When choosing the area you would like to live in, do your research.
Figure out the specific areas you'd like to rent in. Make a list of the things that are important to you, like transport links, schools, access to shops and use these to focus your search.
Identify which local agents are marketing the type of property you like in your preferred area's by looking on Zoopla, On The Market, Boomin (among others) and make contact with them. Make sure the agent registers you on their system and take care to give them all your contact details - the lettings business is fast-moving, and you don't want to miss out on your ideal property.
Be very clear about when you need to move into your rental property. If you need somewhere urgently, let the agent know.
When viewing properties try to be available and as flexible as possible. When a good property comes to the market there can be a rush to view, and offers are often made immediately. You could miss out if you can't make yourself available within 24 hours of the agent contacting you.
Don't necessarily be put off by details in the property. If you don't like the wall colour for example, have a chat with the agent. We encourage our landlords to be flexible and accommodate tenant's requests whenever possible.
If you want the landlord to undertake any improvement works, put in your request as soon as you decide to make an offer. It can be much harder to get these jobs agreed once you have moved in.
Once your offer has been accepted, you'll need to hand over your deposit. The agent will be responsible for putting it into an approved tenancy deposit holding scheme and they should pass on the details to you - make sure you hold on to these.
All letting agents will need to conduct security checks on behalf of the landlord, so make sure you have details of all your previous addresses to hand. Likewise, let your employer, and any other referees, know to expect a request for a reference.
From 1 June 2019 it is illegal for you to be charged any fees up front by your landlord or letting agent. Any fees should be ‘rolled’ into the rent. However, when you agree to rent a property, you will be expected to pay a security deposit (usually the equivalent of a week’s rent) and once your references have been agreed and before you move in, the first month's rent.
Beware as your security deposit does not need to be repaid in full if you back out of the tenancy agreement yourselves, fail right to rent checks, have provided false or misleading information, or where the landlord or agent tries their best to get the information needed but you fail to provide it within 15 calendar days.
Within the tenancy agreement you may also find that extra charges will apply if there is an unexpected change of tenant or for items such as lost keys. These are summarised as follows;
Unpaid Rent – Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please note that this will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.
Lost Key(s) or other security device(s) – Tenants are liable for the actual costs of replacing any lost key(s) or other security device(s). If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual cost of the locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord and other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant. If extra costs are incurred there will be a charge of £15 per hour for the time taken replacing lost key(s) and other security device(s).
Variation of contract – if at the tenants request; £50 per agreed variation.
Change of sharer at the tenant’s request £50 per replacement tenant or any reasonable costs if higher. This is to cover the costs associated with landlord’s instructions, new tenant referencing and Right to Rent checks, deposit registration as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.
Early termination at the tenants request – If the tenant applies to leave their contract early, they will be liable for the landlord’s costs in re-letting the property as well as all rent due under the tenancy until the start date of the replacement tenancy. These costs will not exceed the maximum amount of rent outstanding on the tenancy.
You should see your tenancy as a partnership with your landlord or letting agency. You are responsible for looking after the property and they are responsible for maintaining it. Communication between you is key so that small issues do not become big problems. That way you as a tenant will be happy that your maintenance requirements are being addressed and the landlord can minimise their maintenance bills.
Find out who is managing your property and make sure you have been given all their contact details. That way, if something goes wrong in the property, you'll know who to contact.
Look after the property as if it were your own. This reduces the likelihood of disputes over damage when the tenancy comes to an end.
Remember that you should arrange insurance cover for your furnishings and personal property - the landlord is not responsible for insuring these items.
If the property was professionally cleaned when you moved in, then the chances are you will need to arrange for the same to be done when you move out. Whoever is managing the property - be it the letting agent or the landlord - they will want to see a receipt for the cleaning.
It goes without saying that you should leave the property in tip top condition and remove all your belongings, otherwise you risk losing part, or all your deposit.
To apply for a property that you have seen, simply call us and you will be sent an on-line application to complete. Referencing normally takes 4-5 working days if all referees are contactable.
