Welcome to DDM Lettings!
Your Home Starts Here – We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Hello and welcome! We’re so pleased to have you as part of the DDM Lettings community. Whether this is your first time renting or you’re a seasoned tenant, we’re here to make your experience as smooth, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.
We know that moving into a new place is a big step — and we’re here to support you at every turn. This guide has been created to give you a clear understanding of what to expect during your tenancy, and to introduce you to who we are and how we work.
Who Are We?
DDM Lettings is a trusted estate and property management agent proudly serving Northern Lincolnshire & east Riding. With roots going back to 1889, we’ve built a reputation for being approachable, professional, and reliable. Our team is passionate about helping people like you feel confident and comfortable in their rental homes.
We’re not just here to hand over the keys - we’re here to help you settle in, stay supported, and enjoy your new home.
Our Promise to You
We’re guided by three simple goals:
• Trust: You can count on us to be honest, fair, and responsive.
• Service: We’ll go the extra mile to make sure your needs are met.
• Support: We’ll keep things clear and simple, offering help and advice whenever you need it.
What You Can Expect from Us
At DDM Lettings, we’re proud of how we work - and it all starts with you.
• A Warm Welcome – From your first viewing to moving-in day, we’re with you every step of the way.
• Clear Communication – Got a question? Need help? We’re just a phone call or email away.
• Modern Tools – We use the latest tech to make paperwork, payments, and maintenance reporting quick and easy.
• Care and Respect – We treat every tenant with kindness, professionalism, and understanding.
What We
Ask
of You
In return, we ask that you:
• Treat your new home with care and respect.
• Let us know if anything goes wrongwe’re here to help.
• Keep open lines of communication with us.
A good tenancy is a partnership, and we’re committed to making sure yours is a positive one.
Let’s Get Started
We’ve created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know as a tenant with DDM Lettings - from moving in, to dayto-day living, to what to expect when it’s time to move on.
Good Luck & Here’s to a happy home!
Lynne Pearson MARLA Lettings Director
lynne@ddmlettings.co.uk 01724 870870
@ddmresidential
DDM Residential
DDM Lettings truly cares about making sure your experience is smooth and stress-free. Open communication really is key to resolving things quickly before they become bigger issues. If you ever need anything—whether it’s a question or a repair—don’t hesitate to reach out.
You have the right to a safe, habitable living space. It’s important to familiarize yourself with tenant laws so you understand what your landlord is responsible for and what you are expected to handle. Knowing this can give you peace of mind and help prevent legal issues.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your rented home:
Applying for a Property
Once you’ve found your ideal home, we’ll begin the administrative process, which includes credit referencing through Legal for Landlords and the Home Office Right to Rent checks. The following original documents will be requested by us and the third-party credit referencing agency:
• Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Proof of address (e.g., bank statement or utility bill, dated within the last 3 months)
Permitted Payments
Before the Tenancy Starts (payable to DDM Residential ‘The Agent’)
• Holding Deposit: Equivalent to 1 week’s rent (A landlord or agent is also entitled to retain a holding deposit if the information provided is false or misleading information)
• Deposit: Equivalent to 5 weeks’ rent
• First Month’s Rent
During the Tenancy (payable to the Agent)
• Changes to the Tenancy Agreement: £50.00 (inc. VAT)
• Late Payment of Rent: Interest charged at a rate of 3%
• Replacement of Lost Keys/Security Devices: From 1st June 2019, “reasonable costs” may be charged for replacing lost keys or security devices for properties in England.
• Early Termination Costs: Payment for any unpaid rent or other reasonable costs associated with early termination of the tenancy.
During the Tenancy (payable to the provider) if permitted and applicable
• Utilities - gas, electricity, water
• Communications - telephone and broadband
• Installation of cable/satellite
• Subscription to cable/satellite supplier
• Television licence
• Council Tax
Other Permitted Payments
Any other permitted payments, not included above, under the relevant legislation including contractual damages.
