Tenants Guide

Before starting your search, there are a number of factors that you will need to consider, as these will have an impact on rental costs. So have a think about the following:

1. When do you want to move into the property and how long will you be there for? You will need to allow a certain amount of time before agreeing a moving in date, ideally approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Likewise you need to now how long you will need the property for, whether it is short term or long term.

2. Location – how wide is the area that you are prepared to look at?

3. Property type – what is on your must have list and what is flexible? e.g. house / flat / bungalow, number of bedrooms, furnished / unfurnished, garage, garden etc.

4. What is your maximum budget? Is there any flexibility for the right property? Don’t forget to factor in other monthly expenses such as utility bills and council tax in addition to your monthly rental costs.

5. Once you have narrowed your search criteria and have established what and where you would like to look, you need to start arranging some viewings.

6. When you are looking around the properties, remember to be nosey and understand the full space in every room. If you are bringing certain items with you, will everything fit? Does it provide you with the space you need? Ask lots of questions during your viewing and take notes so you remember as much about the properties as you can for when you are comparing them.

7. Once you have found the right property you will be required to pay a reservation fee to secure the property and undertake certain credit and reference checking. This will include:

8. Providing identification together with confirmation of your current address.

9. Three years address history and confirmation that you have no adverse credit history, including bankruptcy or county court judgements etc.

10. Provide a reference from a previous landlord or agency.

11. Confirmation of yours and your spouse’s/partners annual earnings.

12. For self employed applicants you will be required to submit an accountants reference or your last three years tax returns.

13. Once you have supplied all of the relevant documents and information you will be required to pay the full deposit. This will be held throughout the tenancy period and returned at the end of the agreement, unless there has been any excessive damage caused to the property during the tenancy period, in which case the money will be used to cover repair costs.

14. The full deposit guidelines will be set out in your tenancy agreement. This is a legally binding document that will set out the full terms and conditions of the tenancy, outlining your rights and obligations. It will also cover such aspects as date of monthly payments, property inspections, inventory and insurance. Each party will be required to sign the agreement and adhere to the terms set out.

15. The last thing to do will be to collect your keys to your new home!