Finding a rental property is a big step for you and your family. This is the place you will call your home, so you need to ensure it is the right place for you before picking up the keys.
You don’t just need to think about what you want, but more importantly, what you need. Speak to your agent, and tell them about you, your life, and what you need from a property, so they can tell you immediately when the perfect home becomes available.
We manage over 700 properties so we know a thing or two about rental properties and have therefore put together this guide so you can make sure you make the right move the first time.
1. Set a Budget and Pick your Location
Knowing where you want to live will help to narrow down your options and give you an idea of the going rent in your local area. Not only is knowing your budget a great way to stay on track with money, but it should also help with eliminating the risk of building up arrears or getting into any debt. When you enquire about one of our properties, we go through an application form with you over the phone which will give you a better understanding of what you can comfortably afford.
We will only let to a tenant if we believe they can afford a property based on our strict criteria, similar to how a bank lends money, so please don’t be offended if we can’t accept your application. We do however accept Universal Credit tenants and consider all circumstances.
2. Arrange Viewings
The fun part! It's time to call your agent to discuss what you need/want from your next rental property.
Your agent should be able to recommend properties for you to view straight away based on your budget and location. The rental market is fast-paced so having a clear idea of what you want is crucial to making a decision quickly and securing the home of your dreams.
3. Pay a Deposit and Go Through Vetting
You’ve found the one… great news! Now it's time to register your interest with your agent and pay a holding deposit, this is usually the price of one week's rent. This deposit is only paid once you have been initially accepted for a property and the cost of which will be taken off the rent and final deposit which is required before moving in.
Getting accepted initially isn't the end of this step though, next you will go through vetting. Vetting is a process of the agent gathering references, credit information, proof of identity, and your right to rent in the UK. Our vetting is done in-house so generally has a 7-day turnaround. Our credit check does not affect your credit score in any way.
Vetting is used to decide if you meet our criteria and being open and honest is the best policy since you could lose your holding deposit if you provide misleading information.
4. Sign the Tenancy and Inventory
Once you have passed the vetting process and your new landlord is happy with everything, you will pay the balance of the rent/deposit required to move-in, and receive a copy of your tenancy agreement and an inventory of the property. All of this will need to be done before you can arrange to collect the keys. Read your tenancy carefully and contact your agent if there is anything you are unsure about.
5. Move-In
It's time to collect your keys from the agent and move into your new home. Moving home can sometimes go by in a blur so please see below a checklist of some of the things you might forget:
- Arrange contents insurance for your new property making sure to cover the moving day.
- Organise the removal of all your items from your old house and transport them to the new one.
- Amend your address with your bank, the post office, etc. to ensure all your post is forwarded to the new address and your billing address is correct.
- Inform the council to stop council tax at your old address and start on your new address.
- Take meter readings and contact your energy supplier.
- Read your tenant handbook carefully and contact your agent for any issues.