The property renting process: explained
The process of renting a home can sometimes be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Let us take you through the process step by step, so if you’re looking to rent a house or flat, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
1. Find your ideal rental property
Begin the process by looking online at properties available to rent in your area – such as houses to rent in Salisbury and Wiltshire – and making a shortlist of those you like the look of that fulfil your key criteria. Take note of their availability and any information regarding the tenancy. Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in, don’t hang about – the rental market is competitive, so get in contact with the letting agent straight away to arrange a viewing. Try to be as flexible as possible with when you can view, and don’t hesitate in asking the agents any questions you might have.
2. Fill in an application form
Once you’ve found a home you like, the next step is usually to complete an online application form and pay a holding deposit. This should be deducted from the final fee that’s due before completion. This is also the stage at which you’ll be able to provisionally agree important details like when the rental period will start, the duration of the letting, the rent owed each month and what this will include, for example any utilities.
3. Provide references
A letting agent like Carter & May will usually seek references on behalf of the landlord to ensure a smooth tenancy. These tend to include your employer and any previous landlords you may have had, so it’ll speed things up if you have contact details of these to hand. A character reference may also be required. Credit checks will be conducted at this stage of the process too, so make sure you’re aware of any adverse credit that may appear on your credit score.
4. Sign the contract and pay the deposit
Once you have read and signed the tenancy agreement, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This is a chunk of money used to cover breakages or damage to the property or anything else you as a tenant may be liable for. The deposit is usually the same amount as one month or five weeks’ rent, and you might need to pay it to the letting agents if they are managing the property, or direct to the landlord if not. Your money should be registered with an approved government deposit protection scheme and you should receive details of this.
5. Prepare to move in
Once all the paperwork is complete, you’ll be able to collect the keys to your new rental property and move in on the agreed date. You should receive an inventory, which is a list of all the items inside the property and their condition, as well as the condition of the home itself. Before signing it, have a good look round the property and make sure that everything is as documented. Once you have officially moved, expect periodic inspections to be arranged by the managing agents, to check for any maintenance issues.
Ready to start looking for your new home? Check out houses and flats to rent in Salisbury and Wiltshire and contact Carter & May to find out more about the process.