Set a clear monthly budget (incl. bills). Get your ‘renter pack’ ready: photo ID, proof of address, last 3 months’ payslips or income, employer/landlord details, and any pet info. Decide your must-haves vs nice-to-haves and your latest move-in date.
Pick a search area and sense-check commute, amenities and schools. Browse nearby properties and follow a few so you get alerts on price drops/availability. Focus on streets you’d actually live on.
Group viewings into morning or afternoon so comparisons are fair. Use the viewing checklist, take photos, and ask the same core questions (rent, term, break, inclusions, utility caps, renewal rises).
When you find a place, submit a tidy application with proofs attached. If a holding deposit is requested, remember it’s capped at one week’s rent. Agree timelines and what documents are needed next.
Complete referencing and Right to Rent checks quickly. Upload ID, proof of address/income and previous landlord details. Keep an eye on any follow-ups.
Read the tenancy agreement (AST) before signing. Check rent, deposit, start/end dates, break clauses, permitted occupiers and any special clauses. Make sure required documents are attached (e.g., How to Rent, EPC, gas/EICR if applicable).
Prepare first month’s rent and the tenancy deposit. Use the calculator to check the deposit cap (5 or 6 weeks) and confirm how any holding deposit will be set off. Ensure the deposit will be protected within 30 days and that the Prescribed Information will be served. The deposit should be registered with one of the government-approved tenancy deposit schemes (DPS, MyDeposits or TDS), and you can use their websites to check that your deposit is protected. Keep receipts/screenshots and share payment confirmations with the landlord/agent.
Do a proper check-in: room-by-room condition with clear, dated photos and meter reads. List keys/fobs issued and note any quirks. Share for tenant comments and keep a signed copy to avoid disputes.
Set up electricity, gas and water accounts using your opening reads. Tell the council for council tax and arrange broadband/phone. Sort the TV licence if needed and note supplier account numbers.
While you live there: report repairs promptly (photos help), keep copies of receipts and emails, test alarms regularly, and diarise renewals like contents insurance. If anything changes, update your council tax and bills.
You’re making great progress.
This journey is a general guide only. Every property and transaction is different and information may change. We don’t provide legal, financial or professional advice. Always verify details with qualified professionals. We are not responsible for any errors or for losses arising from reliance on this guide.
The Tenant Fees Act caps the holding deposit at one week’s rent. Enter the agreed rent and we’ll work it out.
