Our guide for tenants
Renting has become an increasingly common alternative to property purchase and offers some attractive advantages. The most important benefit is flexibility, particularly the ability to relocate quickly and easily for employment. It can also be cheaper as it is the landlord who assumes all responsibility for maintaining the property.
At the outset you will need to have your finances in order, to afford the first monthsā rent in advance and the 5 weeks deposit, together with references.
The following guide sets out the steps to a successful tenancy.
Does it include any bills or service charge? How long is the potential rental contract? Is the rent subject to review?
Are there good transport links, easy access to schools and amenities?
Do you require furnished or unfurnished accommodation?
Do you need to accommodate pets or children? Do you smoke? There may be specific approval needed which you will need to consider.
Does the property comply with Fire and Furniture Safety Regulations? Are there smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted? Is there a clear means of escape in the event of a fire? Are the electrics safe?
Is the property adequately safe and secure?
Do you need a garden? Remember you will need to keep it tidy.
There are numerous ways to find property to rent including searching the classified advertisements in newspapers, creating your own āwantedā ads for notice boards and local shops, researching the internet and āTo Letā boards. Visiting estate and letting agents is probably the most fruitful. They will be able to arrange and accompany you on viewings, answer any queries you may have and guide you through the process.
From 1 May 2026, most private rented tenancies in England areĀ Assured Periodic Tenancies. Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and fixed-term tenancy agreements have been replaced by rolling tenancies, which continue until either the tenant ends the tenancy or the landlord obtains possession through the correct legal process.
The tenancy agreement sets out the terms of the tenancy, including the rent, the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant, and any specific rules relating to the property.
A tenant can normally end their tenancy by givingĀ two monthsā written notice. A landlord can no longer end a tenancy simply by giving a Section 21 āno faultā notice. Where a landlord needs to regain possession, they must have a valid legal ground and follow the appropriate notice and process.
This will be required to secure a property and is normally held for 15 days unless both you and the agent agree to an extension. Within this fifteen days it would be expected that references would be back and you will have signed the tenancy agreement. The holding deposit equates to one weeks rent.
The tenancy deposit is typically 5 weeks rent and cannot be any more than this. This should be held in a government approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The deposit will be returned in full at the end of the tenancy agreement, providing there have been no damage or breakages.
Your monthly rent is normally due in advance.
You will also be responsible for insuring your personal possessions, utility bills, telephone and broadband, council tax, T.V. licence and any other services you choose to subscribe to.
We never wait for the phone to ring. We have a dedicated, highly motivated & professional team dealing lettings and property management. A sign of our success is the fact that a large proportion of our business is from referrals, satisfied clients who have recommended us to friends and family.
