Tenant Information

We let and manage furnished and unfurnished flats and houses in and around Durham City and the region. Please see our List of Properties.to view a shortlist, although our stock changes daily and you should contact us for current availability or to register your requirements. Please note that for your safety and peace of mind -

All of our managed properties are CORGI gas safety certificated, and inspected for electrical safety, and furniture fire safety
Security deposits (bonds) are held in strict accordance with the law

We operate an out of hours emergency number for properties we manage

You can use the menu bar above to find other related information.

Guide for Tenants

Finding a property
The Local Area

Finding a property

The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. If not urgent, we log your details so that we can contact you as suitable properties become available. It is wise to start looking about a month before you wish to move, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly. We regret that we cannot assist dss claimants. Our tenancies are generally granted for a minimum term of 6 months.

Viewings

Viewings will be arranged at times to suit you, including evenings and weekends, and you will generally be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

Reserving the property

Once you have decided on a property, you will need to reserve it by paying an administration charge and a 'holding deposit'. The administration charge depends on the monthly rent for the property, while the holding deposit is usually equivalent to between two and four weeks, depending on how soon you will be moving in. Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead, this will be deducted from the monies due before you move in. If the landlord declines to grant the tenancy, it will be refunded. However the deposit will be forfeit if you decide not to proceed for any reason, or if you fail to provide complete and accurate information in your application.

References

As a minimum we will require satisfactory references from your employer (or college), and a previous or current landlord. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. We may use the services of an independent referencing company to obtain and evaluate these references.

Rents

Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account.

Deposit

A security deposit (sometimes known as a bond) equivalent to one month's rent plus £100 must be paid. This is held to cover damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement. Please note that under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.

Since 6th April 2007, all deposits taken by agents or landlords for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be protected by a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme. At Cathedral Lettings, deposits are protected under the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS). More information can be found at www.depositprotection.com

Insurance

Tenants, and not landlords, are responsible for insuring their contents. Having such insurance will not only cover your contents but may also help protect you against claims from the landlord for accidental damage to their contents. For information and an instant quote click here.

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Local Information

The Area

The City of Durham has a superb transport network and excellent modern shopping and leisure facilities which co-exist comfortably with a Victorian market and the monthly farmers' market. Durham is steeped in architectural heritage. The attractive cathedral and castle are designated as World Heritage Sites and the River Wear, with its stunning views, is a very popular place for riverside walks and watching the annual regatta.

Chester-le-Street, built on the site of a Roman Fort, has an excellent range of ameneties. A ten minute drive to Team Valley, and five minutes on the train to Newcastle.

Transport Links

Durham is situated on the main East Coast London to Edinburgh railway line and enjoys excellent connections with York, Darlington and Newcastle. The city has easy access to the A1 and the A167, with its links to the A66. Durham is within an easy commute of Newcastle, Middlesborough, Darlington, Sunderland and Team Valley.

Education

Durham has a number of excellent schools in both the state and the private sector. For example Durham Johnston Comprehensive School is generally in the top ten comprehensives in the country for A Level results. Durham also has a number of excellent primary schools including St Margaret's and Nevilles Cross. Well known private schools include The Chorister School, Durham High School for Girls and Durham School.

Durham University is a world class university providing high-quality teaching, learning and research and is involved with many regional and community partnerships and initiatives.