Frequently asked questions
Important update on Homes for Reading Ltd – July 2024
Following consultation, the council have made the decision to wind up the activities of Homes for Reading and for the council’s Housing Revenue Account to purchase the Homes for Reading properties as and when they become vacant.
Support for Homes for Reading tenants is available to help secure an alternative and affordable home in other private rented accommodation. If you are a Homes for Reading tenant and need support please contact the Housing Needs Customer Access Team by emailing at housing.advice@reading.gov.uk, or by calling 01189 372165. Find more information about what to do if you are at risk of losing your home.
What is Home for Reading?
Homes for Reading (Hfr) is a professional landlord who is setting new standards in private rental
We do this by designing and providing good quality rental homes that meet the needs and aspirations of modern renters; and providing our customers with a peace of mind service that compliments and makes their lives easier.
Deposit and Payments
Homes for Reading already subscribes to processes outlined in the Tenant Fees Act (comes into force on 1st June 2019), which bans certain tenant fees being charged by Landlords.
Once all tenants have passed referencing checks, your first month’s rental payment is payable along with the balance of the deposit prior to you moving in. The deposit is calculated based on 5 weeks’ worth of rent less the original £150 holding deposit which is converted into the main deposit. This deposit is held for you in the MyDeposit scheme, which is a Government, approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. The deposit covers all loss and damage to the home over and above our fair wear and tear policy that may occur during your tenancy. It will also cover any rent arrears.
We collect one month’s rent in advance regardless of tenancy start date.
For more information, please refer to the reservation process.
Once all tenants have passed referencing checks, your first month’s rental payment is payable along with the balance of the deposit prior to you moving in. The deposit is calculated based on 5 weeks’ worth of rent less the original £150 holding deposit which is converted into the main deposit. This deposit is held for you in the MyDeposit scheme, which is a Government, approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. The deposit covers all loss and damage to the home over and above our fair wear and tear policy that may occur during your tenancy. It will also cover any rent arrears.
We collect one month’s rent in advance regardless of tenancy start date.
For more information, please refer to the reservation process.
Repairs and maintenance
Whatever type of home you are renting from us, HfR ensures your property is to a high quality. As part of our quality assurance process, we inspect and prepare the property before letting, undertaking checks on:
- the structure and exterior
- the sinks, baths, toilets and showers
- heating and hot water installations
- gas installations and appliances provided with the tenancy
- electrical systems and appliances provided with the tenancy
Fair Wear and Tear policy
We operate a fair wear and tear policy. This policy determines what HfR construes to be reasonable use of the property taking account of the number of family members and whether there are pets.
Where a property is damaged beyond fair wear and tear, HfR will seek to recover costs through the deposit.
Where a property is damaged beyond fair wear and tear, HfR will seek to recover costs through the deposit.
What is Right to Rent?
The Government requires landlords to check that a tenant can legally rent a residential property in England. Therefore, before the start of a new tenancy, HfR is required to check all tenants aged 18 and over, even if they’re not named on the tenancy agreement. This means original identification documents have to be seen at the property viewing and a photo record is made.
HfR’s Right to Rent checks are carried out by visiting the prove right to rent page on the government website and obtaining a share code. Documents must be obtained and checked for all tenants; if a tenant is not present at viewing, a copy of the document must be sent via email to HfR. HfR is then required to see the tenant and check the original document before agreeing a contract.
HfR’s Right to Rent checks are carried out by visiting the prove right to rent page on the government website and obtaining a share code. Documents must be obtained and checked for all tenants; if a tenant is not present at viewing, a copy of the document must be sent via email to HfR. HfR is then required to see the tenant and check the original document before agreeing a contract.
Rent due by Direct Debit
Our rent accounts operate by Direct Debit. Payment will be taken on a monthly basis on the 2nd of each month.
Do you accept pets?
Yes, HfR is a pet-friendly landlord. There is a monthly “pet rent” charge of £10 per dog or cat. Pets are accepted at landlord approval.
Last updated on 10/09/2024
Frequently asked questions