Before you stare looking for a property
What can I afford?– Think about how much rent you can afford to pay: 35% of your take-home pay is usually the maximum that most people can afford, this depends on what your other outgoings are.
Are you entitled to Universal Credit or Housing Benefit?– if you are unsure whether you are entitled to receive any of these benefits, please speak to one of our team who will be able to give you some guidance on what you might be entitled to.
Fixtures and Fittings – Please ensure that you are happy with the condition of the property before applying. Any concerns need to be raised with the Lettings Team.
What area do you want to live in?– Think about what area you would like to be based, near your children’s school or your place of work? The larger the areas you are prepared to look in the better your chances are of finding a suitable home.
Have you got your documents? – You will need to confirm your identity, all landlords are required by law to take copies of your identification as proof you have the Right to Rent in the UK. If you are unsure of what ID is acceptable please contact our Lettings Team.
Current available properties
you can see our current available properties to let: To Let – My Blackpool Home and via our facebook page: @myblackpoolhome
Once you’ve found a property with My Blackpool Home
Application form– You will need to complete an application form to apply for the property. Ensure you complete this and return it with the documents required: Application Form
If you would like assistance with this please speak to our Lettings Team on 01253 477222 or by visiting our office
Referencing Process – We will ask for a reference from your previous landlord or your employer. We will also carry out affordability and right to rent checks therefore our referencing process can take on average 1-2 weeks. For updates on your referencing progress please contact our office on 01253 477222.
Signing up for your tenancy – A date and time will be arranged with you once referencing has been successfully completed. You will be provided with a copy of your tenancy terms prior to the agreed tenancy start date. The sign up for your tenancy will take place at our office, this will take approximately 20-30 minutes and the Lettings Team will go through all documentation and provide you with a copy along with the Home User Guide (HUG Pack)
Check what Deposit (Bond) is required– A deposit may be required at the start of your tenancy. The deposit will be protected with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) within 30 days from receipt, this will be held with the DPS for the entire tenancy.
How long will the tenancy be for?– Your tenancy is a periodic tenancy agreement, this means that the agreement is a rolling contract with no fixed end date.
Who will be responsible for the bills?– Before you decide whether to accept a property you need to be clear on what bills you are responsible for, and if any are included in the rent. On the whole the tenant will be responsible for all bills ie: Gas, Electric, Water & Council Tax
Important Information about the Tenancy Sign up Process
Ensure you read the full tenancy agreement to make sure you understand what your rights and responsibilities are.
You will be provided with a copy of the property inventory to take away with you, make sure the inventory matches the contents and condition of the property. If you notice anything different you need to raise this with the landlord within the first week of the tenancy or amendments may not be made to the inventory and you may be responsible for damage or missing items.
You are required to provide your contact details, including a phone number we can use in case of an emergency.
Documents we will provide to you when you sign up for your tenancy:
How to Rent Guide – We will provide you with a copy of the how to rent guide How to rent – the checklist for renting in England – October 2023
Gas Safety Certificate – We will provide you with a copy of a valid certificate at the sign up, this will be renewed every 12 months where there is a gas installation.
Electric Test Certificate – We will provide you with a copy of a valid electrical safety certificate at the sign up, this will be renewed every 5 years.
Registered Deposit Scheme– We will provide you with the prescribed information for the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) within 30 days from receipt of your deposit
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) –We will provide you with a copy of the EPC, this will show the energy efficiency of your property and the effects this has on your bills, the more efficient the property the lower your bills will be. This will be renewed every 10 years.
Managing your tenancy with My Blackpool Home
Pay the rent on time – It is important to pay your rent on time. If you are struggling to pay your rent you need to contact the lettings team straight away as failure to pay rent could put your tenancy at risk.
Look after the property– It is your responsibility to keep your property clean and maintained as per the conditions within your tenancy agreement. You could put your tenancy at risk if you do not keep the property to an acceptable standard. You must also seek permission if you wish to decorate the property.
Be considerate to your neighbours– It is important to consider your neighbours and keep noise to a minimum. You could put your tenancy at risk if you cause anti-social behaviour or noise nuisance in the property.
Report Repairs– If something is not working or is damaged in your property you must report this immediately. More information about the repairs service can be viewed via the link: Report a Repair – My Blackpool Home
Allow access to your property where required– All landlords are required by law to carry out Gas Safety checks every 12 months, Electrical Safety Check every 5 years and an EPC every 10 years. It is important that you allow access for these checks to be completed, failure to do so could put your tenancy at risk. Landlords will also require access to complete repairs to the property and conduct property inspections.
At the end of the tenancy:
Giving notice to leave – If you want to leave the property you are required to provide 2 months’ notice. Notice must be sent in writing to: hello@myblackpoolhome.co.uk or by post to: My Blackpool Home, 348-350 Lytham Rd, Blackpool, FY4 1DW
Rent – Make sure you pay your rent up to date, you are liable for the rent until the date the tenancy ends.
Clean the property– Make sure you remove all your possessions from the property and leave the property clean. Take your meter readings and return your keys to: My Blackpool Home, 348-350 Lytham Rd, Blackpool, FY4 1DW
Deposit – The property will be inspected by the landlord and checked against the inventory you were provided with at the start of your tenancy. If there is no damage, the property is clean and free from any belongings and rent has been paid in full the deposit will be returned to you. If there is damage to the property, if the property has not been cleaned to an acceptable standard and if there are any rent arrears this will be claimed from the bond held with the DPS. If you dispute an amount being deducted from the deposit you will need to use the dispute resolution service with the deposit protection scheme – DPS.
