Before you start searching for your new home it’s a good idea to write down a budget, what type of property you are looking for, whether the property offers a garden or parking for example if you have pets or a vehicle. Take into account that as when you first move in you will need to a deposit as well as the first month’s rent.
If you haven’t already, make sure you go and view the property. If it’s a house-share, meet all the people you’ll be moving in with. The letting agent will ask you to fill in an application on the property to ensure they have all of the correct details. If the landlord has accepted your application the agent will then begin the referencing process to ensure you’re in a position to rent the property.
The landlord needs to be sure that that their tenant won’t have any problems paying the rent on a monthly basis and that the tenant will take good care of their property. Tenants applying to rent need to give details of their employer and income, their previous address, and some bank account details. These will be checked to ensure they are able to commit to monthly rental payments. As part of the referencing process we need to be sure a tenant is who they say they are. We will require a proof of residency (such as a utility or council tax bill from the last 3 months) and proof of ID (such as a passport or driving licence). The credit check can come back either satisfactory, unsatisfactory or recommended with guarantor.
In some circumstances, a tenant may not be approved immediately via referencing. Obvious examples are students without a regular income, or someone leaving their family home for the first time with no renting history. This is not uncommon, and there are still options for tenants in this position. They could pay the rent for the full term up front, or seek out a guarantor.
If a tenant is not fully approved by the referencing process, they can ask a guarantor to support them. A guarantor (usually a parent or guardian) will agree to take joint responsibility for the rent for the property if the tenant fails to. Guarantors are required to pay any rent arrears (if the tenant does not pay) and for any damages costing more than the deposit.
A guarantor needs to go through the same referencing process as a tenant. The normal requirement is that they are employed and a UK resident, with sufficient earnings to cover the tenant’s rental commitment.
In the case of a house-share, the tenancy agreement makes all tenants jointly responsible for all rents and responsibilities. There is no individual ‘share’ of the rent written into the agreement. The guarantor therefore has the same responsibility.
The landlord trusts the tenant to keep the property in a good condition and in good order. The deposit is held to ensure that any damages (over and above fair wear and tear) can be corrected at the end of the tenancy.
Landlords and letting agents are required to register your deposit with an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. Legal Lets landlords register their deposits with a scheme such as The Deposit Protection Service. The deposit is then either held by the landlord, the agent or the deposit scheme itself. You should receive details of the scheme, explaining where the deposit is held.
The tenancy deposit protection scheme will protect the money for you and can offer assistance should there be a dispute about the deposit at the end of the tenancy.
A tenancy agreement is a contract signed by both the tenant and the landlord. It outlines all the rules to which both parties must comply. You should receive a draft copy whilst the referencing is ongoing to have a read through to know and understand what you are signing.
Your landlord or letting agent will regularly schedule visits to the property. They want to make sure that the property is being looked after and maintained in a good condition, and they’ll be looking for any maintenance issues
The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in a good state of repair. They will either take care of this directly, or do so via a letting agent – make sure you know who to go to when there’s a fault at the beginning of the tenancy. If you do damage to the property you are expected to cover the cost of putting this right.
In most cases, a tenant can only decorate or make changes to the property with the express permission of the landlord. We recommend receiving this permission in writing.
Tell whoever is responsible for the property maintenance (either the landlord or letting agent) as soon as possible. You will be expected to cover the cost of putting it right. Don’t try to ignore or hide damage because it could get worse, and it will only come out of your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
If a tenant believes the landlord is not keeping to their side of the agreement – for instance, not maintaining the property in a fit state of repair – then the first thing the tenant should do is speak to their letting agent. The letting agent has a duty of care to the tenant, and may be able to help to resolve issues depending on the service type the landlord has with the agent. Alternatively, a tenant can find independent advice from The Citizens Advice Bureau.
A landlord has to give the tenant at least 24 Hours notice before entering the property, unless it’s an emergency. The landlord cannot enter the property without the permission of the tenant.
If you are tied into a fixed term contract, you will be liable for the rent until the fixed term is finished. If you are no longer in a fixed term contract (ie. a rolling contract) your tenancy agreement will define the notice you need to give.
What happens if you become unemployed or are unable to work due to sickness? The most important thing is not to let arrears pile up until they’re unmanageable. Speak to your landlord or letting agent and see if you can reschedule your payments. And don’t forget, you can get insured against sickness and unemployment to keep yourself protected.
Yes. It’s important to keep paying your rent on time and in full as it could negatively affect your credit score and your chances of gaining credit, or a mortgage, in the future.
Contents Insurance covers household items and personal belongings if they're damaged, lost or stolen.
This can include your furniture, clothes, kitchen appliances, technology, jewellery, curtains, bedding.
Contents Insurance is not a legal requirement as a tenant but it is recommended
An emergency is something which could not be foreseen which could cause serious damage to your property.
In a gas emergency call Cadent on 0800 389 8000
If you are experiencing a major leak in your property, isolate your water at the internal stop tap and inform us.
Electrical emergency where you are experiencing complete loss of power first check to make sure there isn't a power cut in the area. You can check if your area is experiencing a power cut by calling 105 from your mobile or landline to get through to your local operator's emergency number.
In all other emergencies tel: 07809506713.
Legal Lets