We, at Robert Bell & Company are pleased to be associated with Homelet as an Appointed Representative, who provide our referencing service and associated insurance products.

While there are never any absolute guarantees that a tenant will pay the rent in full and keep a property in excellent condition, potential problems can be minimised by thorough referencing. Tenants applying for property to let through Robert Bell & Company will be asked to complete application forms which are then transmitted to Homelet. A reference can be a straight forward credit check or a complete reference including previous landlord's and employer's reference. Adresses will be verified for up to the previous 3 years. Employers will be asked to verify salary and start date and duration of contract. Employer's references must cover 3 years. Any breaks in employment in excess of 30 days will attract a request to supply a Guarantor. Likewise an income that is not 2.5 times the annual rent will if only marginally short attract a request for a Guarantor.

Tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit will reference successfully if it can be shown that they will receive a minimum of 85% of the rent in Housing Benefit, they can provide the first month's rent and the deposit in advance and can also supply a Guarantor who is earning in excess of 3 times the annual rent. We are unfortunately unable to reference applicants in receipt of the Rent Assist Scheme.

We recommend that all landlords seek a Rent and Legal Protection Insurance policy  and for properties managed by Robert Bell & Company just such a policy will be included in the set up fee with an option to renew after twelve months if the Tenancy continues. A Rent & Legal Protection Policy should cover non-payment of Rent until a tenant is removed from the property and any legal costs if a Possession Order has to be sought. For further information and to discuss your individual needs do not hestitate to contact us. lettingshorncastle@robert-bell.org 

We are also pleased to introduce landlords and tenants to a range of Insurance products provided by Homelet including Buildings Insurance and Contents cover for both landlords and tenants. We remind tenants that it is their obligation to provide adequate insurance cover during their tenancy and neither Robert Bell & Company nor the landlord can accept any liability if a tenant fails to obtain adequate cover.