Check your finances
Moving in can be costly, so it’s important to budget carefully. Consider your monthly expenses, including utilities, council tax, broadband, TV licences, and other commitments. Remember to set aside a deposit, usually equivalent to five weeks’ rent.

Define your needs
Make a list of what you need in a home to avoid overlooking important details. Ask questions such as:

• Is parking included?

• Are pets allowed?

• How are the local transport links?

• What amenities are nearby?

• Is the property furnished or unfurnished?

• Is there outdoor space.

Research the area
If you commute daily, research travel times and available transport options. Familiarise yourself with nearby amenities such as supermarkets, schools, doctors, and leisure facilities. Our local lettings experts can provide insights and advice on the area.

Once you have established your budget, property requirements, and preferred areas, you should arrange viewings through a Propertymark Protected letting agent. Properties are typically listed on agent websites or online property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market. Setting up property alerts can notify you of new listings that meet your criteria.

During viewings, pay attention to the condition, layout, space, and safety of the property. Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring properties are safe, which includes conducting gas safety checks, installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and ensuring electrical installations are secure. text goes here

After selecting a property, submit your offer through the agent. Landlords consider all offers, and paying the asking price does not guarantee acceptance. To strengthen your application, consider:

• Offering a competitive rent

• Aligning the start date with the landlord’s availability

• Paying a larger upfront sum or committing to a long-term tenancy

Once an offer is accepted, the tenancy depends on successful referencing, usually conducted by companies such as Goodlord, HomeLet, or OpenRent. You’ll need to provide personal details, employment information, previous landlord references, and a credit check.

Your gross monthly salary should generally be at least 2.5 times the rent. If there are multiple tenants, this applies to the group collectively. Conditional references may require a guarantor, who will also need to meet referencing requirements. Guarantors may be responsible for rent or other tenancy obligations if required.

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and agents cannot charge most admin fees. Permitted payments include:

• Holding deposits (up to one week’s rent)

• Security deposits (up to five weeks’ rent for annual rents under £50,000, six weeks for higher)

• Rent payments, utilities, and council tax (if included in tenancy)

• Reasonable costs for lost keys or contract changes

• Interest on late rent payments (up to 3% above Bank of England base rate)

All fees must be clearly displayed.

The tenancy agreement is the legally binding contract between you and the landlord. It sets out the key terms, including:

• Property details

• Rent amount and payment schedule

• Responsibilities of both tenant and landlord

If there are multiple tenants, all are jointly and individually liable for rent and care of the property. Special terms, such as furniture, pets, or redecorating, can sometimes be negotiated. Typically, tenants must give two months’ notice to end the tenancy.

Before signing, you will need to provide photographic ID and a Home Office share code if required to confirm your legal right to rent in England. All tenants over 18 must sign the agreement. Once signed, the tenancy is legally binding, and the tenant is committed.

Inventory checks
A professional inventory is usually carried out to record the property’s condition and included fixtures. If you cannot attend, inspect the property thoroughly as soon as possible. Report any discrepancies, ideally in writing, and take photographs for your records.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
All alarms must be working on the first day of your tenancy, as required by law.

Meter readings
Take readings of gas, electricity, and water meters before moving in. Notify the utility companies of your move-in date to ensure accurate billing.

Responsibilities and inspections
Tenants are expected to occupy the property in a manner similar to a normal householder, including:

• Regular cleaning and upkeep

• Replacing lightbulbs

• Keeping outdoor areas tidy and in seasonal order

• Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and changing batteries where necessary

• Proper ventilation and heating to prevent damp and mould

• Ensuring sinks, drains, and gutters remain clear

• Paying rent on time, as specified in the tenancy agreement, without any deductions

• Insuring your possessions

• Not causing a disturbance to neighbours

During the tenancy, subject to reasonable notice (at last 24hrs), you should allow access to the landlord, tradespeople and our team for the purposes of inspection and maintenance. Tenants are entitled to “quiet enjoyment,” meaning landlords should not visit without proper notice.

Repairs and maintenance
If maintenance issues arise, it is your responsibility to report them to us promptly to prevent any unnecessary damage. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Emergency contacts are provided for urgent issues. The landlord has a reasonable amount of time to make certain repairs such as waiting for quotes before instructing works to be carried out.

A tenancy agreement only comes to an end once you have vacated the property.

Giving notice
Send written notice to the landlord or managing agent if you wish to end the tenancy. If you are not the sole tenant, it may be possible to transfer your tenancy to a new tenant.

Preparing to move out
Start packing early, clean the property thoroughly, and arrange for check-out inspections to be scheduled. Your tenancy agreement usually permits us to carry out property viewings once notice has been served, provided appropriate notice is given. You will need to allow access for these viewings. When you vacate the property, its cleanliness will be inspected. If it falls short of the expected standard, the cost of a professional cleaning service may be deducted from your deposit.

Move-out day
Return keys, ensure the property is clean, and that all inventory items are in their proper place. The property should be handed back in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for normal wear and tear. At least one tenant should be present at the check-out inspection to answer any questions the inventory officer may have about the property’s condition or to help locate any items. Retain receipts for cleaning or replacement items as you may need to provide these when agreeing the return of your deposit. Settle final utility bills and ensure mail is redirected. Any belongings left behind after you return the keys may be removed or disposed of by the landlord.

Deposit return
Final rent should be paid in full before deductions and any standing order should be cancelled. Deposits are returned unless there are agreed deductions for damages or unpaid rent. If disputes arise, deposit protection schemes offer a free Alternative Dispute Resolution process.