Question 1

Find Your Next Home With Confidence

Accepted Answer

Finding your next home should be straightforward.At Marlborough Homes, we'll guide you from your initial property search and viewing through to your application, referencing, tenancy agreement and moving day.Tell us your preferred area, budget and moving date and we'll help you find suitable available properties.

Question 2

Your Property Search

Accepted Answer

Finding the Right HomeRental properties can move quickly, so we recommend starting your search around a month before you ideally want to move.When working out your budget, remember to consider the rent alongside other household costs, which may include:Council Tax • Gas & Electricity • Water • Broadband • TV Licence • Contents InsuranceUnless specifically stated otherwise, these costs will normally be separate from the advertised rent

Question 3

Viewing Properties

Accepted Answer

See It. Explore It. Ask Questions.We offer accompanied property viewings and will always try to provide convenient appointment times.Many of our properties also benefit from professional photography, detailed floorplans and immersive virtual tours, allowing you to explore the property before arranging an in-person viewing.Selected early evening and weekend appointments may also be available by prior arrangement.

Question 4

Applying for a Property

Accepted Answer

Found Somewhere You'd Like to Call Home?Once you've found a property you would like to rent, we'll invite you to submit your application and proposed tenancy details.Your application will be presented to the landlord for consideration and we'll keep you informed of their decision.The property will have a clearly advertised asking rent. Marlborough Homes will not invite, encourage or accept an offer above the advertised asking rent.

Question 5

Referencing with Goodlord

Accepted Answer

A Simple Online ProcessOnce your application progresses, you'll normally be asked to complete referencing.Depending on your circumstances, this may include:Identity & Right to Rent • Affordability • Credit Checks • Employment/Income • Previous Landlord ReferencesWe work with Goodlord, allowing much of the application and referencing process to be completed conveniently online.If you don't meet the standard affordability or referencing criteria, a suitable guarantor may be considered, subject to landlord approval and satisfactory referencing.

Question 6

Deposits & Moving Costs

Accepted Answer

Know What You'll Need to Pay We want the financial side of renting your new home to be clear.If your application is accepted, you may be asked for a holding deposit of up to one week's rent while the appropriate pre-tenancy checks are completed.Where a tenancy deposit is required, it will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable tenancy deposit protection requirements.We will explain the payments required before your tenancy begins.

Question 7

Your Tenancy Agreement

Accepted Answer

Everything in Place Before You Move For new assured tenancies in England, the tenancy will normally operate as an assured periodic tenancy.You'll be provided with the appropriate written tenancy information and relevant documentation before your tenancy begins.We use electronic systems where appropriate, making it easier to review and sign your tenancy documentation.

Question 8

Moving Into Your New Home

Accepted Answer

Moving DayBefore your tenancy begins, we'll make sure you have the appropriate information and documentation for your new home.Depending on the property, this may include:Tenancy Agreement • Deposit Information • Gas Safety Record • EPC • Electrical Safety Information • Inventory • Management Contacts • Maintenance InformationWhere an inventory/check-in is provided, you'll have an opportunity to review the recorded condition of the property and report any discrepancies.

Question 9

Who Manages My Property?

Accepted Answer

This one is particularly important for your tenants.Fully Managed by Marlborough HomesIf Marlborough Homes manages your property, we'll normally remain your main point of contact throughout the tenancy.You can contact us regarding maintenance, rent and tenancy administration.Let Only / Landlord ManagedFor some properties, Marlborough Homes is instructed to find the tenant and establish the tenancy, after which responsibility for ongoing management transfers to the landlord.We'll provide you with the appropriate landlord/contact details and explain who you should contact after moving in.

