Genesis offers a better way to rent
Leading housing provider Genesis has announced the launch of its new rental service which will be available at a range of its high profile new build developments across London.
In the last five years, the number of households privately renting has soared to more than 3.6 million - one in six households. This is a dramatic increase, rising from 8 per cent of housing tenure in 1993/94 to 16 per cent in 2010/11.
In response to that market change, Genesis has created a rental product which it believes will provide ‘a better way to rent’. Featuring longer tenancies, lower fees and quality homes, renting from Genesis will address a number of customer issues that have featured in recent tenant opinion surveys.
Neil Hadden, Chief Executive of Genesis, comments: “At a time when more people are renting than ever before, we believe it is important to offer high quality private rental properties. We are able to use our breadth and depth of housing management experience to create a comprehensive offer which will give our tenants greater flexibility, choice and security than other parts of the private rental sector.
Genesis is all about building better futures and we believe this model of renting is part of the future. We are offering tenants longer tenancies, greater freedom to personalise their homes and the flexibility to move within our property portfolio if their needs change.”
The majority of apartments in Genesis’ rental portfolio will be offered with a choice of tenancy lengths. Ranging from 1 year through to 5 years, subject to availability, this flexibility should give customers more security and stability in their rental. Whatever tenancy length customers sign up for, they can move out with just 2 months’ notice at any point after the first six months of occupation.
Properties are generally new build or almost new, with modern kitchens and bathrooms as standard. All will feature high quality white goods including a hob/oven, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. The homes are furnished (subject to an additional charge) or unfurnished depending on tenant preference, and at individual developments there are additional services such as cleaning and concierge facilities, also at an extra charge.
Tenants will also be allowed to personalise their homes, even to the extent of redecorating them if they wish. Dedicated and named property managers will also be available, many onsite, to handle any day-to-day issues while a 24 hour helpline will allow tenants to report any emergency issues.
And if tenants’ circumstances change during their tenancy, they will be allowed to move to smaller or larger apartments within the Genesis rental portfolio, subject to availability.
Apartments will be offered on a first come, first served basis and fees charged will be transparent and fair. Tenants will pay a maximum of £40 per applicant for their referencing and credit check and there will be no charge for inventories and handover of keys when they move in. Deposits will usually be 6 weeks rent and will be placed within a Government authorised tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days.
The first apartments available for rent are at the landmark Stratford Halo development in east London, overlooking the Olympic Stadium. Zenith House in Colindale, north London will be available in late Spring.
Prices for properties available to rent at Stratford Halo start from £1,125 per month for a one bedroom apartment. To arrange a viewing, visit genesishahomes.org.uk/rent.
