Steps to Renting
STEP 1
Setting a realistic budget
When renting a property, there are additional costs to your weekly or monthly rent, that you need to make sure you factor into your finances, such as council tax, utility bills, parking associated costs and in some cases insurance and if you’re not taking advantage of the Deposit Replacement Scheme then of course you will need to budget for this too (see below for more info).
STEP 2
find the right property for you
Building rapport with a local professional agent is key, if you are going to stand a chance of being informed about new instructions coming to the market. The lettings market is extremely buoyant at present with short supply levels across the borough. Therefore, do your research beforehand and find out which local agents are more likely to instruct the kind of home you are looking for; you will want to ensure you are registered with these agents and touch base with them at least once a week to see if any potential properties are due to come to the market.
STEP 3
Arranging and attending viewings
So you’ve finally come across a few properties that show great potential as your new home, but how do you beat the competition out there? Flagstones always recommend that you request to book a viewing ASAP and, where possible, arrange early morning or lunch time viewings during work hours. Chances are if you are excited by a particular property then there’s going to be several other interested parties most often applicants that book in late evening viewings are too late to the table speak to your employer and explain you are on the lookout for a new home and therefore will need some flexibility to arrange viewings failing that contact the agent and request an early morning viewing where possible.
STEP 4
tenancy application
Once you’ve made an offer and its been accepted, the application process can begin. Credit checks will be conducted along with references requested, this will reassure the landlord and lettings agent that you are a suitable tenant for the property.
STEP 5
Moving in
Move in date is here! In most cases, an inventory clerk will attend the property beforehand to report on the overall condition (landlord/agent will refer back to this report upon you leaving the property) All parties will need to sign the tenancy agreement, up front rent will be requested as well as your deposit of which once received will be placed within the Deposit Protection Scheme.
