This rental guide will hopefully provide you with the advice and information you need to secure the right property, deal with tenancy agreements and inventories and understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. Whether you’re looking for small studio apartments or large detached houses, we are available to take you through the full rental process.

1. Securing a property to rent
2. Providing reference details
3. The security deposit
4. The inventory
5. Tenancy agreements
6. Preparing to move in
7. Preparing to move out
8. Final inventory check
9. Return of your security deposit


Securing a property to rent

Once you have found a suitable house or flat to rent, you will need to begin by putting down a holding deposit in order to state your intention to rent the property. Once we have received this payment we will then be able to take the property off the market. We will also be able to  begin the administrative process of requesting references, etc.


Providing reference details

Your prospective new landlord will be keen to make sure that you are a suitable tenant. If you are currently renting, a reference from your present landlord is essential in order to confirm that there have been no major problems.

Before we can draw up the Tenancy agreement we will need to take up references, which will include a credit check. We have to satisfy the landlord that you are able to pay the rent and that you will prove to be reliable and trustworthy.

Once you start the referencing process all information needs to be completed within 48 hours. In the event that the information highlights any potential risk to the landlord, you may be asked to provide a guarantor. A guarantor will be contractually liable, both financially and legally, should you fail to pay the rent during your tenancy or if you have caused damage to the property.


The security deposit

The amount is usually £200 on top of the usual monthly rent but in some cases can be more and is held for the duration of the tenancy. The security deposit is a safety net for the landlord to guard against the cost of replacing or repairing property damaged by the tenant as well as any cleaning costs etc.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme requires landlords to either join a scheme if they are proposing to handle deposits or to lodge the deposit with The Deposit Protection Service. This means that all deposits will be safeguarded by law. At Homecare Estates we provide this service to landlords and can advise both parties what to look for. The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes, which aim to be faster and cheaper than taking court action.


The inventory

This is an important document when renting and can often be key in deciding how much of your deposit you get back at the end of your tenancy. You should therefore be extremely thorough and give it your full attention.

An inventory is normally provided by the landlord at the start of the tenancy. He may choose to either use a professional inventory company or do it himself. It is imperative that you check the inventory  to ensure you agree with it’s contents as it will be used again to check the contents and condition of the property at the end of the tenancy. 

If the landlord does not arrange an inventory, we strongly advise that you prepare your own and submit it to your landlord within two weeks of moving in.


Tenancy agreements

The tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord. It gives certain rights to both you and your landlord, for example, your right to occupy the accommodation and your landlord’s right to receive rent in return.

The Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) is the most common form of tenancy agreement and sets out the obligations of both tenant and landlord. The most important aspect of this agreement is that the landlord has the right to repossess the property at the end of the agreed term. Despite its name, the agreement does not have to be short and can continue as long as both parties are happy to do so.


Preparing to move in

So, all the paper work has been completed and it is time to move in. Homecare estates will arrange an appointment for you to sign the tenancy agreement and pay the first month’s rent and security deposit, which must be in cleared funds, i.e. cash, banker’s draft or building society cheque.  We ask the Landlord to ensure that the property is clean and tidy prior to you moving in. We also ask the Landlord to leave you any instructions or manuals relating to the property in a binder for your reference.


Preparing to move out

So, you’ve come to the end of your time at the property and you now have two options to consider, either extend the agreement or move out. You will normally need to provide two months’ notice in writing to your landlord or agent, stating either your intention to vacate the property or request to stay on beyond your initial agreement. Providing your landlord is happy with you and the condition of the property, you’ll most likely be allowed to continue with your occupancy.

When you decide to move out, it’s important to ensure the property is given back in the same or similar condition as when you moved in. This will help in getting your deposit returned to you with either no or few deductions.


Final inventory check

You’ll have the opportunity to run through the inventory checklist on the day of departure. It’s important that this job is done before you leave the property to avoid you being accountable for any damage that occurs after you’ve left. If there is any damage, you should agree with the landlord the cost of repairing or replacing such items.

If both you and the landlord are satisfied the property has been left in an acceptable state and you have made your final rental payment, there should be no problem getting your deposit back.

Return of your security deposit

Where the deposit has been lodged with The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) and agreement has been made for the return of your security deposit, the landlord/agent will request DPS to return the deposit to you. You will need to contact DPS giving them your repayment I.D. number, and they will arrange to transfer your deposit into your bank account. It is important to keep your I.D. number safe as without it they cannot return your deposit.