Information for Tenants

Welcome to Accepted Lettings – Your Trusted Rental Partner

With 50+ years of experience, we simplify renting with expert guidance and modern technology. Whether it’s your first home, a work relocation, or a short-term let, we ensure a smooth, stress-free process.

 

Follow our step-by-step guide for a seamless rental journey with Accepted Lettings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renting a Property with Accepted Lettings

We’ve made the rental process straightforward and hassle-free. Follow these key steps to secure your ideal home:

Register Your Interest

1. Register Your Interest

Start by contacting local letting agents in your preferred area and registering on their rental database. You can do this online via their website, through property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, or PrimeLocation, or by visiting their office.

When registering, be clear about your requirements, including budget, number of bedrooms, and desired location. If you have received or served notice at your current property, inform the agent and provide your latest move-out date.

2. Finding the Right Property

Finding your ideal property starts with understanding your needs. Consider location, budget, and amenities that match your lifestyle. Browse listings, compare options, and schedule viewings to assess suitability. Work with a reliable agent to streamline the process. Check transport links, nearby schools, and local facilities. Understand lease terms before making a decision. Ensure the property meets your requirements before proceeding. Take your time to find the perfect match.

3. Considering a Short Let?

Most rental agreements are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) for 6 or 12 months. If you need a short-term solution (e.g., waiting for a property purchase or a temporary work relocation), short lets from 1 to 5 months are available. However, these rentals often come at a premium price.

4. Securing Your Property with a Holding Deposit

A holding deposit reserves your chosen property while paperwork is completed. It demonstrates commitment to the landlord and prevents others from renting it. Typically non-refundable if you withdraw, it is deducted from future rent or deposits. The amount varies but is usually one week's rent. Ensure you receive a written agreement stating terms. Landlords must follow legal regulations for deposit handling. Transparency is key to avoiding disputes. Always confirm details before paying.

5. Understanding Letting Fees

Letting fees cover administrative costs related to renting a property. These may include reference checks, tenancy agreements, and inventory reports. In some regions, tenant fees are regulated or banned. Landlords and agents must clearly outline any charges upfront. Be aware of costs such as security deposits and rent in advance. Ensure you understand all fees before signing a contract. Ask for a breakdown of expenses to avoid surprises. Transparency ensures a smooth rental process.

6. Referencing Checks

Once you’ve placed a holding deposit, you’ll undergo reference checks to verify:

  • Your identity
  • Your employment status & earnings
  • Your credit history (no unsatisfied CCJs or bankruptcies)
  • Your Right to Rent status in the UK
You will need to provide a photographic ID, proof of income, and proof of address.

7. Do You Need a Guarantor?

If your income is below the affordability criteria or you’re renting a higher-value property, you may need a guarantor. A guarantor must:

  • Have a clean credit history
  • Be a homeowner and/or in full-time employment
  • Earn at least 3 times the monthly rent
Your guarantor will sign a legally binding agreement, making them responsible for rent payments if you are unable to meet them.

8. Reviewing Your Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract outlining your rights, responsibilities, and expectations as a tenant.
You should receive a draft copy before the tenancy begins—read it carefully.
If you’re unsure about any terms, ask your agent for clarification or seek legal advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

9. Paying Your Security Deposit

Before moving in, you’ll need to pay your first month’s rent and a security deposit (typically equivalent to four weeks’ rent).
By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of payment. You’ll receive Prescribed Information detailing the scheme used.

10. The Inventory Check

An inventory report records the condition and contents of the property before you move in. This document should include detailed descriptions and high-quality photographs.
Review the inventory carefully and report any discrepancies before signing.
This document will be used at the end of the tenancy to assess any potential deductions from your deposit.

11. Moving Out & End of Tenancy Process

When you decide to leave, you must serve the correct notice period (typically one to two months, as per your tenancy agreement). Once notice is given:

  • The agent will arrange viewings for new tenants—keep the property presentable.
  • An inventory check-out inspection will be conducted on your last day.
  • You’ll return all keys, officially surrendering the property.
Your deposit will be returned within 10 days, provided there are no deductions. If the landlord wishes to deduct any amount, a formal dispute process is available through the deposit protection scheme.

