Making a list of requirements for your rented property, and a separate list of what you would ideally like when you rent your new home. Basics would include:
1. The minimum number and size of bedrooms for your household size.
2. Location Location Location!!! Lots of prospective tenants overlook location is an important factor when renting a property! Often something small like décor will put tenants off a property when actually the location is prefect for them. Remember as long you get written permission prior to moving in the tenant can normally decorate to you own taste ( as long as any decoration completed by the tenant is tasteful, modern and completed to a satisfactory standard). Being close to work, access to bus routes/transport links, close to suitable schools, close to family (or maybe in some cases not too close!), within reach of countryside or alternatively urban facilities can all make the difference to loving your new home.
3. Rental budget – Be realistic. Some tenants overestimate wheat they can afford. Remember you are normally committed to a 12 month agreement and will be liable to complete that agreement. On the flip side there are also a lot of tenants who underestimate what they can afford each month. That little extra each month can put you into a nicer area or a bigger house with newer heating/facilities. Its important to sit down and work out your budget, normally most properties include rates but check with the agent/landlord before signing the tenancy agreement.
4. Timing is key! Working out your earliest and latest dates by which you can move – property is let on a fast “turnaround”. We on average receive one month’s notice when tenants are moving out and the landlord will want us to try and find new tenants as quickly as possible. As a result, most rented properties are only available for a few weeks before they are let.
5. Furniture – most of our properties are un-furnished or very sparsely furnished. You should check with us before viewing to check the status of the property in terms of furniture. We always try our best to facilitate our tenants as much as possible. You should always agree any requirements in writing with us before proceeding with a property.
You can download our application forms directly from here, fill them out and bring them back to the office. We can also forward you, upon request and an electronic Form which can be filled out and returned on-line directly without the need to come into the office.
This application form can be filled out by any prospective tenant, whatever their income type or previous residential status.
This application form can be used for unemployed applicants or those who’re on benefits. This also includes a section that their guarantor will need to fill out.
This application form is designed just for guarantors.
This form is designed especially for students and already includes a section for their guarantor to fill out.
Useful one page help sheet for prospective tenants before they fill in their application form.
Referencing_Notification_Letter
The letter contains some simple things that tenants can do to speed up the referencing process. It’s best to pass this to them before they’ve filled out their application form.
Your prospective new landlord will be keen to make sure that you are a suitable tenant and that you have the ability to pay your rent, while also making sure that you have rented a property without any major problems in the past (if this is applicable). If instructed, we will organise this, and at this point, they are likely to ask for the administration fee, along with your permission to conduct the relevant searches. Be aware that should you fail any of the necessary checks, you may not get your administrative fee back.
Some, or all, of the following documents may be requested by us: