Find accommodation

Tell the landlord right away that you are ready to rent this house, you can even tell them at the house viewing if you are comfortable with it.

Holding Deposit

You can secure the property with a holiding deposit (at your discretion). This will cost a maximum of 1 weeks rent. 

This deposit is refundable if the landlord changes their mind and does not want to rent to you, unless;

• you are in the UK illegally
• Knowingly provided false information about youself

Documents you need to provide

In order to secure the property you will need to provide the landlord or estate agent with some documents. This includes;

• some form of photographic IS (passport, BRP)
• Proof of address
• Right to rent share code
• Work contract
• Bank statements 
• Benefit calculation (if required)
• Reference from your current landlord/character reference
• Reference from your employer

Tenancy agreement 

Make sure you have read and understood the tenancy agreement before signing it. 

It sets out all of your responsibilities and the landlords responsibilities related to the property. 

Other upfront costs

If you can try and save money as soon as possible as there are a few upfront costs when moving into a new property. This includes; 

• Deposit- this is as well as the holding deposit, and can cost up to five weeks' rent. 
• Bills- you will need to pay your Council tax, water, TV liscence and energy bills (gas, electricity)
• Moving costs
• New furniture or items (if the property is unfurnished)

Finding a guarantor 

Some Landlords require that you have a guarantor. 

A guarantor is a person or company that promises to pay your rent if you fail to. 

To be a guarantor the person needs to;

• be over 21 years old
• have good credit history 
• live in the UK 
• be financially stable 

If you do not personally know someone who could be your guarantor, you can sign up to some companies who will be your guarantor for a fixed price. Find out more here. 

Moving day essentials

• Collect your keys from the estate agent/landlord
• Carefully check the inventory against the property to make sure nothing is damaged and everything is there that you were promised
• Also make sure that the heating, plumbing and appliances (including smoke alarms) all work
• Take your own photos while the property is still empty.
• Ask to be shown where the stopcock is (the control to turn off the water in an emergency)
• And where the electricity and/or gas meters are
• Take photos of the meters. You will need to provide opening meter reads to your energy provider so you are only charged for the amount that you use. 
• Safely store any paperwork you are given, like your tenancy agreement, gas saftey adn energy performance certificate.