Renting a home - FAQs on Renting
Are the available transport links appropriate for your needs?
Will the property be cheap to heat and light?
How do I know if I can really afford it?
I’ve found a property, what happens next?
Are the available transport links appropriate for your needs?
How close is the property to the local shops, supermarkets or schools? Using the nearest features tool to search for your distance to schools or work can make finding a place so much easier, check out our maps and nearest features on each property you click on.
How much is the council tax?
It varies from area to area and number of rooms, also single occupancy. We list the amount in the property details but it can vary. The best thing to do is contact the Council Borough the property is in and they can give exact rates and banding.
Is car parking easy?
It’ll depend on the actual property. If it has off street parking it is always a bonus, but check the street for proper guidelines to see whether or not permits are needed. Again this is something the council can help with.
Will the property be cheap to heat and light?
The energy performance rating is a good guideline to use for this, also check whether the property has double glazing, Gas Central Heating and Loft insulation.
How do I know if I can really afford it?
Try to detail all your income and outgoings before you start looking at properties. If it looks like they are very close or your outgoings are more, than thinking twice can reduce a lot of the stress. There is always a property in your price range and sometimes having a little extra in your pocket for a rainy day can be justified by taking on that slightly smaller property.
I’ve found a property, what happens next?
Once you've identified a suitable property and supplied us with details of referees, references will be applied for and your information will be forwarded to the landlord for acceptance. Once the landlord confirms that they would like to proceed we will draw up the relevant paperwork, forming a tenancy agreement to be signed by both parties.
An inventory of the contents and condition of the property is usually produced prior to you moving in. An advance rental payment is required prior to the commencement of the tenancy. You’ll also need to pay a deposit, usually 1 months rent. The deposit by law must be registered with an approved government scheme within 14 days of receipt. This will be reimbursed to you at the end of the tenancy, subject to the details of your agreement and the findings of the inventory check-out report.