1. Finding the right property
Most of our lettings are for a minimum of 6 months so make sure the property is the right home for you. Budget should be a key factor in your property search. Don’t overstretch yourself financially and make sure you consider all other costs involved, including bills, council tax, moving costs, etc. Most importantly, be strict with what you do and don’t want, and what you consider to be a deal breaker. Don’t compromise on those deal breakers or you’ll come to regret it.
2. Book a viewing
- 1. Register here
- 2. Search for a property
- 3. Click the button to "Book a viewing" found on the property details page.
- This will take you to My Area and automatically add the property to your Portfolio giving you the option to select a preferred viewing timeslot.
3. Make an application
Have you viewed the property and would like to apply? Applications forms are sent on email so please get in touch to arrange for the form to be sent out to you. Make sure you stay contactable because desirable properties go quickly. Once we have received all applications and discussed with the landlord, we will be in touch to confirm if the landlord will be progressing your application onto the next stage, referencing.
Holding Deposit
- A holding deposit will be taken at this stage which is equivalent to one week rent in order to reserve the property. The holding deposit will be deducted from the first month’s rent provided you pass referencing and are successful.
- Once the holding deposit is received, we will remove the property from our availability list and it will be reserved whilst you complete referencing.
- Should the tenant withdraw from the proposed letting, through no fault of the landlord or the agent, all or a proportion of the holding deposit may be retained.
5. Referencing
You will receive an email asking you to begin referencing and fill out your details. Please allow some time to complete the referencing process and make sure you are honest with your answers. You should declare if you have any bad credit such as CCJ’s or bankruptcies as this may jeopardise your application. Here is an example of a few of the references sought:
- Photographic Identification and Right to Rent documents (passport, driving licence and proof of address)
- Confirmation of Employment and Income
- Previous Landlord Details
- Students (Guarantor, Proof of Funding)
- Self-Employed (Accountants References, Trading Details etc)
6. Guarantor (if requested)
If you are on a low income, we may request a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who has a clean credit history and earns a minimum x3 of the monthly rent. The guarantor should understand their obligations as they will be asked to sign a legally binding document agreeing to certain conditions which will include paying the rent if for any reason you are unable to meet your commitment.
7. Tenancy Agreement Signature
Once referencing is complete and has been reviewed, the tenancy agreement will be sent out to you for signing. Make sure you read and understand the agreement thoroughly as these are the terms of your tenancy and outlines your obligations. Should any questions arise regarding this legal document we advise you to seek independent legal advice.
8. Payment of First Month Rent and Security Deposit
Before you move in, you will need to pay a security deposit along with your first months rent. Your security deposit is there to indemnify the landlord against loss of rent or to pay for any damage if you were found to be responsible for causing it. In general, the amount required is equivalent to 5 weeks rent. Security deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000 and six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more. By law this must be protected in a Government approved deposit scheme within 30 days from the start of the tenancy The Landlord or his Agent is required by law to give you “Prescribed Information” with details of the relevant scheme.
9. The Inventory
The Inventory Report is a formal way of noting the cosmetic condition and contents of a rented property before you move-in. This descriptive information will be supported by good quality photographs. The Inventory document is then given to all parties to sign at the beginning of the tenancy to confirm that it’s accurate. Check it carefully and question anything that you do not understand. At the end of the tenancy, the same document is then used compare the state of the property and on the findings of this comparison the deposit is then awarded appropriately.
10. Moving in Day
On the move-in day, the keys are collected from our office ready for you to move in. It’s easy
to overlook things in the excitement of a new home, but taking the time to inspect the
property’s condition and ensure you’re 100% satisfied to give you peace of mind as you begin a
new chapter of your life in your new home.
Ensure you are familiar with the property and at the very least locate:
It is the tenant's responsibility to inform the utility companies of their occupation of the property at the commencement of the tenancy, and to pay council tax to the local authority. Students, who may be exempt from the payment of council tax, are responsible for informing the Local Authority of this. Once you’ve run through our moving-in checklist, it’s time to put the kettle on, unpack and enjoy your new home!