Question 10

TENANT FEES & PERMITTED PAYMENTS

Accepted Answer

TENANT FEES & PERMITTED PAYMENTSMarlborough HomesTenant Fees Act 2019 – Updated for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025At Marlborough Homes, we believe in being clear and transparent about any payments that may be required when renting a property through us.Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, as amended by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords and letting agents in England may only require tenants to make certain permitted payments.RENTThe rent payable will be clearly stated in the property advertisement and tenancy agreement.For assured tenancies, rent cannot be required or accepted before the tenancy agreement has been entered into.Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, a maximum of one month's rent in advance may normally be required before the tenancy begins.Rent will then be payable at the intervals specified within the tenancy agreement, normally monthly.HOLDING DEPOSITMaximum: One week's rentA refundable holding deposit may be required to reserve a property while referencing and tenancy arrangements are completed.The holding deposit may subsequently be applied towards the first month's rent or tenancy deposit with the tenant's agreement.A holding deposit may be retained in certain circumstances permitted by law, including where an applicant:Provides false or misleading information which materially affects their suitability to rent the property;Fails a Right to Rent check;Withdraws from the proposed tenancy; orFails to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy within the required timescale.Where a holding deposit is retained, the reason will be provided in writing.TENANCY DEPOSITFor properties where the annual rent is less than £50,000:Maximum deposit: Five weeks' rentFor properties where the annual rent is £50,000 or more:Maximum deposit: Six weeks' rentWhere applicable, tenancy deposits will be protected in an authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme in accordance with the relevant legislation.CHANGES TO THE TENANCY REQUESTED BY THE TENANTUp to £50 including VATWhere a tenant requests a variation, assignment or novation of the tenancy, a charge of up to £50 including VAT may be made.Where the reasonable costs incurred exceed £50, a higher charge may be made provided those costs can be evidenced.Examples could include a tenant requesting a change to the tenancy or requesting that another tenant be added.ENDING A TENANCY WITHOUT THE REQUIRED NOTICEWhere a tenant wishes to leave an assured periodic tenancy without providing the correct notice, the tenant may be responsible for a payment of up to the amount of rent the landlord would have received had the correct notice been given.The amount charged will not exceed the loss suffered by the landlord as permitted by law.LATE PAYMENT OF RENTWhere rent has been outstanding for 14 days or more, interest may be charged where provided for within the tenancy agreement.Interest will not exceed 3% above the Bank of England base rate and will be calculated on the outstanding amount for the period during which the payment remains overdue.LOST KEYS OR SECURITY DEVICESWhere a tenant loses a key, security fob or other security device giving access to the property, the tenant may be required to pay the reasonable cost of replacement.Any charge will reflect the actual reasonable costs incurred and evidence of those costs will be provided.UTILITIES & OTHER HOUSEHOLD COSTSUnless expressly included within the rent, tenants may be responsible for the payment of household costs associated with the property, including:GasElectricityWater and sewerageBroadband and telephone servicesCouncil TaxTelevision LicenceThe tenancy agreement will specify which costs are the tenant's responsibility.PROHIBITED PAYMENTSMarlborough Homes will not require tenants to make payments that are prohibited under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.This includes administration, referencing, inventory or other tenancy-related charges unless the payment is specifically permitted by legislation.CLIENT MONEY PROTECTIONMarlborough Homes is covered by Safeagent Client Money Protection.A copy of our current Client Money Protection certificate is available on our website and upon request.REDRESS SCHEMEMarlborough Homes is a member of the Property Redress Scheme (PRS).Details of our complaints procedure and redress scheme membership are available upon request.Marlborough Homes INC LTDIndependent Estate & Letting AgentsEstablished 2012It’s about finding a home where life feels right.Last updated: September 2026This information applies to relevant residential tenancies in England and is intended as a general guide to permitted payments. Statutory requirements will take precedence where legislation changes.

Question 11

Your Tenancy

Accepted Answer

Assured Periodic TenanciesFrom 1 May 2026, most private assured tenancies operate as assured periodic tenancies.Rather than having a fixed end date, the tenancy continues on a rolling basis — normally monthly where rent is paid monthly.Most existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically became periodic under the new system.This gives tenants greater flexibility while still providing landlords with defined legal routes to regain possession where there is a valid reason

Question 12

Section 21 Has Been Abolished

Accepted Answer

Greater Security in Your HomeSection 21 "no-fault" eviction has been abolished for private assured tenancies.A landlord can no longer simply use Section 21 to require a tenant to leave.Where possession is required, the landlord must use an appropriate legal ground and follow the correct possession procedure.Different grounds, evidence requirements and notice periods can apply depending on the circumstances.

