Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes. If you ask, and the landlord agrees, you can use the Zero Deposit scheme, an insurance-backed alternative, instead of a traditional cash deposit. It is not available on every property, so ask our lettings team when you enquire. Where a cash deposit is taken, it is capped at five weeks’ rent for annual rents under £50,000 and protected with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

If we manage your home, report repairs online using the Report a repair link at the top of our website. For maintenance and repairs during office hours, you can also call 01296 324441. For a genuine emergency outside office hours, call our out-of-hours emergency line on 07585004011.

For properties we manage, we carry out an inspection within the first three months of the tenancy and then every six months. Inspections let us check the condition of the home, spot maintenance issues early and keep the landlord up to date. They are also a good opportunity for you to raise any questions or concerns with our property management team in person.

Once the landlord accepts your offer, we reference you through a reputable referencing company, which includes checking your finances. We also carry out ID, sanctions and Right to Rent checks, then prepare the tenancy agreement for signing. These checks are paid for by the landlord, not by you. Having your ID and proof of income ready will help things move faster.

We only charge tenants the payments allowed under the Tenant Fees Act, all including VAT: a holding deposit of one week’s rent and a security deposit of five weeks’ rent (six weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more). Other charges only apply in specific situations: £50 for a contract variation or change of sharer you request, the actual cost of replacing lost keys, and interest on rent more than 14 days late. See our Tenant Fees Schedule.

A holding deposit of one week’s rent reserves a property while referencing and paperwork are completed. You could lose it if you or a guarantor withdraw, fail a Right to Rent check, give materially false or misleading information, or do not sign the tenancy agreement within 15 calendar days (or another deadline agreed in writing). Otherwise it will be put towards your first month’s rent, unless you tell us you would prefer it refunded.

You can download our latest tenant documents here:

• Tenant Fee Schedule
• Tenants’ Guide – the rules of your tenancy
• Tenant Handbook – living in your Michael Anthony home
• Damp, Mould and Condensation Guide

If you have any questions, please contact your local lettings team.