From a tenant’s perspective, renting in the UK can seem daunting. We hope this step-by-step guide makes the overall process easier and more manageable.

1. Working out your budget

First things first, you will need to work out what budget you can afford. A couple of things to remember are that you will typically be required to pay the first month’s rent in advance together with a five-week security deposit (which will be held in a government scheme) prior to moving in.

Affordability is checked during the referencing process. Typically, the household income needs to be two-and-a-half times the annual rent. Tenants are also liable to cover utility costs and their council tax.

2. Viewings and making an offer

Register your requirements with local agents and they will be able to recommend properties that match what you are looking for. We advise starting your search 6 - 8 weeks before you need to move but if a situation arises whereby you need to move as soon as possible, this can also be accommodated.

If you view a property that you wish to make an offer on, the agent will send you an offer form to complete which confirms details including your offer, proposed start date, contract length, special requests and identification details for each tenant.

The agent will ask you to pay a holding fee and if the offer is agreed, the property will be removed from the market and the holding fee will be deducted from the final balance. If no agreement is reached, the holding fee will be returned to you.

3. Referencing and paperwork

When an offer has been agreed, the referencing process will start and usually takes between 3 - 5 days to complete. An independent referencing agent will email all tenants with an application form. Once submitted, the referencing agent will verify the information by contacting employers and landlords as well as carrying out credit checks.

The agent will produce offer letters for all parties to sign and will request certain documents to be sent through. Normally, tenants have to provide photo I.D, their last 3 months’ bank statements and proof of address, such as a utility bill in the last three months.

In order to satisfy right to rent checks, the agent will need to take copies of the I.D in person.

4. Tenancy agreement and final balance

Once the agent has received acceptable references, they produce the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and it will be sent to the tenant and landlord to sign. Please ensure you always read the tenancy agreement in full and query anything you are unsure of.

Details of the final balance payment will be sent to you and you will be required to make payment prior to the tenancy commencing. The agent must receive cleared funds before releasing keys on the chosen move date.

5. Collecting keys and moving in

The agent will make arrangements with you for the key release and will detail where these are to be collected from.

You will receive details about future rent payments and you are advised to set up a standing order so that you do not miss payments and fall into arrears.

Utility companies will need to be contacted as soon as possible so they can set up your account and start billing you from the correct date.

A copy of the inventory will be sent you for your records.

We hope this guide is helpful and should you have any questions, please contact us.