Tenants Guide to Renting

If you are looking at renting a property for the first time, the process might seem daunting. We have created a guide to help explain how the process works.

Step 1: Finding your next home

The first step in finding your next home is to work out what you can afford. As a rule, your gross monthly household income will need to be no less than 2.5x the monthly rent. This may vary, depending on your credit commitments.

Step 2: Register your interest

The rental market can move extremely quickly, with some properties being let within a day. We therefore recommend registering your details and requirements to ensure you receive notification of new properties before they reach the property portals.

Step 3: Viewings

Prior to arranging a viewing, we advise viewing the virtual tour and carrying out a drive by viewing. This will help familiarise yourself with layout of the property and the location.

If the property appears to suit your needs, the next step is to arrange a viewing.

At the time of your appointment, a member of our team will meet you at the property to show you around and to answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Applying for the property

An online tenancy application form will be issued to each applicant who is aged 18 years and over. As an e-signature document, this form can be completed in the comfort of your own home.

Step 5: Landlord approval

Details of your application will be passed onto the Landlord of the property for the first-stage approval.

Step 6: Paying the Holding Deposit

If the Landlord is happy to proceed with your application, we will begin the referencing process. Before we do this, you will need to pay the holding deposit and provide us with photographic ID and proof of current address. We will issue you with a ‘Holding Deposit Agreement’ which outlines the tenancy clauses. The e-signature document which must be signed electronically.

On receipt of your holding deposit and signed agreement, we will market the property as ‘Let Agreed’ and halt further viewings pending the outcome of your reference checks.

See our FAQ’s for further details on the Holding Deposit.

Step 7: Referencing

On receipt of your holding deposit, we will submit your application to a third-party referencing company. They will check your credit history and contact your current employer and landlord for a reference. In order to speed up the process, please make sure that you have provided email and telephone numbers for both your current employer and your current landlord. The referencing company will contact you directly if they need any additional information. We recommend you respond to such enquiries quickly to prevent any delays to your desired move-in date.

Step 8: Tenancy Agreement

As soon as you pass your reference checks, we will contact you to confirm the good news. A move-in date will be arranged, and the necessary documents will be issued to you for e-signature. You should now arrange to pay the first months rent and the remainder of the security deposit.

Step 9: Moving in day

Assuming your deposit and rental payment has cleared, all e-signature documents have been signed, we will meet you at the property to complete the check-in and key handover. A standing order will be set up for future rental payments.

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