FAQ’s and Glossary

q. I don’t know Bristol. Can you tell me the best areas to live in?
a. All our staff have considerable local knowledge and will be happy to discuss the plus and minus points of the various areas. We also have information on local schools and businesses.

q. I would like to see as many properties as possible in one day. Will you arrange viewings on 4 or 5 for me?
a. No, we would normally discuss your needs over the phone and try to narrow down your viewings to suit your requirements. We will only arrange viewings of up to three properties in one day

q. How do I find the property that I am going to see?
a. All our property listings have links to a map; please also ask our staff for directions and local transport links

q. I have children and pets. Will any of your landlords accept me!
a. Yes, but not many! It is best to phone the office and discuss your exact needs; many of our landlords will accept an older child or a well behaved pet even if it is not stated in the property details.

q. How long will it take me to find a property?
a. it depends on how flexible you are regarding area and cost. In general it is best to start looking for a property around one month before you need to move but you can leave your details with us up to six months before.

q. who holds my deposit and when will I get it back?
a. for managed properties your deposit will be held by CPSL in a secure client’s account. It (or minus any deductions for damages or debts) will be returned to you within 28 days of the end of your tenancy. This period may be longer if there are any deductions or disputes.

q. One of my housemates wants to move out but the rest of us want to stay. Do we all have to leave or is there a way round this?
a. it is essential that you contact us as soon as this situation arises. The person who wants to leave will remain liable for their share of the rent unless they can find someone else to take over their tenancy. We are always willing to help a group find a replacement member but cannot guarantee success. If/ when a replacement person is found they have to come to the office to complete paperwork (a fee will be charged) and sign an assignment form (see glossary)

q. I am not coming to Bristol for another 6 months but would like to look for a property as soon as possible. Do you take enquiries this far in advance?
a. Yes. We will not arrange any viewings this far in advance as most properties have to be let within a month or two but we do keep a register of people looking for property and will contact you when we have something available closer to the time

q. how many viewings do you normally do before you let a property?
a. Some, particularly one bedroom flats in a good area, let at the first viewing; others take a few more but normally not more than five

q. my washing machine has gone wrong but I’m not sure if it may be my fault. Will I be charged for a call out if it proves to be my fault?
a. Yes you will. It is best to phone the office and discuss the problem in as much detail as possible and be honest! Even if it does prove to be your fault an engineer will come out and fix it so you will have a working machine again! 

q. I’ve lost my keys. Can I get another copied from my housemate’s set?
a. always report lost keys to us in case of any security issues. We do also keep some spares in the office and certain keys cannot be cut at ordinary key cutters.

Glossary of Terms

• Contact us as soon as is practicable: this phrase is often quoted and refers to tenants actions to report a maintenance problem or other property related problem. It is essential that all such be reported to CPSL by phone, email, fax or in person.
• Council Tax: tax due from all individuals payable to Bristol City Council. The cost depends on the property. Students are exempt from paying.
• Deposit: a sum of money (usually equivalent to around 6 weeks rent or one months rent + £100 in the case of student lets). This is held as security for the landlord against any unpaid rent or other debts
• Inventory: a document which details the fixtures and fittings and describes their condition and that of the property generally. It is essential that this is agreed between the tenant and the landlord (or his agent) at the start and end of the tenancy. The cost of preparing and checking the inventory is often shared by both the landlord and the tenant as it protects both parties.
• Joint and Several: where there is more than one tenant the tenancy will normally be Joint & Several. This means that all tenants are jointly liable for the payment of all rents and all liabilities falling upon the tenants as set out in the Tenancy Agreement.
• Let: the term generally used to describe the letting process
• Mesne profits n. profits which have accrued while there was a dispute over land ownership. If it is determined the party using the land did not have legal ownership, the true owner can sue for some or all of the profits made in the interim by the illegal tenant, which are thus called "mesne profits." Taken from The Free Legal Dictionary
• Notice to quit: a legal Notice served on the tenant/s by the landlord or his agent giving the tenant notice that the landlord wishes to repossess the property at the end of the Term or the end of a Period
• Period: the rental period of a tenancy refers to how often the rent is paid; normally monthly, but can be quarterly or annual
• Periodic Tenancy: a tenancy that has completed its initial Term and has been allowed to continue on a month by month basis. The tenant needs to give at least one period notice if s/he wishes to quit
• Property: General term for the let accommodation whether it be a house, flat or apartment
• Pro-rata rent payment: apportionment of the rent on a daily basis; calculated by multiplying the rent by 12 to give the annual rent, then dividing by 365 to give the daily rent. This figure will then be used to calculate part month payments
• Quiet enjoyment
• Rent:   payment made on a regular basis for the use of the accommodation
• Tenancy Agreement: this is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out both the legal and contractual responsibilities and obligations of the two parties. The most common form of tenancy agreement used is an “Assured Shorthold” (an AST) under the 1988 Housing Act (amended 1996). The most common form of tenancy agreement used is an “Assured Shorthold” (an AST) under the 1988 Housing Act (amended 1996). It is important that any special clauses agreed between the landlord and the tenant are written into the agreement.
• Tenant-like manner: this is an implied covenant used in most tenancy agreements. Broadly, this means to report disrepair promptly; to take reasonable steps to ensure that neither the tenant nor guests damage the property, its fixtures and fittings; to do the minor day to day things any home-occupier would normally do e.g. replace light bulbs, fit a new battery in a smoke or CO2 detector, tighten an odd screw which has come loose on a door handle etc.; to keep the property reasonably warm and aired to help prevent condensation or freezing of pipes; to leave the property secure when absent from it; to keep the garden and other areas reasonably tidy and free from rubbish.
• Term: the duration of the Tenancy; usually 6 months for a professional let or 12 months for a student let
• Utility Bills: bills for services provided by outside companies and used by the tenant; ie gas, electricity, water, phone. These are normally the tenants responsibility
• Assignment: this is the term used when a new tenant takes over the tenancy and all associated obligations from one person who wishes to leave when the rest of the group continue with the existing tenancy