Rental properties are often in high demand, meaning that you need to act quickly to have the best chance of being selected as a tenant. Instead of relying on search portals, we would strongly recommend that tenants contact letting agents in their local area and register their details.
At youngsRPS, we will ask you to provide enough information for us to match you with any current, or future properties.
When selecting a property to rent, it is very important that you make a fully informed decision. Firstly, confirm if the property is affordable.
We define affordability as a prospective tenant’s monthly salary divided by 2.5.
For example, someone earning £1,500 per month could afford a rent of up to £600pcm.
You have a few significant outgoings when you first commence a tenancy:
- Your holding deposit of one-weeks rent
- Your first month’s rent
- Your security deposit of five-weeks rent
A holding deposit can be retained in certain circumstances:
- If the tenant provides false or misleading information
- If they fail the Right to Rent check
- If they decide not to enter the tenancy agreement or fail to make all reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement
Should the landlord decide against renting out the property, your holding deposit will be returned in full. Once referencing is complete, the holding deposit is deducted from the total balance owed prior to moving in.
youngsRPS have a deposit alternative which allows you to pay a one off, non-refundable check-in fee of only one weeks’ rent (plus VAT), meaning much lower initial moving costs.
You will usually be responsible for all utilities including gas, electricity, water, TV licence and council tax. Ensure the property meets your needs in terms of size, location, furnished/unfurnished, tenancy length and whether the landlord will accept your pets.
The rental market moves fast so arrange viewings as soon as you can. Ask the right questions during the viewing, such as whether the property will be managed by the landlord or letting agent.
This will allow you to make an informed decision. Inform the Letting Agent as soon as possible if you are interested, and they will guide you through the application process.
youngsRPS will ask you to complete the details of your application online and pay a holding deposit.
Please make sure you give us plenty of reference contact details to ensure the process is quick; it is also recommended that you speak to your references in advance so that they know they will be approached and can respond promptly.
Depending on your circumstances, you will be asked to provide documentation, which may include photo identification, pay slips and proof of address.
A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document setting out the terms of the tenancy between landlord and tenant. It is essential that you read this as soon as you can so that you have ample opportunity to check you understand all the terms and what responsibilities you are agreeing to abide by.
youngsRPS will provide you with all required documentation prior to the tenancy commencement which may include:
- Current How to Rent Guide
- Energy Performance Certificate
- Electrical Condition Inspection Report
- Guidance relating to the security deposit including the Prescribed Information form
- Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
- Inventory (condition of property report)
You will be asked to sign and confirm receipt of the above documents in addition to signing the tenancy agreement. We will provide you with a copy of the agreement for your records.
Prior to moving in, you will be asked to pay the first month’s rent and security deposit. The letting agent will arrange to meet you either at the property or their office to hand over keys.
Ensure you take meter readings for electric, water and gas (if applicable) on the day you move in. The agent will inform you of who the current providers are so that you can contact them.
The landlord or letting agent may periodically attend inspections of the property to ensure it is being looked after. You will be provided with at least 24 hours’ notice of any proposed visits and can be present if you wish.
After the initial term, the tenancy will roll onto a month-to-month basis (periodic tenancy). If you wish to renew your tenancy, please contact the landlord or agent.
If you wish to end a tenancy after the initial term, you will be required to give the landlord or agent one months’ notice in writing.
A check out inspection will be carried out to compare the condition of the property with the inventory carried out at check in. The inventory can hold the key to you getting your full deposit back upon moving out and can help to prevent disputes with your landlord or agent.
The relevant deposit scheme will help mediate any proposed deductions.