FAQs

FAQs

How to apply for Parking Permits?

Parking Permits. 

If you require a parking permit for your street, you can apply for this from your local council. (I have attached a link for Newcastle County Council.) They require your license plate registration, a current tenancy agreement, and some up-to date bills. See the website for further details;

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/parking-and-permits/parking-permits/resident-parking-permits

What happens if you’ve lost or damaged your keys?

If you have lost or damaged your key, please call the following relevant numbers.

For security reasons the locks maybe required to be changed and if this is required then the costs for locks and replacements keys will be confirmed at the time. 

Lost or Damaged keys : Please call

  • the office @ 0191 2092395 in the office hours Monday to Friday  9:30 AM to 5:30PM – will incur cost of a replacement key.
  • Out of office hours @ 07888840120

How to Prevent Pests & Other Animals From Entering Your Home?

— Keeping your kitchen clean at all times can prevent pests being attracted to dirty dishes and leftover food.

— Ensure the floor and worktops and clear of crumbs and spillages.

— Ensure rubbish is disposed of correctly, and quickly in your waste bins.

— Ensure you don’t miss bin day! You can find out when your bin day is on the following website; https://community.newcastle.gov.uk/my-neighbourhood/

 

How to prevent toilet blockages?

Please see the following information provided by Northumbria Water. 

‘Only Paper, Pee & Poo Go Down The Loo.’  – Northumbria Water 

‘More than half of the blockages are easily preventable, and will have been caused by people by putting “disposable items” such as wipes, cotton buds and sanitary products down the toilet, rather than in the bin.

These items cause harm to your home and plumbing system, the environment and can end up costing you a lot of money.

A lot of these items claim on the packaging that they are flushable, so it’s no wonder people put them down the toilet, however you would think twice if you knew the damage it causes.

Always put items like these in the bin. Never flush them down your sink or toilet, even if the packaging says otherwise!’

Please ensure that only toilet paper is flushed to minimise blockages. 

How to minimise Condensation build up?

At times, properties can suffer from lack of ventilation which can lead to further issues. We strongly advise that tenants keep the property aired whilst doing simple day to day tasks such as cooking, and taking a bath/shower.

(For example, once you have had a shower, open the window to let the steam out. When you are cooking, open the window to let the hot air out.)

We understand that in the winter months, it can be cold outside, but not allowing any heat to l eave the property can begin to create condensation. This would appear on the walls as water marks, and then black mould.

This also applies to when you are drying clothes in the property. In order for things to dry inside, they require heat. By hanging clothes up without the correct requirements, will then cause the water from your clothes to evaporate into the air, which will also condensation.

If you require any further guidance on this, please see the video link attached below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypB2Y81BP7w

Internal Doors

Some or all doors within the property may have locks; however, please ensure if key(s) are not supplied you do not attempt to add or change any of the locks to any of the doors. If keys are not supplied this is due to them not being available o either the agent or the landlord.

Who is my Gas/Electric/Council Tax/Water Supplier?

Please ensure your name(s) is/are registered with the relevant authorises for gas, electric, council tax and water rates asap if this is not done.

You will need to alert your suppliers that you are living in your property.

In order to find out who your current supplier is, we advise you look online (see the link below) to help you notify the relevant companies. They may ask when you’re tenancy agreement commenced, and for your meter readings.

You can find out who your gas and electric supplier is via the link below 

https://www.findmysupplier.energy/webapp/index.html#

Yo can register for council tax via he link below 

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/council-tax

You can register for water via the link below 

www.nwl.co.uk

Waste Disposable. (Wheelie & Recycle Bins.)

To prevent a neighbour or other household taking control of your waste bins, we suggest you label your bin with the door number. If you need a replacement bin, you will have to get in contact with the council. Please see below for the details;

https://envirocall.newcastle.gov.uk/replacementbins

Request Replacement Bins and Caddies – Your Local Services

Businesses and Commercial Premises: This form is for individual domestic residences only. Please visit our Commercial Waste pages for details about bin provision.: Bin: If your bin is missing, badly damaged or stolen you can order a replacement.

envirocall.newcastle.gov.uk

What happens if the Shower / Sink Not Draining?

It is common for hair to block shower/bath plugholes. Please ensure this is checked on a regular basis and cleared out to prevent blockages further down the pipe.

Kitchen sinks can also become blocked if food waste is washed down the sink.

By emptying left over food in the bin, before washing the dishes and/or putting them in the dishwasher, this can also help prevent blockages.

Please also take care if you are using cooking oils etc. Oils should not be poured down the sink. Please dispose of this in a container, in the bin.

We do recommend all tenants to purchase a sink strainer to help reduce the chances of blockages.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08H3FV2XW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08H3FV2XWp13NParams&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNkpYRzczUkNGM1Q1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDI4ODA3MUYwRUM0VUxJWUxTMiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDExNDkyM1VHNEo0NTVMUVhKQSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbDImYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

I have attached a link above. These strainers are also available widely in supermarkets and other retail stores.

How to minimise the chances of a Leak?

Please take care when using water within the property to minimise the chance of a leak. For example;

— Ensure the shower curtain is closed correctly when having a shower.

