A renter’s guide

This guide provides you with brief information you need to secure the right property.

Securing a property to rent

The prospective Agent/Landlord will be interested in ensuring that you have the ability to pay rent, and also checking that you are good tenant/s who will take due care of his property. The documents that may be required in this process may be as follows:-

• A credit check
• Employment references
• Bank details
• Reference from previous landlords

Note: if dealing through Estate Agents they may use external referencing Agency, such as Letsure, Maras etc to do the above check. Before this process takes place you will be required to put down a holding deposit, the amount can vary.

If after the above process should information reveal potential risk to the Landlord, a guarantor will be required, who should be able to pass the same test as above.

The deposit

The deposit is required in all cases when renting, which will be 5 weeks rent, and held in accordance with current legislation introduced in April 2007. It is held against unpaid rents, Bills or Damages to the property. Information, regarding how and where the deposit is held will be provided to the tenant within 30 days by the Landlord/Agent.

The inventory

This is a normal part of renting and is  important document in deciding what deductions may be made from the deposit at the end of your tenancy. The inventory provides all the information about the property and it’s condition at the start of your Tenancy. If applicable

Tenancy agreements

This is a legal document, between the Landlord and the tenant. It states certain rights to both parties, such as term of agreement, monthly rent etc. All agreement signed currently are Assured Shorthold Tenancies. The tenancy is usually fixed for six months, and can continue until such time terminated by either parties in writing. The information continued in this agreement will be such as, names of parties, addresses dates, payment details, responsibilities, utilites changes etc.

Preparing to move

Once all reference checks are complete and accepted, all outstanding funds paid and cleared, you will be required to sign the Agreement before keys/property is handed over.

Moving out

At the end of the tenancy if you decide to move you will be required to give at least 2 months notice in writing, although this could vary from Agent to Agent.

When moving out, it’s worth giving attention to the following:-

• Clean the property thoroughly, including carpets, windows, walls, furniture etc.
• Tidy up garden if applicable
• Remove all your belongings, rubbish from the property.
• Return all keys

Final inventory check

You will need to go through the inventory check list on the day you are vacating the property. Ensure everything is as per your check in inventory with the exception of normal wear and tear. Any damages must be agreed with the Landlord/ Agent on the day.

Have a look at our renting a property FAQ section for the most common questions and answers to them.