The Property Ombudsman


The Property OmbudsmanTrading Standards

Gower Dawes Ltd is a member of ‘The Property Ombudsmen (TPO)’ redress scheme for property lettings, as well as sales. Details can be obtained from TPO website – www.tpos.co.uk

TPO is a free, impartial and independent service for the resolution of disputes between consumers and property agents.For ease of reference their address is:-

The Property Ombudsman, Milford House, 43-55 Milford Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2BP (Tel: 01722 335 458).

Gower Dawes Ltd do subscribe to a Client Money Protection Scheme.


Client Money Protect

Deposits

DPS

Most deposits paid to us are lodged with the ‘Deposit Protection Service (DPS)’, a custodial scheme, under Gower Dawes Ltd – scheme no.1231743. DPS website – www.depositprotection.com. Their address is:

The Deposit Protection Service, The Pavilions, Bridgewater Road, Bristol BS99 6AA (Tel: 0330 3030030).

In some cases the Landlord(s) may want to protect the deposit in their own scheme, but you will be advised of this and it will be clearly stated in the Tenancy Agreement (Usually applies when the Landlord(s) manages the property).

The amount of the deposit required from Tenant(s) is not fixed as it will depend on individual circumstances. In most cases an amount equivalent to the monthly rent will be required, but an additional amount may also be required e.g. in the event of the Landlord(s) allowing pets (usually an extra half month’s rent).

Tenants Fees

Fees applying to all new tenancies from 1st June 2019

We may charge a tenant any or all of the following when required:

  1. the rent;
  2. a security deposit with a maximum of 5 weeks rent, or 6 weeks on a property with rent over £50,000 per year;
  3. a holding deposit of no more than one weeks' rent;
  4. default fee for late payment of rent (after 14 days);
  5. reasonable charges for lost keys or security fobs;
  6. payments associated with contract variation, at £50 or reasonable costs incurred if higher, when requested by the tenant;
  7. payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant; and
  8. payments in respect of bills - utilities, communication services, TV licence, council tax and green deal or other energy efficiency charges.

Fees applying to all pre-existing tenancies entered before 1st June 2019

We shall continue to apply the charges within the existing tenancy agreement until 31st May 2020.

All fees are shown inclusive of VAT (current rate of 20%)

Tenant Fee Schedule

New Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) signed on or after 01 June 2019

Holding Deposit (per tenancy) One week's rent. This is to reserve a property. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and / or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year) Five week's rent. This covers damagesor defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

Unpaid Rent Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s) Tenants are liable to the actual cost of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour (inc. VAT) for the time taken replacing lost key(s) or other security device(s).

Variation of Contract (Tenant's Request) £50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Change of Sharer (Tenant's Request) £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs incurred if higher. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord's instructions, new tenant referencing and Right-to-Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Early Termination (Tenant's Request) Should the tenant wish to leave their contract early, they shall be liable to the landlord's costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will be no more than the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.