Tenant Fees and Permitted Payments
At SJ Property, we are committed to transparency and ensuring our tenants fully understand the costs associated with renting a home in Brighton and Hove.
Repairs Required Due to Tenant Negligence or Misuse
Where maintenance or repairs are required as a result of tenant negligence, misuse, or failure to meet the obligations outlined in the tenancy agreement (for example, blocked drains caused by inappropriate disposal of items, failure to ventilate leading to mould caused by lifestyle, or damage to appliances through incorrect use), the tenant will be responsible for the reasonable cost of remedying the issue.
Any such charges will be limited to the actual and reasonable costs incurred and will be supported by appropriate contractor invoices or estimates. This is in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Permitted Tenant Fees (During the Tenancy)
In accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the following fees may be payable by the tenant to the Agent during the tenancy, where applicable:
Variation of Contract (Tenant’s Request)
A payment of up to £50 (inc. VAT) for any agreed variation to the tenancy agreement requested by the tenant.
This may include (but is not limited to) a change of sharer, permission to keep pets at the property, or any other amendment which alters the obligations of the tenancy agreement.
Where the reasonable costs incurred exceed £50, a higher charge may be payable, supported by written evidence of those costs.
Loss of Keys or Security Devices
Where keys, fobs, access cards, or other security devices are lost during the tenancy, the tenant will be responsible for the reasonable costs of replacement.
Where replacement of locks is required for security reasons, the tenant will be liable for the reasonable cost of the new lock, replacement keys, and any associated labour charges.
Unnecessary Call-Out Charges (Tenant Default)
Payment of reasonable costs incurred where a contractor or agent attends the property as a result of incorrect or inaccurate reporting of a maintenance issue, or where access is not provided as agreed, resulting in an unnecessary call-out.
This charge is considered a default fee under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and will be limited to the reasonable costs incurred.
Tenant Damage
The tenant is responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any fixtures, fittings, or furnishings damaged during the tenancy where the damage is attributable to the tenant’s actions or breach of the tenancy agreement.
Any damage identified at the end of the tenancy will be dealt with through the tenancy deposit, in line with the rules of the relevant government-approved deposit protection scheme
Late Payment of Rent
In the event that rent remains unpaid for more than 14 days after it becomes due, interest may be charged at a rate of up to 3% above the Bank of England base rate for each day the payment remains outstanding.
This charge is permitted under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and will not exceed the maximum rate allowed under the legislation.
Pest Infestation Due to Tenant Lifestyle
Tenants are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and hygienic condition throughout the tenancy.
Where a pest infestation (including but not limited to rodents, insects, or other vermin) is determined to have arisen due to the tenant’s actions, inaction, or failure to maintain appropriate standards of cleanliness, the tenant will be responsible for the reasonable costs of treatment and any associated remedial works.
