Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for a Property

Once you have viewed a property and wish to proceed, simply let us know and we will send you an application form.

Your application will then be presented to the landlord for consideration. If your application is successful, you will be asked to pay a Holding Deposit to reserve the property. Once the Holding Deposit has been received, the property will be taken off the market while referencing is completed.

Before your tenancy can commence, you will need to successfully complete referencing and provide the required documentation.

To progress your application, you will typically need to provide:

  • Proof of identity (Passport or UK Driving Licence)
  • Proof of your current address (utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)
  • Proof of income (last three payslips, employer’s reference, or employment contract)
  • Self-employed applicants: most recent SA302 or accountant’s reference
  • Right to Rent documentation (required by law in England)
  • Previous landlord or letting agent reference (where applicable)

Additional documents may be requested depending on your individual circumstances.

Referencing usually takes 3–5 working days, although this can vary depending on how quickly employers, landlords and other referees respond.

The Holding Deposit reserves the property while referencing and tenancy preparation are completed.

It is equal to one week’s rent and, provided the tenancy proceeds, will normally be credited towards your first month’s rent.

Please refer to our Fees & Charges page for the full Holding Deposit terms and conditions.

If your referencing does not meet the landlord’s requirements, we will discuss the available options with you. This may include providing a guarantor or additional information. The Holding Deposit will be dealt with in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Deposits

Your tenancy deposit will be protected in a Government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme within the legally required timescales.

You will receive confirmation of the scheme used together with the Prescribed Information explaining how your deposit is protected.

At the end of your tenancy, we will carry out a check-out inspection and compare the condition of the property against the original inventory and schedule of condition.

Provided:

  • the property has been returned in accordance with the tenancy agreement,
  • there is no damage beyond fair wear and tear,
  • all rent has been paid, and
  • any agreed deductions have been settled,

your deposit will be returned through the deposit protection scheme.

During Your Tenancy

Many landlords will consider pets, although each request is assessed individually.

Permission must always be obtained in writing before bringing a pet into the property.

In some cases, additional tenancy clauses may be required. Please note that where the property is leasehold, the building’s head lease may prohibit pets, meaning permission cannot legally be granted.

Please report maintenance issues as soon as possible.

Telephone: 0208 287 5014

Email: jjackson@brighthillproperties.co.uk

For genuine emergencies (such as a major water leak, total loss of heating during winter, electrical danger or suspected gas leak), please contact us immediately.

If you smell gas:

  • Leave the property immediately.
  • Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
  • If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Emergency repairs include:

  • Gas leaks
  • Major water leaks
  • Dangerous electrical faults
  • Complete loss of heating during very cold weather
  • Loss of all water supply
  • Insecure external doors or windows following a break-in
  • Flooding

For all non-emergency repairs, please contact us during normal office hours.

You must obtain written permission from us (and, where necessary, the landlord) before making any alterations to the property.

This includes:

  • Painting or decorating
  • Installing shelves
  • Changing flooring
  • Mounting televisions
  • Replacing light fittings
  • Carrying out DIY works

Unauthorised alterations may result in deductions from your tenancy deposit.

Unless specifically agreed in writing, smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the property.

No. Anyone wishing to live permanently at the property must first receive the landlord’s written consent and may be required to undergo referencing.

Unless otherwise stated in your tenancy agreement, tenants are responsible for keeping the garden reasonably tidy, including mowing the lawn, weeding and basic upkeep.

Yes. We strongly recommend that tenants arrange their own contents insurance, as the landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal belongings.

Please seek written permission before drilling holes or fixing items to walls.

Your rent should be paid by bank transfer using the details provided before your tenancy begins.

Rent must be received on or before the due date specified in your tenancy agreement.

Please contact us immediately if you believe your rent payment may be late.

Late payment may result in interest being charged where permitted by law and could affect your tenancy.

Ending Your Tenancy

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants are generally required to give at least two months’ written notice to end their tenancy.

If you know you intend to move, please let us know as early as possible. In some cases, we may be able to agree an earlier surrender of the tenancy with the landlord.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, most assured tenancies become periodic tenancies.

This means your tenancy continues until it is legally ended either:

  • by you serving the required notice, or
  • by the landlord serving the appropriate legal notice and obtaining possession where required.

Before returning the keys, please ensure:

  • The property is cleaned to a good domestic standard.
  • All personal belongings have been removed.
  • Any rubbish has been disposed of.
  • Utility meter readings have been taken.
  • Utility suppliers and your local council have been notified.
  • All keys, fobs and parking permits are returned.

Yes.

We will arrange a final inspection after you have vacated the property and compare its condition against the original inventory.

If both you and the landlord agree, it may be possible to surrender the tenancy early.

Any early termination must be agreed in writing.

General Questions

Our team is always happy to help.

Bright Hill Properties

Telephone: 0208 287 5014

Email: jjackson@brighthillproperties.co.uk

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:30pm

(Out-of-hours emergency support is available for genuine property emergencies.)

We are committed to providing an excellent service.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please contact us in the first instance and we will do our best to resolve the matter promptly.

If your complaint cannot be resolved informally, you can follow our formal Complaints Procedure, which is available on request or via our website.

As members of The Property Ombudsman, if your complaint remains unresolved after our internal complaints procedure has concluded, you may be entitled to refer the matter to The Property Ombudsman for independent review.