Letting Process in Mayfair and Marylebone the Central London Lettings Experts

Tenant Fees

The following charges are payable or potentially payable by a tenant:

Holding deposit - A maximum of one week's rent
Security deposit - Five weeks rent, rising to six weeks rent when the annual rent is in excess of £50,000
Rent and Utility bills - Payable as outlined in the Tenancy Agreement Unpaid rent - Interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, as outlined in the Tenancy Agreement
Lost Keys - Tenants are liable for the cost of replacing any lost keys or security device, including a change of lock or replacement of device if required
Amendments of Tenancy Agreement at Tenant's Request - A minimum of £50 per change which could increase depending on the level of work required to carry out the amendment
Early Surrender of the AST at Tenant's Request - Should a tenant need to surrender the tenancy early and the Landlord agrees to re-let the property, the liability for the payment of rent will end once a new tenant is found and takes up occupation. However, the tenant will still need to cover the Landlord's costs in surrendering the tenancy and re-letting the property.

Non AST signed on or after 1st June 2019

For any individual tenant not renting a property under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy the following charges are also payable:

Tenancy Administration charge - £280 per tenancy
Reference charge - £60 per tenant or guarantor
Check-in charge - £150 per tenancy
Renewal charge - £150 per renewal

Please Note:
If a tenant decides to rent a property through us in the name of a business or company the tenancy administration and reference charge will be £480 for a new tenancy and £240 for every renewal.

All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Where to begin?

1. Register your requirements

The first step is to contact our office and we will register your details and discuss your search requirements or simply use our 'tenant home finder' service and let us do the searching for you.

Consider your "must have" criteria along with what won’t you compromise on?

Budget - how much would you be prepared to pay for the right property?

Length of tenancy - how long are you planning on living in your next property and how long do you anticipate living in London?

If you’re after a short let (less than 6 months) please refer to the section below for more information

When do you want to move?

We recommend beginning your search around 6-8 weeks prior to your ideal move date and consider your current termination arrangements.

Would you like Forbes to professionally manage your property during your tenancy?

This is a consideration that can be discussed at the offer stage, it’s certainly worth considering as part of your search.

2. Arrange a viewing!

View a selection of properties from our extensive portfolio.

Your negotiator will show you the best properties available in line with your requirements

The London property market moves very quickly. If you find the perfect property, one that suits the majority of your requirements, you may wish to place an offer on the same day - be prepared, it may be the first one you see!

Found the right place?

3. Placing an offer

Upon finding a suitable property, complete an offer form with your negotiator, ensuring all your requirements are clearly stated.

4 - Offer accepted!

Upon acceptance of your offer, you will be sent the Tenancy Agreement and other necessary documentation which should be read through thoroughly. Your Negotiator will be pleased to help should you have any questions.

Reference checks will be made at this stage - please ensure you can provide bank details and the contact details of your previous landlord, along with those of your employer.

You will also be issued with a statement of account for your initial payment.

This will include:

a) Rent for the first month

b) Deposit - equivalent to five weeks rent

Future payments for monthly rent are taken by standing order in advance so please have your bank account details available to complete the form. Please note the signature must be an original as faxed copies are not accepted by the banks.

Home sweet home

5. Moving in

Provided that all payments, documents and references are in order, your keys will be available for collection on the start date of the tenancy, usually from the office or via an appointment with an inventory clerk. Your negotiator will ensure that this is organised at a convenient time.

You will need to inform your utility providers that you have moved into the property and ensure that all accounts are transferred into your name as quickly as possible.

A copy of the inventory check-in report will be sent to you (usually by email) shortly after move-in. should you have any comments or questions; they should be raised as soon as possible after receipt.

6. What if I need help during my tenancy?

If your property is managed by Forbes you will be advised of the name and contact details of your Property Manager at the start of the tenancy, please feel free to contact them at any time to discuss any questions or problems you may have.

If your property is managed by the landlord, you should contact them directly for any maintenance issues.

For any questions regarding tenancy agreements, break clauses, payments or renewals, please contact your lettings negotiator (see the contact us page for contact telephone numbers) and they will provide you with all the necessary contact numbers at any stage.

Short-let properties

7. How does a short let differ from a long let?

A Short Let Tenancy is for a term less than 6 months. All monies must be paid in full and in advance (including a 4 week deposit)

Normally utility bills are included in the rental amount, with the exception of telephone and broadband fees, payment of which will be detailed in your tenancy agreement.

8. What is a short-let?

The basics

Short-lets are short-term tenancies with a minimum term of four weeks going up 6 months. (They are not serviced apartments).
The properties will be existing long let instructions that can also be offered for short-lets!
There is a specific short-let Tenancy Agreement to be used for short-lets, which fully protects both the landlord and the tenant.
The tenancies are in the form of a 'short let contractual Agreement'
The rent for the whole term agreed is paid in advance at the point the deal is agreed.
The rent is paid together with a four week deposit (held as agent on behalf of the Landlord)
All short-lets are managed by Forbes to make the experience smooth for all parties concerned.
The Landlord is responsible for all bills/utilities, council tax and TV licence (with the exception of telephone and internet usage) this is factored in to the rental guide price.
The properties are fully furnished.
Property services and marketing will canvass particularly for this market.
Landlords who only want to let their properties for short periods whilst they are overseas for instance or are in the process of selling a property and would like the flexibility of short term tenancy.