These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the rental services provided by Almarica Properties LTD (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a private limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 12013915 and registered office at 60 Landford Avenue, Liverpool, L9 6BR. We specialize in managing and renting rooms in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Liverpool, UK. By entering into a tenancy agreement or using our services, you (“Tenant” or “you”) agree to be bound by these Terms, which form part of your tenancy agreement. These Terms comply with UK laws, including the Housing Act 2004, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and relevant HMO regulations.If you do not agree with these Terms, do not proceed with any rental or booking.

1. Eligibility and Application Process

• You must be at least 18 years old and provide valid identification (e.g., passport or driving license) to apply for a tenancy.
• All applications are subject to referencing, including credit checks, employment verification, and previous landlord references. We reserve the right to reject any application without explanation.
• A holding deposit (equivalent to one week’s rent) may be required to reserve a room. This will be refunded or applied to your first rent payment if your application is successful, subject to the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

2. Tenancy Agreement

• Tenancies are typically Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) under the Housing Act 1988, with a minimum fixed term of 2 months, unless otherwise agreed.
• The tenancy covers a specific room in an HMO property, with shared access to common areas (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, living room).
• Rent is payable weekly in advance via bank transfer or standing order. Late payments incur a fee of 3% above the Bank of England base rate, as per the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
• All bills (gas, electricity, water, council tax, and broadband) are included in the rent. If you wish to watch live TV, you are responsible for obtaining your own TV licence.
• A security deposit (equivalent to 4 weeks’ rent, depending on the room) is required and will be protected in a government-approved scheme (e.g., Deposit Protection Service) within 30 days of receipt.

3. Tenant Responsibilities

• Maintain the room and shared areas in a clean and tidy condition. You are responsible for any damage caused by you or your guests, beyond fair wear and tear.
• Comply with standard HMO house rules, including no smoking indoors.
• Report any maintenance issues promptly via our contact details. Emergency repairs (e.g., burst pipes) will be addressed within 24 hours; non-emergency within reasonable timeframes.
• Allow access for inspections, repairs, or viewings with at least 24 hours’ notice, as required by law.
• Obtain contents insurance for your personal belongings; we provide buildings insurance only.

4. Landlord Responsibilities

• Ensure the property meets HMO licensing requirements under the Housing Act 2004, including fire safety, gas/electrical certificates, and overcrowding standards.
• Conduct regular safety checks (e.g., annual gas safety certificate) and provide copies to tenants.
• Handle repairs to the structure, exterior, and installations (e.g., heating, plumbing) in a timely manner.
• Comply with all applicable laws, including anti-discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
• Maintain CCTV systems monitoring the exterior of properties for security purposes.

5. Termination and Notice

• During the fixed term, early termination requires mutual agreement or a break clause (if included).
• After the fixed term, the tenancy becomes periodic; either party can end it with 2 months’ notice (landlord) or 1 month’s notice (tenant).
• We may evict for breaches such as non-payment of rent, anti-social behavior, or property damage, following Section 8 or Section 21 procedures under the Housing Act 1988.
• Upon termination, you must vacate the property in its original condition. The deposit will be returned within 10 days of the tenancy end, minus any deductions for damage, cleaning, or unpaid rent, with evidence provided.

6. Fees and Charges

• Prohibited fees under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 will not be charged (e.g., no admin or referencing fees).
• Permitted charges include: lost keys (£50 + VAT), rent arrears interest, or reasonable costs for contract variations requested by you.

7. Liability and Indemnity

• We are not liable for loss or damage to your belongings unless caused by our negligence.
• You indemnify us against any claims arising from your breach of these Terms or misuse of the property.

8. Complaints and Disputes

• Complaints should be submitted in writing to info@almaricaproperties.com. We aim to respond within 7 days.
• If unresolved, you can escalate to The Property Ombudsman or relevant local authority.

9. Governing Law

• These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

10. Changes to Terms

• We may update these Terms with 30 days’ notice. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance.

For any questions, contact us at info@almaricaproperties.com. These Terms are a sample and not legal advice; consult a solicitor for personalized guidance.