Following your initial payment, all future rent should be paid by standing order in line with your tenancy agreement.

We will provide you with the relevant payment details when your tenancy is finalised. It is your responsibility to set up the standing order with your bank in good time and to ensure payments are made on the agreed date each month.

To avoid any delay, we recommend arranging your standing order to leave your account at least three working days before the rent due date, allowing sufficient time for the funds to clear.

Before your tenancy begins and keys are released, we will require confirmation that your payment arrangement has been set up.

If you experience any difficulty setting up your payments, please let us know as early as possible so we can assist.

Important Note on Payment Methods

Your tenancy agreement will outline the agreed method of payment. We ask that rent is paid in accordance with these terms to ensure a smooth and consistent process for both parties.

Under the terms of your tenancy agreement, you are responsible for arranging and paying for all utility services connected to the property, unless otherwise agreed.

This typically includes:

• Gas and electricity
• Telephone and broadband services
• Television services, including any cable or satellite subscriptions
• Television licence
• Burglar alarm monitoring (if applicable)

It is important that you contact each provider directly at the start of your tenancy to ensure services are transferred into your name and continue without interruption.

Additional Costs and Responsibilities

Depending on the property, you may also be responsible for:

• Local parking permits
• Common stair cleaning or shared maintenance costs (where applicable)

We will always make you aware of any such arrangements before your tenancy begins.

Council Tax

Tenants are responsible for Council Tax for the duration of their tenancy.

You should register with the relevant local authority as soon as your tenancy commences to ensure the account is set up correctly and to avoid any unnecessary charges or delays.

Insurance

The landlord is responsible for insuring the building and any items they have provided within the property. This cover does not extend to your personal belongings.

We recommend that you arrange your own contents insurance to protect your possessions, including items such as furniture, clothing and valuables.

You may also wish to consider insurance that provides cover for accidental damage or liability, for example where damage or injury arises as a result of your actions or those of your guests.

If you would like guidance on suitable cover, we are happy to point you in the right direction.

If we are managing the property, we will carry out periodic visits during your tenancy to ensure it is being well maintained and to support both you and the landlord.

All visits will be arranged in advance, and you will be given appropriate notice in line with your tenancy agreement. We will always aim to agree a convenient time with you.

We encourage you to be present where possible, however if you are unable to attend, access may be taken using our management key, in accordance with the terms of your tenancy.

Pre Check Out Visit

Shortly before your tenancy comes to an end, we may arrange a visit to help identify any matters that may require attention ahead of check out.

This is intended to be helpful, giving you the opportunity to address any issues in advance and reduce the likelihood of delays or deposit discussions at the end of the tenancy.

It also allows us to guide you on practical points such as returning keys, final meter readings and ensuring accounts are settled.

Photographs

As part of our reporting process, photographs may be taken during visits to record the general condition of the property. These are used for management purposes and to keep the landlord appropriately informed.

Safety Inspections

During your tenancy, it may be necessary to carry out safety inspections, including gas and electrical checks, to ensure the property remains compliant and safe.

We will provide notice in advance of any such visit. It is important that reasonable access is provided to allow these inspections to take place.

If you want to move out of your rented accommodation, it’s important that you go through the correct process and give your landlord the correct notice. 

The exact notice period will depend on the type of tenancy you have, so if you are unsure, we are happy to guide you.

Notice Periods

• Private Residential Tenancy (PRT): Typically 28 days’ notice
• Short Assured Tenancy (SAT): Usually 2 months’ notice (or as stated in your agreement)

Notice should be provided in writing. The easiest way to do this is by email to:
rentals@homesalesandlettings.co.uk

Once received, we will confirm your agreed departure date and guide you through the next steps.

Leaving Before the End of Your Tenancy

If you are looking to leave earlier than expected, your tenancy agreement will still apply.

In most cases, you will remain responsible for the rent until:

• Your tenancy reaches its agreed end date, or
• A suitable new tenant is found and the landlord agrees to release you

We can assist in remarketing the property where appropriate, helping to reduce any overlap, although this will be subject to agreement.

Check Out Process

As your tenancy comes to an end, we will guide you through a clear check out process.

