Ark Property Management, Cindeford Lettings

Firstly you are an individual and we will treat you as such. From experience we know that everyone has their own priorities when choosing their home and it is likely that previous good and/or bad experiences have led you  to know pretty much what you want and where you want to live. Our sole aim is to help you achieve that goal.   

Founded in 2005, we successfullylet and manage furnished and unfurnished flats and houses throughout the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and surrounding areas.

Whether you are renting a one bedroom flat or a seven bedroom listed property with us, we intend to ensure that you understand the lettings process and are confident that you have chosen the right property! 

Here at Ark we do everything possible to ensure that the properties we have for rental are in good, clean and safe order. If a property does not reach our standards then we won't take it on - it's as simple as that!

We always emphasise to landlords the importance of a property being clean and tidy, as we feel that it is human nature to keep a property in good order if you find it in good order. If the property has that wow factor then so much the better! 

Viewing the property

It is our golden rule that a member of staff is present at all viewings. When you make your appointment we will try our best to ensure that you know where the property is and meet you there at the agreed time.

The staff member that you meet will be familiar with the property and should be able to answer any questions that you  might have - on the rare occasion that we can't answer a question there and then, we will find out the answer and get back to you as quickly as possible!

During the viewing we will also confirm fees due and the requirements to pass referencing should you wish to take the property (although we can of course, give you this information when you make your initial enquiry).

Referencing

At Ark we use a professional referencing company to undertake all checks. There are usually three elements to the referencing, which are:-

Credit Check - to ensure that you have no debt problems

Employer reference* - to check affordability

Landlord reference - to ensure that you are a good tenant 

*If you are self employed, a pensioner or on disability benefits then you may be required to provide relevant documentation confirming your annual income. If you are on a short term or zero hours contract then please advise us so that we can discuss your options. 

If a property has gas then it must be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered contractor and have a current annual landlord gas safety certificate on it. We will ensure that your copy of this certificate is provided on the day that you move in.

We also check to see when the electrics at the property were last tested. Although, unlike gas, there is no statutory need for an annual inspection, we recommend to landlords that they be checked by an NICEIC approved electrician at least every five years.

If we manage the property then we will ask you to report any problems/issues at the property straight away so that we can get them attended to by a suitably qualified and experienced contractor as quickly as possible. You will have the Ark proprietors mobile phone number - so that you can get hold of us outside of office hours as well if need be!

To clarify - if something goes wrong because of wear & tear, breakdown or adverse weather conditions then the Landlord will be responsible for repair and the cost of repair. If you as a tenant cause something to go wrong or damage at the property, then you will be liable to put things right. 

The Holding Fee and Deposit are not to be confused! here is an explanation as to how we do things:-

HOLDING FEE

If you are happy with everything following your viewing and wish to take the property then we will ask you to put down a Holding Fee - we will confirm the amount that this will be upon application, as it can differ depending on the number of people that require referencing. Once received we will then take the property off the market and start the referencing process. We should have already agreed the tenancy start date with you and subject to you passing referencing the property will then be held for you until that date. Note:If you withdraw from the rental or referencing results are adverse then you are liable to forfeit the whole fee

DEPOSIT

This is the Bond that will be held during the length of the tenancy. The amount of deposit required will vary from property to property, but it will usually be stated within the property details or we can easily confirm the amount to you. If we manage the property then we will always place the deposit with the Deposit protection Service. For properties that we don't manage, we always ensure that Landlords are aware of their legal requirements if dealing with a tenants deposit themselves. For further information regarding how the Deposit Protecyion Service scheme works, please go to:- www.depositprotection.com

INSURANCE

We would always recommend that a tenant takes out contents insurance. Not only should this provide material damage and theft cover for your furnishings, clothing and personal possessions, but it usually includes personal liability cover as well. If required then we can arrange for quotations to be provided. 

Well, we hope that the above has encouraged you to use Ark. Please click on the current properties section to see if we have a property that will suit your requirements.

Oh, and if not, do contact us and leave your details, our available property portfolio can change on a daily basis.