Renting a property can be a complex process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of success. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process
Properties to Rent RegisterThe first step is to contact us here at London Estates and register on our rental database. You can visit our office at 61 Dalling Road W6 0JD, or use our website registration or go via their properties link on the web portals. Make sure that you are clear about what you want especially the number of bedrooms and your budget. Then make sure you stay contactable because desirable properties go quickly. If you have been served notice by your current landlord or you have served notice to leave, be sure to tell us and give the latest date you need to move out.
Sit down with a pen and paper and describe your ideal property. Most importantly, be strict with what you do and don’t want, and what you consider to be a deal breaker. Don’t compromise on those deal breakers or you may come to regret it later on. The Budget should be a key factor in your rental property search. Don’t overstretch yourself financially, make sure you take into account all other costs involved, including bills, council tax, moving costs, agency fees etc. Your take home pay (of all tenants combined) should be at least 2.5x your proposed monthly rent, otherwise you may not pass referencing on your income level.
If you would like to proceed with one of our properties please fill in either our online form or print version below.
Once you’ve found a property you like you should put down a holding payment and sign a holding deposit agreement. This will secure the property for you and will not arrange any more viewings. When your offer is accepted this money will form part of the initial rent or your deposit. If you pull out, you lose the money but if the landlord cannot or will not let to you it will be returned.
Once you have placed your holding deposit, you will be required to undergo reference checks to confirm your identity, your place of work and your earnings, and to confirm that you do not have any adverse credit. You will also be verified as permitted to reside in the UK and are not subject to any immigration controls. You should declare if you have any unsatisfied CCJ or bankruptcies as this may jeopardise your application. You will be asked to provide a photographic ID together with evidence of Right to Rent in the UK, your earnings and your current address.
Before the tenancy starts, all adult occupiers must demonstrate their right to rent in England. We will explain the appropriate checks, using accepted documents or the Home Office online service where applicable.
A time-limited right to rent is acceptable, although a follow-up check may be required. These checks apply regardless of nationality and are separate from employment and affordability referencing.
If you are on a low income or want to live in an expensive house you may need a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who should have a clean credit history, a homeowner and/or be in full time employment with take home earnings of a minimum of 3x monthly rent. The guarantor should understand their obligations as they will be asked to sign a legally binding document agreeing to certain conditions which will include paying the rent if for any reason you are unable to meet your commitment.
The tenancy agreement will be the legal document that details your rights and obligations as tenants, and the obligations and expectations of your landlord, and the agreements made by all parties. It will set out the core terms and will include all the rules of the property. We will give you a copy of the draft tenancy agreement well ahead of the start date of the tenancy for you to read in the comfort of your own home and you should ensure you do this so you are clear as to what you are signing. If you are not sure of anything contained in the agreement, ask the agent for clarification, seek legal advice or get help from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
>Your tenancy deposit will be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. Within the same period, you will receive the required information explaining where it is protected, how repayment works and what to do if there is a dispute.
The Inventory and/or Schedule of Condition processes is a formal way of noting the cosmetic condition and contents of a rented property. This descriptive information will, ideally, be supported by good quality photographs.
The Inventory document is then given to all parties to sign at the beginning of the tenancy to confirm that it’s accurate. Check it carefully and question anything that you do not understand. At the end of the tenancy, the same document is then used compare the condition of the property and on the findings of this comparison the deposit is then awarded appropriately.
For most assured periodic tenancies, you will need to give two months' notice in writing, ending on a rent payment date or the day before. A shorter notice period may apply under your agreement or be agreed in writing with the landlord. Please check the arrangements before giving notice.
Rent remains payable until the tenancy ends, unless otherwise agreed. Moving out or returning the keys does not, by itself, end the tenancy.
If the landlord seeks possession, they must have a valid legal ground and follow the required notice and, where necessary, court process.
At the end of the tenancy, any proposed deposit deductions will be explained in writing. Your deposit must be returned within 10 days of the repayment amount being agreed. Any disputed amount remains protected while the dispute is resolved through the appropriate process.
