the key to successful letting lies in connecting the perfect property with the perfect tenant. To make sure we get it right, we carry out thorough checks on all potential tenants. You’ll need to pass a credit check, residential history check and provide an employment reference. If you don’t pass a check or have a limited credit history, we may ask you to pay additional rent in advance or have a UK guarantor to secure the property.

I'm an overseas student without a UK guarantor – can I still rent?

Yes, but the process is slightly different. We may ask you to make an upfront payment of 6-12 months rent or use a UK Based guarantor. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss your options.

Are pets allowed?/ are pets a no-no

Cute as they are, pets aren’t every landlord (or neighbour’s) cup of tea. However, if you can provide references from former landlords and / or be liable for any sustained damages, your landlord may agree to furry friends. However some buildings do not allow pets within the leaseholders agreement. Sorry.

How much do I have to pay upfront?

You’ll be asked to pay a holding fee (fee of intent), equivalent to 1 week’s rent. This removes the property from the market while we obtain references, subject to contract. When you move in, the holding deposit is deducted from your first month’s rent.

Who am I signing with?/ landlord or agent – who do I rent from?

Your landlord is the main legal contracting party, but the Found team are your first point of call throughout your tenancy. We’ll let you know who will be managing your property so you can contact them with any questions or issues you may have.

Does the letting agent work for me?/ who does the letting agent work for?

Our team are here to help tenants where they can but ultimate, they are employed by the landlord.

Holding fee, security deposit - what's the difference?

Let us explain. A holding fee secures the property for a minimum of 2 weeks while we obtain references, whereas the purpose of a security deposit is to cover any potential damage, repairs or unpaid rent owed at the end of the tenancy.

Landlords have a legal responsibility to protect security deposits, either by paying them into a custodial Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme or using an insurance-based scheme.

How do I get my deposit back when the tenancy ends?

At the end of every tenancy, we carry out an inventory. As long as there is no damage to pay for, or unpaid rent, you’ll receive your deposit (subject to approval by Landlord).

What actually is an Asssured Shorthold Tenancy? / AST, can you explain?

Assured Shorthold Tenancy is industry-speak for a typical residential tenancy of 12-36 months in duration. It is a standard contract that can be amended to cover any additional agreements between landlord and tenant, such as allowing for the aforementioned pets or including a break clause – more on that below.

What if I'm sharing, can I pay rent individually?

To make life easier for tenants and landlords alike, we recommend shared households open a joint rent account. If you can’t, don’t worry: our innovative technology allows us to identify individual payments to avoid any confusion.

When can the landlord or agency visit us?

We understand this is your home, so landlords must give tenants a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property. As we're sure you'll understand, routine inspections are necessary to make sure the property is being appropriately maintained and keep on top of any repairs/issues that may arise during your tenancy.

If it’s not a convenient time for the landlord to come by, please say so: from experience, we know that clear communication is the key to a successful relationship between tenants and landlords/agents.

What do I do if I need to leave?/what if I need to leave early?/I need to leave early – what are my options?

As per your contract, written notice is required (typically 2 months) before leaving a property, whilst remaining within your obligations. Without correct notice, you may still be liable for rent even if you are no longer living there.

If for some reason you need to break your lease early, please get in touch with Found to talk through your options.

What is a break clause / break clause – break it down for me

Because sometimes circumstances change, a break clause allows the landlord and/or tenant to end the tenancy early, usually 6 months before it is due to finish. If you don’t have one in place, you will need to stay for the duration of the agreement, unless the landlord agrees to a replacement tenant – something Found can help with.

Are guests allowed?/ I want to have guests over, is that ok?

Absolutely! We want you to enjoy your home and we know that entertaining or having friends and family members for a short stay is a big part of that. However, if you want guests to stay for more than 2 weeks, we ask that you request permission from your landlord in writing. Longer stays can be classed as “subletting”, which may breach your tenancy conditions.

Lettings

Let found guide you through the process of the ever changing Lettings market. From the most up to date legislation to a fully referenced, suitable tenant. We consider the process to be a journey, aiming to achieve a trusting relationship with yourself and your property...
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Management

If our combined experience of over 30 years has taught us anything, it is that Property Management is the most important aspect of any agency. Found consider this department as the cornerstone of our business. Long standing, trusted and reliable relationships...
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Valuations

Valuations come from extensive experience and local knowledge. When it comes to placing a price on your property, we offer an industry understanding of what your property can realistically achieve in a competitive market. Our valuations recognise that each property...
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Marketing

To stand out from the crowd, we believe you have to be disruptive, agreed? Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result?? That’s why when it comes to the marketing of your property, we have all the tools necessary to avoid this. Virtual Tours have dramatically...
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Fees

Tenancy information:

Found Property London Fees and Charges in England

Permitted charges in accordance with the Tenant Fee Act 2019 for assured shorthold tenancy:

Before the tenancy:
Holding Deposit - Maximum one week’s rent (may go on to form part of advance rent)
First month’s rent - In advance.
Tenancy Deposit - 5 weeks of agreed rent up to £50k rent per annum or 6 weeks of rent over £50k.

During tenancy:
Agreed upon rent in accordance to sign assured tenancy agreement. 
Early termination- Should the Landlord agree to an early termination of the Tenancy, the Tenant will be responsible for any financial loss suffered by the Landlord and all reasonable costs incurred by Found Property London in consideration of administering the early termination.
Late Rent - Interest charged at 3% above Bank of England base rate, when rent is more than 14 days late.
Lost key or security device - Equivalent to cost incurred.
Changing the tenancy documents (after the commencement of the tenancy) - £80 inc VAT.

During the tenancy you may expect to pay:
Utilities (gas, electricity, water)
Council Tax
Broadband, telephone, television licence
Subscription to cable/satellite supplier
Insurance (for your personal and own contents)
Garden maintenance
Parking permits

Please note: The Initial Monies will be confirmed and must be paid by debit card or bank transfer. We are unable to accept cash.
Found Property London is a member the Client Money Protection Scheme (CMP007939) and a member of a redress scheme provided by The Property Ombudsman (PRS023605).