1. Register Your Interest

Start by contacting local letting agents in your preferred area and registering on their rental database. You can do this online via their website, through property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, or PrimeLocation, or by visiting their office.

When registering, be clear about your requirements, including budget, number of bedrooms, and desired location. If you have received or served notice at your current property, inform the agent and provide your latest move-out date.

2. Finding the Right Property

Finding your ideal property starts with understanding your needs. Consider location, budget, and amenities that match your lifestyle. Browse listings, compare options, and schedule viewings to assess suitability. Work with a reliable agent to streamline the process. Check transport links, nearby schools, and local facilities. Understand lease terms before making a decision. Ensure the property meets your requirements before proceeding. Take your time to find the perfect match.

3. Considering a Short Let?

Most rental agreements are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) for 6 or 12 months. If you need a short-term solution (e.g., waiting for a property purchase or a temporary work relocation), short lets from 1 to 5 months are available. However, these rentals often come at a premium price.

4. Securing Your Property with a Holding Deposit

A holding deposit reserves your chosen property while paperwork is completed. It demonstrates commitment to the landlord and prevents others from renting it. Typically non-refundable if you withdraw, it is deducted from future rent or deposits. The amount varies but is usually one week's rent. Ensure you receive a written agreement stating terms. Landlords must follow legal regulations for deposit handling. Transparency is key to avoiding disputes. Always confirm details before paying.

5. Understanding Letting Fees

Letting fees cover administrative costs related to renting a property. These may include reference checks, tenancy agreements, and inventory reports. In some regions, tenant fees are regulated or banned. Landlords and agents must clearly outline any charges upfront. Be aware of costs such as security deposits and rent in advance. Ensure you understand all fees before signing a contract. Ask for a breakdown of expenses to avoid surprises. Transparency ensures a smooth rental process.

6. Referencing Checks

Once you’ve placed a holding deposit, you’ll undergo reference checks to verify:

  • Your identity
  • Your employment status & earnings
  • Your credit history (no unsatisfied CCJs or bankruptcies)
  • Your Right to Rent status in the UK
You will need to provide a photographic ID, proof of income, and proof of address.

7. Do You Need a Guarantor?

If your income is below the affordability criteria or you’re renting a higher-value property, you may need a guarantor. A guarantor must:

  • Have a clean credit history
  • Be a homeowner and/or in full-time employment
  • Earn at least 3 times the monthly rent
Your guarantor will sign a legally binding agreement, making them responsible for rent payments if you are unable to meet them.

8. Reviewing Your Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract outlining your rights, responsibilities, and expectations as a tenant.
You should receive a draft copy before the tenancy begins—read it carefully.
If you’re unsure about any terms, ask your agent for clarification or seek legal advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

9. Paying Your Security Deposit

Before moving in, you’ll need to pay your first month’s rent and a security deposit (typically equivalent to four weeks’ rent).
By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of payment. You’ll receive Prescribed Information detailing the scheme used.

10. The Inventory Check

An inventory report records the condition and contents of the property before you move in. This document should include detailed descriptions and high-quality photographs.
Review the inventory carefully and report any discrepancies before signing.
This document will be used at the end of the tenancy to assess any potential deductions from your deposit.

11. Moving Out & End of Tenancy Process

When you decide to leave, you must serve the correct notice period (typically one to two months, as per your tenancy agreement). Once notice is given:

  • The agent will arrange viewings for new tenants—keep the property presentable.
  • An inventory check-out inspection will be conducted on your last day.
  • You’ll return all keys, officially surrendering the property.
Your deposit will be returned within 10 days, provided there are no deductions. If the landlord wishes to deduct any amount, a formal dispute process is available through the deposit protection scheme.

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