Renting Guide

Register your details with local letting agents.

The first thing you must do is register with local agents because a lot of rental properties become re-available and may not be on the internet. Tenants already registered with agents will be called first and you may miss out on the perfect property.

Knowing exactly what you’re looking for, how many bedrooms, your exact budget and target location will all help your agents find the property sooner. Remember you need to find a property that’s available when you want to move as Landlords don’t like waiting more than a few weeks for new tenants to move in.

 

Viewing Properties

Demand for rental property is high and you will have a lot of competition. Be flexible and ready to view at a moment’s notice. In today’s fast paced market you should do any research on properties you are viewing before you view and make sure you ask any questions you have at the viewing. If you like the property, you need to act fast. You may not have time to research it later!!

Whether you like a property or not, give the agent as much feedback as possible as this will help them understand more about your requirements. When you see a suitable property, make a quick decision to secure it.

 

Making an offer

When you have seen a property that you like, make an offer.

Once you are confident with all the information, contact the agent to discuss your offer, making sure you include any timescales and special requests you have. The more information you can provide, the quicker and easier it is for them to fully inform the landlord about your offer.

You will receive an advice to tenants form detailing all the information you provide to us which will then need to be signed by all applicants. It's important to check that all the information is correct and as agreed as this will form the basis of your new tenancy agreement.

Be prepared to increase your offer and again try to be flexible on moving dates. Listen to the agent, they will be keen to secure the property for you.

 

Offer accepted

Once your offer is agreed your agent will write or email you to confirm it.

If you have any queries speak to the agent.

 

Referencing process

Most letting agencies will use a separate professional referencing agency who will carry out all aspects of the background checks required. 

The process will include an employer’s reference to confirm your income for affordability, a credit check, confirmation of residency and a previous landlord's reference, or possibly a character reference.

Once all checks are concluded a reference report is provided giving your outcome and recommendations. If your references aren’t quite good enough for you to pass you may still provide a guarantor. You will need to ask your letting agent about this and it will be put to the landlord for their approval.

 
Signing your tenancy agreement

Most agencies use a standard AST ( Assured Short hold Tenancy ) contract. Make sure you read all of the terms and conditions as these may vary, even if you have had a tenancy before. All of the tenants named on the contract will need to sign the contract in the office premises of the agency and their signature will need to be witnessed. Usually your agent signs on the landlords behalf – if authorised or the landlord may come to the office too.

 

Moving in

On the day you move in, a time should be arranged for an inventory clerk to meet you at the property for check in and hand over of keys. A check in is carried out to ensure everything in the property is as expected by you, with any meter readings also being taken before you sign the check in report. 

If you have asked for an inventory ( or the landlord has ) it will be completed at this stage.

Check it thoroughly before signing it off as this will be used to determine the condition of the flat and its fixtures and fittings when you leave. Make sure your agent enters the deposit into a deposit protection scheme and provides you with the details.

 

After you have moved in

Depending on the type of service requested by the landlord you will either need to contact your agents or the landlord direct to report any issues. It’s important to report any problems as soon as possible to get them dealt with quickly. Remember to make prompt payments of your rent as you will rely on a good reference later when moving on.

Deal with any matters quickly to ensure that your tenancy runs smoothly and enjoy your new home.

 

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