Tenancy Agreement
The agreement you sign is a legal document. It is between the owner of the property (The Landlord) and yourself (The Tenant). Please ask for a copy prior to signing. You should read the agreement carefully and ensure you understand it fully. If in doubt, please seek independent advice. The agreement places legal obligations on you, some of which are explained below. The agreement you sign will be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy that is for a fixed minimum period of six months. You can only leave the property at the end of the period stated in the agreement or by giving one months’ notice after the fixed period has ended. If the Landlord wishes to end the tenancy you will be given two months’ notice to leave. Everyone that will be residing at the property over the age of eighteen must be named on the agreement. You cannot move anyone else into the property unless you have informed us (in writing) and we have permission for you to do so from the landlord.
Deposit
At the start of the tenancy, you will be required to pay a deposit to DDM, which is capped at the equivalent of 5 weeks’ rent. The deposit will be held in a separate client account by DDM. We are a member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), and the deposit will be registered with TDS within 30 days of receipt. You will be issued a certificate confirming that your deposit is protected and held in accordance with the regulations.
The tenancy agreement outlines the process for resolving any disputes that may arise at the end of the tenancy. If both parties agree, we will return some or all of the deposit to you. In the event of a dispute, the disputed amount will be held by TDS until a resolution is reached. The responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord are clearly detailed in the tenancy agreement.
Rent
Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract that requires you to pay the rent in full and on time by cleared funds on the due date. Failure to do so will be a breach of your agreement.
If you share the property with other tenants, you are jointly and severally responsible for the full rent payment on the due date. If any rent remains unpaid, we may pursue one or more tenants or guarantors for the outstanding amount and any costs incurred.
Inventory & Schedule of Condition
The Inventory & Schedule of Condition is deemed equally as important as your tenancy agreement. In addition to the dated and time stamped photographs taken during the check-in appointment, it records the condition and contents of the property and gardens at the start of the tenancy. A digital copy of this document will be provided to you during the check-in, and we ask that you review it carefully. This document will be used at the end of the tenancy to ensure there are no discrepancies, aside from fair wear and tear.
We will consider the inventory as fully agreed unless you report any changes within the first 14 days of the tenancy.
Inspections
As part of our service to the landlord, we conduct regular visits to the property. These inspections are carried out periodically to check the condition of the property and ensure it is being well-maintained. You will receive written notice in advance of any inspection, and you will need to be present to provide access.
Maintaining the Property
As a tenant, you are responsible for routine household maintenance, including tasks such as replacing light bulbs and batteries, cleaning windows, mowing the lawn, maintaining hedges and borders, and keeping gutters and drains clear of leaves and blockages.
If the property includes a garden, you are required to maintain it in good seasonal order. You must not uproot established trees or shrubs, nor remove any lawns that were in place at the start of your tenancy, unless you have written consent from the landlord.
Faults & Repairs
If you experience any issues with the structure or contents of the property (provided by the landlord), please contact DDM Lettings immediately during office hours at 01724 870870. We will typically arrange for one of our approved contractors to investigate the problem.
In some cases, where the required work is substantial or costly, we may need to obtain multiple quotations from contractors or instruct a surveyor to assess the issue for a more effective resolution. Please refrain from instructing a contractor yourself. If a contractor attends to a reported issue and the fault is determined to be caused by lack of care or misuse on your part (or by guests), you will be charged for the cost of repairs.
Tenant Decoration/Alterations
While your landlord wants you to treat the property as your own home, you must obtain the landlord’s consent before making any redecorations or alterations. Failure to do
so may result in you being charged for the cost of returning the property to its original condition at the end of your tenancy.
Lost Keys
If you lose any keys, fobs, or security devices during your tenancy, regardless of the circumstances, you will be responsible for the cost of replacing them. If a lock change is necessary due to lost keys, you will also be charged for the cost of the lock change. If you live in a flat with a common entrance door key, you may be charged for the replacement cost of that key as well. All keys must be returned at the end of the tenancy.
