Ahead of your property search, getting to grips with this essential information will ensure you are prepared for a successful application when you find the right property.
Have you compiled a checklist of needs and wants to help your search? There are so many types of property and possible locations available it may help to make a list.
It helps to review your finances to work out what deposit and monthly rental level you can afford prior to looking for a property.
Here are a few considerations to help you find the right home and understand what happens next.
Once you find a home that suits your needs, you will need to book a viewing. Once you have viewed the property and would like to make an offer to rent it, you will need to contact our team, who will approach the landlord with your offer.
Once the landlord has given us agreement, we will inform you and start the process.
We ask you to pay one week's rent as a Holding Deposit in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England only). This is to reserve a property.
Please note: this will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor) withdraws from the tenancy, fails a Right to Rent check, or provides materially significant false or misleading information.
We will ask you to complete a simple application form. Anyone over the age of 18 will need to complete one.
Please ensure all sections are completed. We will then begin the referencing process through our referencing company.
If your income falls short of the required figure, you may need a guarantor. Your annual salary should be at least 30 times the monthly rent. For example, a rent of £900 per month requires a minimum annual salary of £27,000.
Each guarantor must complete an application form, pass referencing, and sign the tenancy agreement before the tenancy can proceed.
Referencing can take up to seven working days. Our team will let you know whether your application has been successful.
Once approved, a mutually convenient tenancy start date and inventory check-in appointment will be arranged. While every effort is made to meet your preferred moving date, this cannot be guaranteed.
All tenants and guarantors must sign the tenancy agreement. A copy will then be sent to you by email.
Before moving into the property, you must pay one month's rent in advance together with the security deposit (five weeks' rent). Initial payments can only be made by bank transfer or debit card.
You will need to set up a standing order with your bank for monthly rent payments. Rent is payable in advance on the agreed date each month, as stated in the tenancy agreement.
For joint or multiple tenancies, only one payment can be accepted.
Paying your rent on time and in full is important, as missed payments may affect your credit history and future property applications.
Before you move in, an inventory clerk will prepare a full schedule of condition. You will meet the clerk to inspect the property, test smoke alarms, record meter readings, and receive the keys.
We will notify the gas, electricity, water suppliers, and local authority of your tenancy using the meter readings taken during check-in. We also recommend that you contact the suppliers yourself to ensure your details have been updated.
The landlord is not responsible for insuring your personal belongings. We strongly recommend arranging suitable contents insurance. Speak to our team if you would like a free, no-obligation quotation.
Report any maintenance issues using our Request a Repair form.
If we are not managing your tenancy, you will receive the landlord's contact details to report maintenance issues directly.
Call our office on 0208 255 5526. Outside office hours, your call can be transferred to our emergency out-of-hours service.
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