Tenant Guide: Renting with Confidence

Make the Right Move - First Time

Finding the right rental property is a big decision. This will be your home - so it's essential to choose wisely and ensure it fits both your lifestyle and your budget.

At NGU Homes, we manage over 700 properties across the North East and have created this guide to help you make a confident, informed move.

1. Set a Budget & Choose Your Location

Before you begin your search:

Decide where you want to live
Know how much you can comfortably afford each month
Consider your essential needs vs. nice-to-haves

When you enquire with us, we’ll take you through a pre-application form to help assess affordability - this ensures you're not applying for a property that may cause financial strain down the line.

We apply strict affordability criteria (similar to how a bank lends money) to protect both tenants and landlords.

We do accept Universal Credit tenants and assess each application fairly.

2. Book Viewings

Once you’ve set your criteria:

Speak to an agent and explain your needs
We’ll recommend available homes that suit your situation
Viewings are arranged quickly - the market moves fast, so knowing what you want helps you act decisively

3. Pay a Holding Deposit & Start Vetting

Once you’ve found the right property:

Pay a holding deposit (usually one week’s rent) to reserve it
This deposit is applied toward your final rent/deposit balance
You’ll then begin the vetting process, which includes:
- Credit checks (which do not affect your credit score)
- References from employers/landlords
- Proof of ID and Right to Rent in the UK

Our in-house vetting team works quickly — most applications are processed within 7 days.

Be open and honest during this process. False or misleading information could result in your application being declined and your holding deposit being withheld.

4. Sign the Tenancy Agreement & Inventory

Once approved:

You’ll receive your tenancy agreement and property inventory
Read everything carefully and ask us about anything you’re unsure of
Pay the remaining rent and deposit balance
We’ll then arrange your move-in date and key collection

5. What Will I Need to Pay?

Here’s a quick breakdown of upfront tenant costs:

Holding Deposit

One week’s rent to reserve the property (deducted from the final balance)

Rent & Deposit (Professionals)

Typically one month’s rent + one month’s deposit

Rent & Deposit (Universal Credit/Housing Benefit)

We usually take a smaller upfront rent amount (the difference between your entitlement and the full rent)
Plus, one month’s deposit

Additional Deposits

Pet deposit: Approx. one week’s rent for additional wear & tear
No-deposit properties: Occasionally available - these will be clearly advertised

6. Move-In Day Checklist

Congratulations! It’s time to move into your new home. Here's what you should do before or shortly after moving in:

Arrange contents insurance, effective from moving day
Organise your removals or transport
Update your address with banks, utilities and the post-office to ensure letters are forwarded
Inform the council for council tax changes
Take meter readings and contact your energy provider
Read your tenant handbook - it includes key contact details and important info

Guide to Renting Property