Break-Ins/Vandalism
If you experience a break-in that causes damage to the property, please report the incident to the Police and contact DDM immediately. We will arrange for a contractor to secure the property. It is essential that the Police are notified, and a Crime Reference number is obtained. Failure to do so may prevent you or your landlord from making an insurance claim.
Smoke/Fire/Heat & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These devices will be checked at the start of your tenancy in your presence, and you will be asked to sign off on their condition at the check in appointment. During the tenancy, it is your responsibility to regularly check that the devices are working. If you notice any faults, you must notify DDM immediately.
Gas Appliances
By law, your landlord must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 and subsequent legislation. All gas systems, appliances, and flues must be checked at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You will be provided with a copy of the gas safety certificate at the start of the tenancy and annually thereafter.
Please note, these regulations do not apply to gas appliances owned by tenants, such as a gas cooker. For your own safety, we recommend that you also have your personal gas appliances checked at least once a year.
Not at Home?
If you plan to be away from the property for more than 14 days, you must inform us in writing. The property being unoccupied for an extended period may affect the house insurance, and we are required to notify the landlord.
Pets*
You must consult with us before obtaining a pet and submit a written request to seek permission from the landlord. The landlord may increase the rent to reflect a pet agreement.
Tenant Insurance
The landlord is responsible for insuring the building and fixtures. Tenants are responsible for ensuring their own belongings, as well as covering any accidental damage to the landlord’s contents, fixtures, and fittings. If you need a quote, we can refer you to an insurance provider.
Giving Notice*
Once the fixed term has expired, you are required to give one full month’s notice in writing if you intend to vacate the property. During this notice period, we ask for your cooperation with viewings for prospective tenants.
Check-Out Appointment & Deposit Return
Upon receiving your notice letter, we will formally acknowledge your intended move-out date. We will then undertake a check-out to inspect the property, verify its condition, and take meter readings. You will need to return all sets of keys and notify utility companies including council tax of the final readings, end date and your forwarding address.
After the check-out, we will compare the condition of the property with the check-in inventory and schedule of condition. Subject to the landlord’s instructions, we will either arrange for the return of the deposit or discuss any necessary deductions. The deposit will be returned to you in line with the terms of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) as outlined in your Tenancy Agreement. It is important that you provide a forwarding address and contact details so we can return the deposit to you. If you are claiming housing benefit/universal credit, you must inform them of your move-out date.
*These are subject to change under the Renters’ Right Bill.
Useful contacts and information
• DDM Lettings weekend Emergency helpline: 01724 870870*
• National Grid (Gas Leaks) 105 or https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/
• Northern Powergrid (Electricity): 105 or https://www.northernpowergrid.com/
• https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/paying-rent/get-help-with-renting-costs/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent-a-safe-home
*DDM Lettings weekend Emergency Helpline is available outside office hours for genuine emergencies only. It is not manned 24/7. When calling the emergency number, you will be directed to voicemail. Please leave as much detail as possible, including the type of emergency, your name, full address, and contact telephone number.
When
BARTON
12a George Street, Barton DN18 SES 01652 661166
barton@ddmresidential.co.uk
GRIMSBY
23 Osborne Street, Grimsby DN3I IEY 01472 358 671
grimsby@ddmresidential.co.uk
BRIGG
72 Wrawby Street, Brigg DN20 8JE 01652 653 666 brigg@ddmresidential.co.uk
SCUNTHORPE
46 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7PQ 01724 868 168
scunthorpe@ddmresidential.co.uk GAINSBOROUGH
9 Church Street, Gainsborough DN2I 2JJ 01427 616 161 gainsborough@ddmresidential.co.uk
DDM LETTINGS
46 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7PQ 01724 870 870
lettings@ddmlettings.co.uk