— Not letting large amounts of water spill outside of the bath or sinks.

— Placing a bath mat on the floor in the bathroom & toilet areas.

Toilet Blockages.

Please see the following information provided by Northumbria Water. 

‘Only Paper, Pee & Poo Go Down The Loo.’  – Northumbria Water 

‘More than half of the blockages are easily preventable, and will have been caused by people by putting “disposable items” such as wipes, cotton buds and sanitary products down the toilet, rather than in the bin.

These items cause harm to your home and plumbing system, the environment and can end up costing you a lot of money.

A lot of these items claim on the packaging that they are flushable, so it’s no wonder people put them down the toilet, however you would think twice if you knew the damage it causes.

Always put items like these in the bin. Never flush them down your sink or toilet, even if the packaging says otherwise!’

Please ensure that only toilet paper is flushed to minimise blockages

How to keep the property in good Ventilation ?

At times, properties can suffer from lack of ventilation which can lead to further issues. We strongly advise that tenants keep the property aired whilst doing simple day to day tasks such as cooking, and taking a bath/shower.

(For example, once you have had a shower, open the window to let the steam out. When you are cooking, open the window to let the hot air out.)

We understand that in the winter months, it can be cold outside, but not allowing any heat to l eave the property can begin to create condensation. This would appear on the walls as water marks, and then black mould.

This also applies to when you are drying clothes in the property. In order for things to dry inside, they require heat. By hanging clothes up without the correct requirements, will then cause the water from your clothes to evaporate into the air, which will also condensation.

If you require any further guidance on this, please see the video link attached below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypB2Y81BP7w

What to do if the light bulb stops working?

Tenants are responsible for changing the lightbulb if it was to stop working. Please ensure the correct fitting lightbulb is used.

What to do if Washing Machine is not draining?

The most common reason for the water to drain from the machine, is because there will be a bloackage. At the bottom of the machine, there should be a filter. We advise that if you place some towels (or buckets & a mop) you can open the filter to release the water from the machine.  

 We advise you open the filter slowly, to have time to absorb the water spilling from the machine. Please take care whilst doing this, as carelessness can then cause leaks below.  

  • You may find things in the filter which will be causing a blockage.  
  • You may also look in the detergant drawer, to see if any blockages have occured.  

(If you place soda crystals, and white vinegar in the machine once a month, in the both the drum & detergant drawer, then put the machine on a hot wash, this should help your machine to stay clean.) 

 

What is a UK guarantor?

UK guarantor is someone who agrees to be responsible for the terms and conditions your shorthold tenancy agreement, therefore, a UK rent guarantor is someone who has agreed to cover your rent if you cannot pay it. The rent guarantor also agrees to cover damages to the property.

Do I need to conduct viewings?

Your estate agent should accompany all viewings, but you may decide that you’d like to be present. It’s really up to you.

How much will it cost to sell my property?

There are three main costs involved in selling a property:

  • Estate Agent Fees

    Estate Agent Fees will either be a percentage of the purchase price, or a fixed fee. When estate agents visit to value your home, make sure they outline their fees so you can take these into account.

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

    You are legally required to provide an EPC when you market your property for sale. This outlines the energy efficiency rating of your property. Your Move can organise this for you. Contact your local branch for a quote for how much this will cost. In Scotland you will need a Home Report which includes an EPC.

  • Conveyancing

    ‘Conveyancing’ means the legal transfer of your property to the buyer, and you will need to employ a solicitor to make this happen. Prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Your Move can introduce you to a solicitor and offer a no sale no fee conveyancing service with a guaranteed fixed price to keep everything easy. Contact your local branch to receive an accurate quote for how much this will cost.

You may also decide to pay for extras such as professional photography or advanced web positioning. And don’t forget about removals. Ask your agent to outline all these costs at the start of your sale so that you can budget your move.

I want to sell a property. What do I do first?

First of all you need to receive a valuation to find out how much your home is worth. We recommend asking at least three different estate agents to value your home. Ask them about the services they offer, the current state of the local market, and the purchase price you can hope you achieve.

I need to find a place to rent. What do I do first?

Before you start searching for your new home it’s a good idea to write down a budget. What are your current outgoings and what money do you have left each month to spend on rent? Take into account that, when you first move in, you will need to front a deposit as well as the first month’s rent and tenancy set up fees.

I’ve found a place I want to rent. Now what?

If you haven’t already, make sure you go and view the property. If it’s a house-share, meet all the people you’ll be moving in with. The letting agent will ask you to sign a Tenancy Fee Declaration form which lists the services they will provide and the fees expected from you. The agent will then begin the referencing process to ensure you’re in a position to rent the property.

Why do I need to be referenced?

The landlord needs to be sure that their tenant won’t have any problems paying the rent on a monthly basis and that the tenant will take good care of their property.

What does referencing involve?

Referencing is nothing to worry about. Tenants applying to rent need to give details of their employer and income, their previous address, and some bank account details. These will be checked to ensure they are able to commit to monthly rental payments.

Do I need to show ID?

As part of the referencing process we need to be sure a tenant is who they say they are. We will require a proof of residency (such as a utility or council tax bill from the last 3 months) and proof of ID (such as a passport or driving licence).