Tenant FAQs

My Blackpool Home is committed to providing the highest levels of service to our tenants to support and guide them through the application process. Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about renting property.

How do I arrange a viewing?

If you want to view one of the properties we have available to let, please contact our office on 01253 477222 to arrange a viewing with one of our Lettings Officer’s.

How do I apply for a property?

If you want to apply for a My Blackpool Home property, you will need to complete one of our application forms. You can obtain a copy of this from the office or download one from the website.

How much does it cost to apply?

The application fee is £75.00 per applicant. There may be an additional rent guarantee fee if the property you want to apply for requires a rent guarantee. This will be clearly marked on the property information.

What information do I need to provide?

You will need to complete and return our application form. Alongside the application, you will also need to provide proof of your identification and your income. This will include benefit award letters and payslips.

What happens after I hand in my application?

Once you have handed in your application and paid your application fee. Your application will be assessed by a Lettings Officer. You will need to ensure you provide all the information requested by the Lettings Officer, including your income proof and references. We will then let you know if you have been successful in your application. If you are successful, then we will arrange a date for you to sign up for the property.

If I am not successful for a property will I get my application fee back?

Your application fee is non-refundable. However, if you are not successful for the property you have applied for due to another applicant being more suitable, then we can transfer your application fee to another property.

Do I need to provide ID?

All landlords from 01st February 2016 are required to keep a record of ID provided by tenants as confirmation that they have the Right to Rent in the UK. Please speak to one of our lettings officers about what ID is acceptable for these checks.

Why do I have to pay a deposit?

A deposit is paid to ensure that any damages caused by the tenant (over and above any fair wear and tear) can be corrected at the end of the tenancy. If at the end of your tenancy you leave your property in good condition then the deposit will be returned to you.

What happens to my deposit?

Landlords and letting agents are required by law to register your deposit with one of the approved Tenancy Deposit Schemes. Once your tenancy has begun, your deposit will be registered and you will be notified in writing of where your deposit is being held, and how to get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy. It is important that you retain this documentation.

What does a tenancy deposit scheme do?

A tenancy deposit scheme will protect your deposit for the term of your tenancy. They are there to offer you any assistance should there be a dispute over the deposit at the end of your tenancy.

I cannot afford to pay a deposit?

My Blackpool Home works alongside Housing Options at Blackpool Council. If you cannot afford to pay a deposit, you can approach Housing Options for a referral for help with this bond. There is a strict criterion you will need to meet in order to be able to access these funds. All referral decisions will be made by Housing Options. Please contact Housing Options direct on 01253 477760.

How do I get my Deposit back at the end of my tenancy?

Your deposit will be registered with one of the Governments approved tenancy deposit schemes. You will have been provided with details of which scheme your deposit is registered with when you moved into your property. You will need to contact them to get your deposit back. Both the landlord and the tenant will need to authorise the return of all or part of these funds depending on any damage caused. If there is a dispute over the allocation of funds this will be dealt with by the deposit scheme.

Do I need to pay rent in advance?

You will need to pay 1 months’ rent in advance for all properties let through My Blackpool Home, unless otherwise stated on the property advert.

Do I need to provide a reference?

We will require a reference from your current or previous landlord. If you have never previously rented, you will be required to provide either a personal reference or a reference from your employer. If you fail our reference check you will be required to provide a rent guarantor.

How long will my tenancy agreement be for?

You will be issued with an assured shorthold tenancy agreement; this will usually be for 6 months. At the end of the fixed term, your agreement will turn into a rolling periodic tenancy. You do not need to sign a new agreement at the end of the fixed term unless the landlord requires amendments to the terms of the agreement.

Will you be doing a Credit Check on me?

As part of your application, My Blackpool Home will complete a credit check on you. We will also complete a financial viability check with you; this is to ensure that you can afford to live in the property. My Blackpool Home aims to provide you with a sustainable property that you can afford to remain in.

Do I need to meet rent guarantee criteria?

Some landlords will require a rent guarantee for their property. Each property advert will clearly state whether a rent guarantee is required.

What is rent guarantee?

Some landlords take out rent guarantee insurance on their property to ensure that in the event the rent is not paid by the tenant, they do not lose out. However, the tenant is required to pass the rent guarantee reference completed by the insurance company. If the tenant is unable to act as the rent guarantee, you may ask a parent or guardian to act at the rent guarantee and they will need to pass this reference.

What is a guarantor?

If you are unable to get references, we may ask you to provide a guarantor; this is different from the rent guarantee as no insurance policy is taken out. This is someone you have asked to act as a guarantor (usually a parent or guardian) who will agree to take responsibility for the rent if you fail to pay. Guarantors are required to pay any rent arrears.

What does a guarantor need to do?

A guarantor needs to go through the same referencing process as the tenant. They will need to be employed and a UK resident, with sufficient income to cover the tenants rent.

How do I pay my rent?

We would recommend that you pay your rent via standing order, and we will provide you with a standing order form on the day you sign up for your property. Alternatively, you can make a bank transfer, pay by cash or cheque at the My Blackpool Home office.

What happens if I can’t pay my rent?

It is always your responsibility to make sure your rent is paid. However, we understand that circumstances do change and it is important that you keep us informed of any changes. We are here to assist you with any help you require in claiming Housing Benefit or setting up a payment arrangement.

How much notice do I need to give?

You are liable for the rent until the end of the fixed term. If you want to leave your tenancy at the end of the fixed term you are required to give the landlord 1 months’ notice in writing, which will end on the expiration of the fixed term period. Once you are no longer in the fixed term you are required to give 1 months’ notice in writing.

How much notice does my landlord need to give me?

Your landlord is required to give you 2 months’ notice. This notice cannot expire prior to the end of the fixed term.

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