Renting a property can be a complicated process, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Whether you’re a student looking for a place to stay during the academic year, a young professional starting out in a new city, or a family looking for a long-term home, the following guide will give you an overview of the rental process from start to finish, and provide you with some helpful tips and resources along the way.
Determine your budget
Before you start looking for a rental property, it’s important to know how much you can afford to pay each month. Here’s what you need to do:
As a general rule, your rent should not be more than 30% of your monthly income.
Start your search
Begin your rental property search by exploring our available listings in your desired location. Once you have established your budget, you can start reviewing the properties that fit within your price range. Our website offers a wide selection of rental properties to choose from, making it easier for you to find the perfect home that suits your needs and budget.
Arrange a viewing
To arrange a viewing for the property or properties that you’re interested in, please contact us. During the viewing, take note of the property’s condition, size, and location. You can also ask any questions relevant to the property, such as its proximity to local amenities and transportation links
Making an Offer
When you have identified a property you wish to rent, you can complete our online Tenancy Application Form. After we receive the form, we will propose an offer to the Landlord on your behalf. Make sure to communicate any special requests or conditions you have in your offer, as these will be included in the tenancy agreement if the Landlord agrees. If you need help submitting your offer, please contact our branch for assistance. Please note the following:
Fee of Intent
The Fee of Intent (holding deposit) is deductible from the first month’s rent payable at the start of the Tenancy and is equivalent to one week’s rent. In the event that you withdraw your offer or references fail for any reason or you cannot provide a suitable guarantor, it will be retained to cover the expenses of Robert Lewis Property. In processing the application for a Tenancy. Please note the payment of a Fee of Intent does not oblige the Landlord to let the premises to you. If the Landlord decides not to proceed for any other reason then we will return the money in full in the same way it was received through our Accounts Department. Please note the Fee of Intent does not fall under the deposit protection schemes of the Housing Act 2004.
Rent
Rentals are generally advertised on a weekly or monthly basis, but typically paid monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually in advance as agreed by both parties. It should be noted that utilities such as gas, electric, water, council tax, television license or internet connection charges are not included in the rent unless explicitly mentioned in the property description.
Offer Agreed:
After your offer has been accepted by our client, we will handle the preparation of the tenancy documentation. This will include, obtaining references for the Landlord through a professional referencing agency or our own searches. Generally, the referencing company will require proof of income of 2.5 to 3 times the rent, and we will also seek bank, employment, or accountant references to be forwarded to the Landlord for their approval.
Guarantor:
If a landlord is not satisfied with the references provided by a potential tenant, they may require a guarantor. The guarantor must be based in the UK and agree to cover rent payments and other financial obligations outlined in the tenancy agreement. To be eligible, the guarantor must have a minimum income of three times the rental amount. The guarantor will undergo the same reference checks as the tenant would if they were renting the property themselves.
Deposit
During your tenancy, a security deposit equal to five weeks’ rent will be collected and held by either Robert Lewis Property Ltd or the landlord, in accordance with the Deposit Protection Service. The purpose of this deposit is to cover any unpaid bills, outstanding rent, or damages that may occur during the tenancy. If Robert Lewis Property Ltd is holding the deposit, it will be registered with the government-backed and accredited Deposit Protection Service, which aims to efficiently resolve any disputes that may arise. You will receive a certificate of deposit registration within 30 days of payment. The deposit must be paid in cleared funds prior to the tenancy’s start date, and please note that no interest will be paid on the deposit.
Third Party Payment of Deposit:
To comply with the deposit protection legislation, please inform us in writing if a third party is paying the deposit on your behalf. This is necessary as we are required to furnish them with documentation related to the deposit protection. This includes the deposit certificate, prescribed information, and information on how to raise a dispute if necessary. We would appreciate it if you could provide us with the third party’s name and contact information, so that we can furnish them with the necessary documentation.
Tenancy Agreement:
At Robert Lewis Property Ltd, we offer two options for the tenancy agreement: our standard agreement or a customized version provided by the Landlord, which may include specific clauses. We can send the agreement for digital signature once it is finalized. It’s important to note that the tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between you and the Landlord. We strongly suggest seeking independent legal advice before signing it.
Statement of Monies:
This invoice shows the first payment you need to make, which includes the rent, deposit, and subtracted Fee of Intent payment. We can’t give you the keys until all the money has been paid and cleared.
Payment of Rent:
You will need to pay the first month’s rent and deposit to Robert Lewis & Co. Typically, the rent for the following months should be paid directly to the landlord’s bank account through a Standing Order. The bank details of the landlord can be found in your Tenancy Agreement.
Moving In:
On the day you move in, someone will meet you at the property to give you the keys. Usually, this happens between 12 noon and 6 pm, but we can make other arrangements if needed.
Thank you for taking the time to read the information provided above. If you require any further clarification or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you in any way we can.