The Renting Process

Moving house is very exciting; however, many people also find it to be an especially stressful time. We'll try to simplify matters and make the experience more enjoyable for you so you can concentrate on what is truly most important, finding your perfect home.

No. 1

First of all, you will have to decide what ‘ingredients' are essential for your new home.

Points to consider:

Location

Which appeals to you more? Living in a quiet suburban neighbourhood or along a busy high street? Or are you not really fussed as long as you can easily catch the tube to work? Take some time to consider what areas you would prefer, maybe jot down a few of your favourite postcodes and we'll do our best to make it possible.

Size

House or flat? Are you downsizing or is your family expanding so you need more room to make everyone happy?

Would you like to have a balcony or a garden for that little bit of extra outdoor space?

Budget

This one is always important. Try to work out what you can reasonably afford and remember that you'll most probably have additional bills on top of your rent such as council tax, gas, electric, telecommunications, etc, etc.

We will usually quote our rental prices as rent per calendar month (pcm) but if you are used to seeing the prices per week (pw) just multiply the pcm by 12 months and divide that by 52 weeks. And of course, as always, if you have any questions just ask us, we will be happy to help.

No. 2

Once you have all the details sorted you can start the search; but remember, most landlords will be looking to have their tenants move in somewhere within 2 to 4 weeks of viewing the property, so it's important to start looking around a month ahead of the actual date you plan to move.

Search

Use our search menus to find properties that match your criteria. You can customise and save your searches, and even view all our properties on an interactive map.

Alternatively, if you are strapped for time just register by filling in your search criteria in the ‘Register' section. Or, if you prefer, leave the search to us; just send us your name and contact number through our ‘Call me back' feature and we will call you at your convenience to get the rest of the details and help you on your way.

However you choose to get in touch, just do. Send us a message, give us a call or drop by our office; we'll get you registered and start looking for your place right away.

No. 3

After a good search the real fun begins. Come and see the properties you are interested in.

Viewings

When you have found something that you think you might like let us arrange a viewing so you can get a closer look. We'll meet up with you at our office, or some more convenient location, and take you to see the property. If you've got some extra time and we think we have something else you might like we'll try to show you that as well. We know it's always good to have choices.

No. 4

When you've found what you were looking for and you know you simply must have it, agree to rent. Tell us you want to go ahead and rent the property and we will let the landlord know right away.

Deposit, advance rent & references

In order to secure the property so no one else gets it before you, and chances are if you like it others will too, you must pay the deposit and one month's rent as soon as possible. At this point we will gather all your information and run a full reference check; this includes an employer reference, credit history check, landlord's reference, etc. Referencing usually takes no more than three working days and as soon as everything is checked out you are good to go.

Referencing costs are included in our standard £50 administration fee. In the instance that you fail the reference check the administration fee is non refundable. You will, however, be refunded your deposit and advance rent.

No. 5

Once your reference check comes back all clear it is time to sign the tenancy agreement.

We will produce a tenancy agreement and arrange for you and your landlord to sign it. Make sure you read the agreement thoroughly because it is legally binding. We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have at this point.

The tenancy agreement will also provide you with all you need to know.

This will include:

• Tenancy duration

• How much rent to pay and when

• Your responsibilities as a tenant

• Your rights as a tenant

• Your landlord's responsibilities

No. 6

Now you are all set and all you have left to do is actually move in!

As the move in date rolls in, we will arrange for you to pick up the keys. Usually you will receive the keys from the inventory clerk who will come to inspect the property and compile an inventory.

The inventory is a full report that includes a detailed description of every room and every item in the property as well as extensive notes on their condition. This will make life much easier in the future in the case that there are any disputes with the landlord over possible deductions from the deposit for losses or damage.

And that is really all there is to it.

Welcome to your new home!