RENTING A PROPERTY FROM US
A Step by Step Guide to Renting a Home
Found a rental property that ticks all the boxes but want to know what happens next? Whether you’re looking at renting for the first time, or you’re currently renting and need some advice, we’re here to help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting a property with GibsonHoney. If you have any questions or need to know more, please talk to us.
LET'S GET STARTED ...
Decide on your requirements
Think about the type and size of property you are looking for, how many bedrooms you need, whether or not you need any outside space, or additional storage; a garage for example.
Do you need a furnished or unfurnished property? Consider transport links, distance and route to work and what nearby facilities are important to you.
CHECKING YOUR AFFORDABILITY
Set your Budget
When working out your budget, take into account the additional costs when renting. Usually the landlord covers the cost of most repairs and maintenance at the property. The landlord will be responsible for insuring the property, but it is important to know that your belongings will not be covered by the landlord’s insurance, so you will need to arrange your own cover for this.
FIND YOUR NEXT HOME
Start your Search
Application to Rent & LETTING AGREEMENT
Application & Agreement
Once you have seen a property you like, we will put your interest forward to the landlord. We will at this stage find out a little more about you, your circumstances and your requirements. Once terms have been agreed, we will start the referencing process. There will be a holding deposit to pay at this stage.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Credit Search Application
Each adult will need to complete a credit search application. If a guarantor is required for your tenancy, then the same information and referencing requirements will apply.
FINALISING THE PROCESS
Tenancy Agreements
Once your referencing application is complete, we will arrange for the Tenancy Agreement to be signed. This document confirms the terms of the tenancy, the minimum term, rent, landlords and tenant’s obligations and any specifics that have been agreed for your tenancy.
THE EXCITING BIT ...
Moving In
On the move in day, you will pick up the keys for your new home, usually from the inventory clerk, who will meet you at the property and check through the property with you.
Before you move in, you will need to pay your first months’ rent and Security Deposit.
ENSURING YOU'RE PROTECTED
Peace of Mind
We are fully regulated by NAEA (the National Association of Estate Agents), ARLA (the Association of Residential Letting Agents) and are members of The Property Ombudsman and the TDS (the Tenancy Deposit Scheme). Our membership of these associations gives our clients the peace of mind that we are working to the highest standards in the Industry, and as members of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme, our client’s funds are fully protected.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU
During your Tenancy
We will provide you with the details of where to pay your rent and who to contact should you have any queries or maintenance issues while you are at the property.
Your Security Deposit will usually be held by Gibson Honey and this will be registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Renting a House
We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions when renting a property. For further expert advice, talk to us.
I've found a place I want to rent. What happens next?
If you haven’t already, make sure you go and view the property. If it’s a house-share, meet all the people you’ll be moving in with. The letting agent will ask you to sign a Tenancy Fee Declaration form which lists the services they will provide and the payments expected from you.
Why do I need to be referenced?
The landlord needs to be sure that that their tenant won’t have any problems paying the rent on a monthly basis and that the tenant will take good care of their property.
What does referencing involve?
Referencing is nothing to worry about. Tenants applying to rent need to give details of their employer and income, their previous address, and some bank account details. These will be checked to ensure they are able to commit to monthly rental payments.
What if there are problems with my reference?
In some circumstances, a tenant may not be approved immediately via referencing. Obvious examples are students without a regular income, or someone leaving their family home for the first time with no renting history. This is not uncommon, and there are still options for tenants in this position. They could pay the rent for the full term up front, or seek out a guarantor.
What is a guarantor?
If a tenant is not fully approved by the referencing process, they can ask a guarantor to support them. A guarantor (usually a parent or guardian) will agree to take joint responsibility for the rent for the property if the tenant fails to. Guarantors are required to pay any rent arrears (if the tenant does not pay) and for any damages costing more than the deposit.
What does a guarantor need to do?
A guarantor needs to go through the same referencing process as a tenant. The normal requirement is that they are employed and a UK resident, with sufficient earnings to cover the tenant’s rental commitment.
Why does my guarantor have to guarantee all tenants?
In the case of a house-share, the tenancy agreement makes all tenants jointly responsible for all rents and responsibilities. There is no individual ‘share’ of the rent written into the agreement. The guarantor therefore has the same responsibility.
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
The landlord trusts the tenant to keep the property in a good condition and in good order. The deposit is held to ensure that any damages (over and above fair wear and tear) can be corrected at the end of the tenancy.
Will the landlord visit the property?
Your landlord or letting agent will regularly schedule visits to the property. They want to make sure that the property is being looked after and maintained in a good condition, and they’ll be looking for any maintenance issues.
Who is responsible for repairs?
The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in a good state of repair. They will either take care of this directly, or do so via a letting agent – make sure you know who to go to when there’s a fault at the beginning of the tenancy. If you do damage to the property you are expected to cover the cost of putting this right.
Can I decorate or make changes to the property?
In most cases, a tenant can only decorate or make changes to the property with the express permission of the landlord. We recommend receiving this permission in writing.
What if I accidentally cause damage to the property?
Don’t worry – accidents happen. Tell whoever is responsible for the property maintenance (either the landlord or letting agent) as soon as possible. You will be expected to cover the cost of putting it right. Don’t try to ignore or hide damage because it could get worse, and it will only come out of your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
What if the landlord isn't keeping to their side of the agreement?
If a tenant believes the landlord is not keeping to their side of the agreement – for instance, not maintaining the property in a fit state of repair – then the first thing the tenant should do is speak to their letting agent. The letting agent has a duty of care to the tenant, and may be able to help to resolve issues depending on the service type the landlord has with the agent.
What if I want to end the tenancy?
If you are tied into a fixed term contract, you will be liable for the rent until the fixed term is finished. If you are no longer in a fixed term contract (ie. a rolling contract) your tenancy agreement will define the notice you need to give.
What if I can't pay my rent?
It is always your responsibility to pay the rent, but circumstances change. What happens if you become unemployed or are unable to work due to sickness? The most important thing is not to let arrears pile up until they’re unmanageable. Speak to your landlord or letting agent and see if you can reschedule your payments. And don’t forget, you can get insured against sickness and unemployment to keep yourself protected.
Do rental payments affect my credit score?
Yes. It’s important to keep paying your rent on time and in full as it could negatively affect your credit score and your chances of gaining credit, or a mortgage, in the future.
START YOUR RENTING JOURNEY
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