Information for Tenants

Information for Tenants

Looking for a new place to live? Need a bit more information? Our helpful, friendly residential lettings team have put together the following information to help you understand the letting process with GEM.

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Once you have found your new home through us, you should be able to move in pretty quickly – we normally ask for the following information and documents from you before you are able to move in [or reserve]:


  • Photographic proof of identity – Passport
  • Proof of right to rent in UK – Visa
  • Proof of current address – bank or utilities correspondence
  • Deposit – Nil Deposit certificate or a deposit of Five weeks’ rent (for rent under £50,000 per year) or Six weeks rent (for rent of £50,000 or over per year)
  • Holding deposit – the equivalent of one week’s rent
  • Initial rent payable up front
  • Signed tenancy agreement – see more below
  • Guarantor (only where specifically required)

We understand that finding a deposit when you’re moving into a new rental home can be tough when your previous deposit hasn’t been returned, and you’re paying your first month’s rent and the costs associated with moving. Our partner’s Nil Deposit Scheme provides an alternative to the traditional deposit.

To opt in, please speak to your negotiator or lettings progressor.

How does it work?

  • You pay a Nil Deposit fee of 1 week’s rent plus VAT
    For Example £780PCM. 1 week’s rent £180 – Nil Deposit service charge is £216
  • Our Nil Deposit service manages the payment of any entitlement to your letting agent,
    up to a maximum of 8 week’s rent, for any breach of the tenancy agreement agreed by
    you
  • You will reimburse our partner for the sum agreed by you, or determined by an
    independent adjudicator in the case of a dispute, within 14 days of notification
  • For rentals with more than one tenant you nominate a lead tenant
  • You have tenants’ liability insurance in place for the complete tenancy term and provide a
    copy of your insurance certificate
  • In the case of tenancy extensions a Nil Deposit extension service charge of £30 including
    VAT is payable to our partner, and the Scheme is renewable every 12 months as a
    minimum

Whilst not mandatory, we always recommend our Tenants procure Liability Insurance. For just £7.52 including Insurance Premium Tax* per month by direct debit, you can be protected against paying for any damage to your landlord’s property, fixtures, fittings and furniture. You’ll also be covered against time-consuming deposit disputes.

You can apply for tenant liability insurance through our referencing platform.

Accidents happen and burglary or other unforeseen problems are a constant risk and could mean losing your deposit.

Our partner provides specialist tenants’ contents insurance which gives you peace of mind by protecting your valued possessions and protecting you against any accidental damage to your landlord’s property.

You can obtain a quote through our referencing platform

If you want an idea of what you and your landlord will sign when you come to rent your property, click on the following links:

Example Managed Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Example Let Only Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

Example Company Agreement

We have a very handy and easy-to use online portal – myGEM  making it really easy for you to pay your rent and report any maintenance issues affecting your rental property. In the future this portal will also allow you to see all your tenancy documentation.  

We have access to specialist maintenance people who will get the problem fixed as quickly as possible, whether it’s a broken window, a faulty boiler or a lighting problem.

If you have already activated your account, simply click here to go to the portal.

If you have not activated your account, simply click here to get set up and follow the instructions on screen.

We have teamed up with Experian to take part in The Rental Exchange. The Rental Exchange is a way to strengthen your credit report without you needing to take on new credit. The scheme enables us to share details about the rent you pay with Experian on a monthly basis. This is then included in your credit report, meaning you will then be recognised for paying your rent on time.

Please read through The Rental Exchange – Fair Processing Notice for more details

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