Begin by contacting our office in order to register your details on our rental database. This can be done in person, through our website, or by expressing interest in a property listed on platforms we use such as Rightmove or On The Market. Be clear about your requirements — especially your budget, desired number of bedrooms, and any other key criteria. It’s also important to remain easily contactable, as our most sought-after properties can be snapped up quickly. If you’ve been served notice by your current landlord, or you’ve given notice yourself, make sure to inform us of your latest possible move-out date — this helps us match you with suitable properties in good time.
Begin by contacting our office in order to register your details on our rental database. This can be done in person, through our website, or by expressing interest in a property listed on platforms we use such as Rightmove or On The Market. Be clear about your requirements — especially your budget, desired number of bedrooms, and any other key criteria. It’s also important to remain easily contactable, as our most sought-after properties can be snapped up quickly. If you’ve been served notice by your current landlord, or you’ve given notice yourself, make sure to inform us of your latest possible move-out date — this helps us match you with suitable properties in good time.
Once you’ve found a property you’re happy with, the next step is to place a holding deposit. This temporarily secures the property and ensures that we pause further viewings while your application is processed. If your offer is accepted, the holding deposit will be deducted from your first month’s rent. However, if you decide to withdraw for any reason, the holding deposit is non-refundable. On the other hand, if the landlord or landlady is unable or unwilling to proceed with the tenancy, your deposit will be refunded to you in full without delay.
After paying your holding deposit, you’ll be required to complete reference checks to confirm your identity, employment status, income level, and to ensure there is no adverse credit history, such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) or bankruptcies. If you do have any unresolved credit issues, it's important to disclose them early, as they could affect your application.
As part of the legal Right to Rent checks, we’ll also verify that you are legally permitted to reside in the UK and are not subject to any immigration restrictions.
You will be asked to provide the following documentation:
These checks help ensure a smooth and compliant tenancy process for all parties involved.
If you're applying for a property that exceeds your current financial capacity, you’ll be asked to provide a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to take on financial responsibility if you're unable to meet your rental obligations.
Ideally, a guarantor should:
They must also fully understand their responsibilities, as they will be required to sign a legally binding agreement. This contract confirms that they agree to cover any unpaid rent or associated costs if you're unable to do so.
The tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as the owner’s obligations and expectations. It sets out the core terms of the tenancy, including any rules relating to the property. You will receive a draft copy of the agreement well in advance of your tenancy start date. This gives you time to review it carefully and understand exactly what you’re agreeing to. If there is anything you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask us for clarification, seek independent legal advice, or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for free support and guidance.
Before moving in, you’ll be required to pay your first month’s rent along with a security deposit. This deposit serves as protection for the owner, covering any unpaid rent or damage to the property caused during your tenancy. By law, the maximum security deposit that can be requested is equivalent to five weeks’ rent. This amount must be registered with a Government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days of the tenancy start date. At Rent-A-Home, we use the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) to safeguard all deposits. You will also receive the legally required Prescribed Information pack, which outlines the details of the scheme and how your deposit is protected.
The Inventory and/or Schedule of Condition is a formal record detailing the cosmetic condition and contents of the property at the start of the tenancy. We conduct this inspection digitally and send over the report to tenants via email. This report is supported by clear, high-quality photographs to provide visual evidence of the property's state. You’ll receive a copy of the inventory at the beginning of the tenancy, and all parties will be asked to review and sign it to confirm its accuracy. It’s important to check it thoroughly and raise any questions or concerns before signing. At the end of the tenancy, the same report will be used to assess any changes or damage beyond fair wear and tear. The findings will help determine how the security deposit is returned or apportioned.
There are strict timescales involved in ending a tenancy. This starts from the date notice is served which is typically one month, depending on the terms of your tenancy agreement. Once notice has been given, the process begins. A move-out date will be agreed, and we will begin preparing the property for re-marketing. During this period, viewings will be arranged for prospective new tenants, so it’s important to keep the property presentable. You will always be given at least 24 hours’ notice before any viewing takes place. On your final day, a member of our team will meet you at the property to carry out a check-out inventory inspection. At this point, you will hand over the keys and officially surrender the property. After this, you will no longer have access. We will then be in touch within 10 days of your check-out to discuss the return of your deposit, subject to the findings of the inventory.
