FAQs
What references and checks are carried out?
Personal identity check
Verification of current home address
Verification of home address for the last three years
Current Landlord / Managing Agent reference
Employer's reference & financial checks
Previous Employer's reference (if applicable)
 
What fees do you charge?
We charge no referencing or admin fees.


What is a guarantor?
If your financial reference is weak for any reason you may require a guarantor to support your tenancy. A guarantor needs to have strong financial references as they will have to be responsible to guarantee to the Landlord:
 
1) payment by the Tenant of the rent due under the tenancy agreement and
2) due performance of the Tenant's covenants and obligations contained in the tenancy agreement.
 
What if I am retired?
You will need to provide proof of a pension to cover the rent or an income; alternatively you can offer to pay the full rent in advance for the term of the tenancy. A guarantor may still be required.
 
Do you accept DSS or Housing Benefit?
Yes, we work with all local councils

Do you accept Students?
Yes, providing you pass affordability checks. Tenancies are 6-12 months for students. 

Am I allowed pets?
With permission yes, however we will assess if the property is suitable for your pet. 

How do I pay my rent?
Rent is paid monthly by standing order from your bank and is normally set up to leave your account 3 days prior to your rent due date (this is typically the date on which you moved in, although not always). Be sure to tell us if your circumstances change, for instance you change banks or your employment situation changes as we can lend advice.

Do I need contents insurance?
Yes! You must insure your contents, as the landlord's insurance cover the actual property/goods, but not your possessions. Please ask a member of staff for details on companies we can recommend to you who specialise in this type of insurance for tenants.
 
Who pays the council tax and other bills? 
You do, unless otherwise stated. As the tenant you are responsible for opening accounts with the utility companies when you move into a property. These include gas, electricity, water, council tax, TV licensing, telephone and broadband etc. You should take the meter readings at the start and end of your tenancy.
 
Is my deposit protected?
From 6th April 2007, all deposits paid to a landlord or agent for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement in England and Wales, must be protected by a Government authorised Tenancy Deposit Scheme. McGowan Group is a member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Disclaimer: 
We are not a letting agent, we are a privately owned company. All properties shown as available (residential and commercial) are all owned by the McGowan Family.
We do not charge letting fees, reference fees or admin fees.
We are regulated by the LLAS, NLA and RLA.
Share by: