Renting a property can feel complicated, particularly if you are moving home for the first time or relocating to a new area. From finding the right property and making an offer to completing referencing and collecting the keys, there are several stages to the letting process.
Understanding what to expect can make the experience much easier.
1. Start your property search
The first step is to consider what you are looking for in your next home.
Think about your budget, preferred location, property type, number of bedrooms, whether you need furnished or unfurnished accommodation and your preferred move-in date. It is also important to consider the costs involved in renting. In addition to the monthly rent, you may need to budget for your tenancy deposit, utilities, council tax and moving costs.
Starting your search early can give you more time to understand the market and find a property that suits your requirements.
2. View suitable properties
Once you have found properties that match your requirements, the next step is to arrange viewings.
A viewing is your opportunity to decide whether the property is right for you. Look beyond the furniture and decoration and consider the practical aspects of living there. You may want to consider:
- The condition of the property
- Natural light and storage
- Noise levels
- Heating and ventilation
- The condition of communal areas
- Transport links and the surrounding area
If you are interested in a property, your letting agent should be able to answer questions about the tenancy, the property and the next steps.
3. Make an offer
If you decide that a property is right for you, you can make an offer.
This will usually include the rent you are prepared to pay and your preferred move-in date. If the landlord accepts your offer, a holding deposit may be requested to reserve the property while the necessary checks are completed. An accepted offer does not mean that the tenancy is complete. The application will still need to progress through referencing, the tenancy agreement and the required payments.
4. Complete referencing and Right to Rent checks
The next stage is usually referencing.
You may be asked to provide information about your identity, income, employment and previous rental history. In England, tenants must also complete the relevant Right to Rent checks before the tenancy begins. Providing accurate information and responding promptly to requests for documents can help avoid unnecessary delays.
5. Review and sign the tenancy agreement
Once the necessary checks have been completed, you will receive the tenancy agreement.
Read it carefully before signing. It should explain important details such as the rent, tenancy length and the responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your letting agent for clarification before signing.
You should also receive relevant documents and information relating to the property and your tenancy.
6. Make the required payments
Before moving in, you will normally need to make the required initial payments. These may include the first month's rent and a tenancy deposit, subject to the applicable legal requirements and the terms of the tenancy.
Where required, your deposit should be protected in an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme, and you should receive information about its protection.
7. Complete the inventory and collect the keys
An inventory will usually record the condition and contents of the property at the start of the tenancy.
Review it carefully when you move in and report any issues within the specified timeframe. This provides an important record of the property's condition at the beginning of the tenancy. Once all the necessary stages are complete, you can collect the keys and move into your new home.
On moving day, remember to:
- Take meter readings
- Check the property is secure
- Report any issues promptly
- Locate important services such as the stopcock and fuse box
- Keep your tenancy documents safe
A smooth start to your tenancy
The letting process involves several stages, but being prepared can make everything much easier.
Starting your search early, providing information promptly, carefully reviewing your tenancy agreement and checking the property at the beginning of your tenancy can all help create a smooth transition into your new home.
At Interlet, we understand that renting a property is about more than simply finding somewhere to live. Our team is here to help guide tenants through the letting process, from the initial search through to moving day.
Looking for your next London rental property? Contact Interlet to begin your search.
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