Process

Renting a Property – The Process

We don’t see why renting should be complicated. When you find a place through us we’ll make things as easy as we can, starting with a quick guide to the process

Step 1: Decide on the basics

The more you know about what you want, the easier your search will be. Before you even start looking, make a list of what’s important to you. Consider whether you want a house or flat and which areas appeal to you. Of course, you’ll sometimes have to trade off one good thing against another. It’s a good idea to divide your wish list into “essential” and “nice to have”, to make these decisions easier.

Area

Probably the most important question. Do you want to live near your work? Is there a good school in the area & how long is the school run? In a village, somewhere rural or somewhere in a town centre? Take some time at a weekend to drive around and get a feel for the areas you’re considering. We have houses and flats across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire so it can be helpful to make a list of postcodes or even streets that you’d consider to narrow down your search.

Transport links

For some people, this is even more important than the area itself. How long will you commute for? Which station can you park at? Do you want to walk to work, or will anywhere that’s near a train station do?

Size and type

A few things to consider:

  • House or flat in?
  • How many bedrooms? Do you need a spare room?
  • What outside space do you want?
  • Garage?
Budget

Ah! The big question. Set yourself a price range, often if you can move quickly the landlord is more likely to negotiate on price. Be prepared to make adjustments if there are other benefits: a more expensive house or flat might be in an area with lower council tax, for instance.

Step 2: Start looking

Once you know what you’re after, it’s time to start looking. Bear in mind that most landlords are looking for tenants who can move in within 4-8 weeks. If you won’t be ready to move by then, it might be worth waiting. Call or register your details with us and we can keep you updated. Bear in mind that if we don’t have your details you won’t be the first to hear about new properties. Our database is updated daily, so you’ll always see the latest properties.

Step 3: Look around the places you like

Once you’ve found a property that you like the look of, we can make a viewing appointment so you can get a real feel for the place. Although it’s best to look around a home in daylight, we’re happy to do late viewings during the week so you can take a look after work. We’re open on Saturdays too and can view on Sundays by special arrangement.

Step 4: Agree to rent

When we have found you a property and your offer has been accepted we will proceed as follows:

  • We will require an Administration Fee of £420 incl.VAT to cover referencing charges and contract preparation. and £100 incl.VAT for lease renewal. Please note this fee is non-refundable should the tenant subsequently withdraw from the tenancy or references are deemed unsatisfactory.
  • Once the referencing is successfully completed we will prepare the Tenancy Agreement for you to read through and sign. Once tenancy agreements are signed and executed the tenancy becomes legally binding.
  • A check in of the inventory will be arranged for the first day of your tenancy and an appointment made for you to meet with the inventory clerk and collect keys. Should you be unable to be present at the check in we can make arrangements for you to collect the keys from our office. The inventory will be forwarded to you and you will be given fair time to check through the document and make any amendments you feel necessary. The Tenant is liable for the cost of the inventory check out and the Landlord is liable for the inventory compilation and check in charge.
  • You will be required to pay one month’s rent in advance of the tenancy start and also the deposit which is usually one and a half months’ rent. If you have pets the deposit is usually two months’ rent. These funds must be received and cleared into our account before the tenancy can start.
  • The rent should then be paid by standing order each month and received in cleared funds on the rent due date.
  • Tenants should consider having contents insurance for the term of the tenancy.
  • You will be required to pay the inventory check out charge (paid at the end of the Tenancy). The cost is dependent on the size of the property.
  • You will be required to pay an extension and renewal document charge (paid at renewal) of £95 + VAT if you renew the lease.

Step 5. Move in and enjoy your new home!