This will include:

• Returning all keys on or before your final day
• Ensuring the property is left in a clean and tidy condition
• Final meter readings and closing utility accounts

A final inspection will be carried out, comparing the condition of the property against the original inventory. This may be completed by a member of our team or an independent inventory clerk.

Any issues identified will be discussed with you, and your deposit will be processed in line with the relevant tenancy deposit scheme.

Joint Tenancies

If you share the tenancy with others, all tenants must agree to end the tenancy.

Alternatively, it may be possible for:

• A replacement tenant to take over
• Remaining tenants to continue the tenancy

This will always require the landlord’s agreement and appropriate referencing.

Leaving Without Notice

Leaving a tenancy without giving proper notice can lead to ongoing rent liability and may affect future references.

If you are experiencing difficulty, it is always best to speak with us early so we can help you find a practical solution.

If Your Circumstances Change

We understand that situations can change unexpectedly. If you need to leave or are unsure of your options, please speak with us as early as possible.

In some cases, where there are concerns around the condition of the property or your safety, there may be appropriate steps that can be taken. We can help guide you through this.

Preparing for Check Out

To help your move run smoothly, we have set out a simple guide to preparing for check out. Following these steps will help avoid delays and reduce the likelihood of any deposit deductions.

Before Your Check Out Appointment

Before the final inspection takes place, please ensure:

• All personal belongings have been removed
• The property is left clean and tidy throughout
• Access is available at the agreed time

If access is not available as arranged, this may delay the process and require a further visit.

Condition of the Property

The property should be returned in a similar condition to how it was presented at the start of your tenancy, taking into account fair wear and tear.

Please ensure:

• All items listed in the inventory are present and returned to their original rooms
• Furniture is returned to its original position where possible
• The property is free from rubbish and unwanted items
• Light bulbs are in working order

Cleaning Guidelines

A thorough clean is expected at the end of the tenancy. Particular attention should be given to:

Kitchen

• Appliances cleaned inside and out, including oven, hob, extractor and fridge freezer
• All cupboards and work surfaces cleaned and cleared of food
• Sink and taps cleaned

Bathrooms

• Sanitary ware, tiles and fittings cleaned
• Mould or mildew removed where possible
• Shower screens and fittings cleaned

General Areas

• Floors vacuumed and cleaned, including behind and beneath furniture
• Windows cleaned internally
• Marks removed from walls where possible

If the property was professionally cleaned at the start of the tenancy, a similar standard may be required at check out.

Utilities and Final Bills

You remain responsible for all utility accounts and Council Tax up to the end of your tenancy.

Please ensure:

• Final meter readings are taken
• All accounts are settled
• Providers are notified of your move

Keys and Access

All sets of keys must be returned on or before the final day of your tenancy, as agreed.

Forwarding Details

Please provide a forwarding address and up to date contact details. This allows us to complete the deposit process and contact you if required.

Inventory and Inspection

A final inspection will be carried out, comparing the property against the original inventory and schedule of condition.

Photographs may be taken as part of this process.

If any issues are identified, we will discuss these with you and outline any next steps.

Deposit Return

Your deposit is held securely within an approved tenancy deposit scheme.

At the end of your tenancy:

• Any proposed deductions will be clearly set out
• The undisputed amount will be released promptly
• Any disputes can be referred to the deposit scheme for independent review

Additional Support

If you would prefer assistance with cleaning or preparing the property, we can recommend trusted local contractors.

A Note on Expectations

Fair wear and tear is expected over the course of a tenancy. This reflects normal day to day use of the property.

Where cleaning, damage or missing items fall outside of this, reasonable costs may be applied in line with the tenancy agreement and deposit scheme guidance.

Looking After the Property

Window Cleaning

You are responsible for keeping windows clean during your tenancy.

• Where windows can be safely accessed from inside, both the internal and accessible external glass should be cleaned
• Where external cleaning cannot be carried out safely from within the property, a professional window cleaner may be required

If you would like, we can recommend trusted local contractors.

Stair Cleaning and Shared Areas

If you live in a flatted or tenement property, shared areas such as stairs and landings should be kept clean and tidy.