Question 13

Rent Increases

Accepted Answer

Clearer Rules Around Your Rent For an assured periodic tenancy, landlords can generally increase the rent once a year using the statutory Section 13 procedure.The appropriate prescribed notice must normally give the tenant at least two months' notice.For a new tenancy, the rent generally cannot be increased during the first year.If you believe a proposed increase is above the open market rent, you may be able to ask the First-tier Tribunal to determine the appropriate rent.

Question 14

Fairer Property Applications

Accepted Answer

No Rental BiddingRental properties must be advertised with a specific asking rent.Landlords and letting agents cannot ask, encourage or accept prospective tenants offering more than the advertised rent.At Marlborough Homes, applications are considered on their suitability for the property and the landlord's lawful requirements — not on who is willing to bid the highest rent.There are also protections intended to prevent unfair discrimination against prospective tenants because they have children or receive benefits, while lawful affordability and referencing checks can still be carried out.

Question 15

Deposits & Rent in Advance

Accepted Answer

Know What You Can Be Asked to PayThere are rules governing the payments that can be requested when you apply for and rent a property.A holding deposit can be up to one week's rent.A tenancy deposit will normally be capped at:5 weeks' rent where annual rent is below £50,000.6 weeks' rent where annual rent is £50,000 or more.There are also new restrictions concerning rent in advance.Marlborough Homes will explain the permitted payments before your tenancy begins so you know what you're being asked to pay and why.

Question 16

Your Right to Request a Pet

Accepted Answer

Pets in Rented Homes Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet at their property.Landlords must properly consider a request and should provide a reason where permission is refused.This does not mean every property automatically accepts pets, as there may be circumstances in which a request can reasonably be refused.If Marlborough Homes manages your property, please contact us before bringing a pet into your home so we can deal with your request correctly.

Question 17

Repairs & Your Home

Accepted Answer

A Safe and Well-Maintained Home Your landlord continues to have legal responsibilities concerning repairs, safety and the condition of your rented home. If your property is managed by Marlborough Homes, please report maintenance problems to us as soon as reasonably possible.When reporting a repair, providing photographs and a clear description can help us assess the problem and arrange the appropriate response.Emergency issues should always be reported immediately.

Question 18

Access & Privacy

Accepted Answer

Your Rented Property Is Your Home Tenants are entitled to live in their homes without unnecessary interference.There will, however, be occasions when access is reasonably required, including:Repairs • Maintenance • Property Inspections • Gas Safety • Electrical Safety • Other Statutory ChecksExcept where different arrangements are legally permitted, appropriate notice and access arrangements should be made with you.We ask our tenants to work with us to provide reasonable access where essential maintenance or statutory safety inspections need to be completed.

Question 19

Your Responsibilities

Accepted Answer

Rights Come With ResponsibilitiesThe Renters’ Rights Act provides tenants with greater protection, but it doesn't remove the responsibilities that come with renting a home.As a tenant, you're still expected to:Pay your rent when dueTake reasonable care of your homeReport repairs promptlyProvide reasonable access for necessary repairs and statutory safety checksAvoid nuisance and anti-social behaviourComply with the lawful terms of your tenancyRequest permission where requiredGood communication between tenants, landlords and managing agents remains one of the most important parts of a successful tenancy.

Question 20

Existing Marlborough Homes Tenants

Accepted Answer

Already Renting Through Us? The Renters’ Rights Act also changed many tenancies that were already in place before 1 May 2026.Existing tenants may have received the Government's Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, explaining how the changes affect their tenancy.If Marlborough Homes manages your property and you're unsure about something relating to your tenancy, rent, maintenance or the new legislation, please contact us.

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