This is usually managed by:

• An informal rota between residents, or
• A shared arrangement for a cleaning service

This is often managed by agreement between residents or through a shared cleaning arrangement. Where there is an agreed contribution towards cleaning, this will be made clear at the start of your tenancy.

Factoring arrangements sit with the owner, not the tenant, unless contractually passed on

Rubbish and Recycling

You are responsible for disposing of all household waste appropriately.

Please ensure:

• Rubbish is placed in the correct bins or containers
• Collection days and local council guidance are followed
• No waste is left in communal areas

Regular disposal of rubbish helps maintain a clean environment and avoids issues such as odour or pests.

Access for Repairs and Inspections

From time to time, access will be required to carry out repairs, safety inspections or routine maintenance.

We will always provide appropriate notice and aim to agree a suitable time with you. It is important that reasonable access is provided to allow these works to be completed.

Contractor Access

Where helpful, you may choose to allow access when you are not present. With your permission, we can provide access to contractors using our management keys.

This is offered as a convenience to help ensure works can be completed without unnecessary delay.

Missed Appointments

If an appointment has been agreed and access is not provided at the arranged time, any reasonable costs incurred as a result may be passed on, where this is permitted under your tenancy agreement.

Keys and Security

At the start of your tenancy, each named tenant will be provided with a set of keys for the property.

This may include:

• Door keys
• Fobs, swipe cards or entry systems
• Keys for any permitted storage or shared access areas

If we are managing the property, a management set of keys will be securely held for access where required and with appropriate notice.

Lock Security

The landlord is responsible for ensuring the property has secure and functioning locks at the start of, and throughout, the tenancy.

If a lock becomes faulty through normal use, please report this to us as soon as possible so it can be addressed.

Lost or Misplaced Keys

You are responsible for taking reasonable care of all keys issued.

If keys are lost or misplaced, you may be responsible for the reasonable cost of replacement. Where security is affected, this may include the cost of changing locks.

Locked Out

If you are locked out during office hours, please contact us and we will assist where possible.

If access is required outside of working hours, you may need to arrange a locksmith directly, and any associated costs would be your responsibility.

Changing Locks

Locks must not be changed without the landlord’s permission.

If you have concerns about the security of the property, please contact us and we will arrange for the issue to be resolved.

Returning Keys

All keys provided at the start of the tenancy must be returned in full at the end of your tenancy, as agreed.

If keys are not returned, or access devices are missing, reasonable costs may be incurred where this results in a security risk or requires replacement.

Sharing a Property

Where a property is rented by more than one person, all occupants will be named as tenants on the tenancy agreement.

Under Scottish law, this is known as a joint tenancy, and all tenants share what is called joint and several liability.

Joint and Several Liability Explained

This means that all tenants are equally responsible for the tenancy as a whole.

In practical terms:

• Each tenant is responsible for ensuring the full rent is paid, not just their individual share
• If one tenant does not pay their portion, the remaining tenants are still responsible for the total rent due
• The same principle applies to any damage or costs relating to the property

The tenancy agreement applies to all tenants collectively and individually.

Ending a Joint Tenancy

For Private Residential Tenancies in Scotland:

• Any one tenant can serve notice to end the tenancy
• This will normally bring the tenancy to an end for all tenants, unless an alternative arrangement is agreed

If one tenant wishes to leave but others want to remain, this will require agreement from the landlord and may involve creating a new tenancy agreement.

Deposit and Responsibilities

The tenancy deposit is held against the tenancy as a whole.

At the end of the tenancy:

• Any proposed deductions relate to the overall condition of the property
• It is for the tenants to agree how the deposit is divided between themselves

We are unable to mediate disputes between tenants regarding how the deposit is shared.

Access to the Property

From time to time, access may be required for inspections, maintenance or safety checks.

We will always provide appropriate notice and aim to agree a suitable time, except in an emergency where immediate access may be required.

Lead Tenant

To help communication run smoothly, we may ask that one tenant is nominated as a lead tenant.

The lead tenant will:

• Act as the main point of contact for routine communication
• Help share information with the other tenants

This is an administrative arrangement only and does not place any additional legal responsibility on that individual. All tenants remain equally responsible under the tenancy agreement.