A tenant’s guide to renting

If you are looking for a home to rent, two things will be key to your search:

  • An experienced letting agent who will listen to your requirements and who will contact you when a suitable property comes available.
  • Honesty and transparency, so that you know from the outset what you will be expected to pay, and what responsibilities you will have when renting.

TwoCan has both the knowledge and commitment to openness that will ensure your move is stress free and within budget.

Here is a quick guide to renting a property through TwoCan. If you would like any further assistance, please contact your local branch.

1Draw up a wishlist

The first thing to do is think about what you require in a property. Is it a house, a bungalow or an apartment? Do you want an old property with high ceilings, or a modern home with all the latest equipment? Do you need it furnished, or do you have your own furniture? Also consider the area you want to live in and whether you prefer a main road location with quick access to facilities, or a quiet cul-de-sac tucked away in a rural setting. Next decide how much you are happy to spend each month on rent and factor in additional monthly costs such as council tax, electricity and water. Remember you will need a month’s rent in advance, as well as a deposit, which is equal to six week’s rent (this will be returned at the end of the tenancy, subject to the conditions of the tenancy being met). There are also some one-off costs to arrange a tenancy – please see our ‘Cost of renting a property page’ for more information.

2Viewing

Although many properties for rent are advertised on the national property portals, it is always worth registering with us so that we have your details and can call you as soon as a suitable property becomes available. This is particularly important with rental properties as they are often only on the market for a few days before being reserved. Once we have your details, we can keep an eye out for you and make sure you are one of the first to know about new properties to the market.

3Securing the property

Don’t delay when you find what you are looking for. Let us know, and we can start the process of securing it for you.

We will need some, or all, of the following, depending on your circumstances:

  • A list of your previous addresses for the past three years.
  • Bank account details.
  • Details of any previous landlords, going back three years.
  • Proof of salary/income and your current employer’s details.
  • If you are self-employed, an accountant’s reference or sight of your last three years’ tax returns.
  • Proof of your ID – Sight of your passport and driving license or equivalent.

If you have a county court judgement or poor credit score, it may still be possible to proceed provided you have someone who could act as guarantor, i.e. they would be contractually liable if you fail to pay your rent or if you damage the property. Any guarantor would need to pass the same credit and referencing checks.

4The deposit

This is the final stage of securing the property. If we are providing a fully managed service for the landlord, we will register the deposit with the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) and it will be kept secure for the duration of your tenancy. If the landlord is managing the let themselves, we will tell you where your deposit is registered, along with the terms and conditions of that scheme.

5The Tenancy Agreement

You will now need to complete a Tenancy Agreement, which is a legally-binding document setting out the terms and conditions of the tenancy and the rights and obligations of everyone involved. All parties will be required to sign it. There may be a property inventory as part of the agreement. This is a detailed description of all rooms and items within the property, with photos and statements on their condition. You should check this carefully before signing it, as it will be used at the end of your tenancy to check that the property is being returned in the same condition that it was let in (subject to fair wear and tear).

6Moving In

Once all the paperwork and finance has been sorted, you will be given the keys to your new home. Copies of all the paperwork will be provided as well as emergency contact details in case you need assistance.

7Property checks

You will be left to enjoy your home without interference but we may be required, once or twice a year, to carry out a brief inspection of the property. We will always give at least 48 hours notice of a visit.

8The end of your tenancy

At the end of the fixed period of your tenancy the agreement will revert to a month-to-month contract, unless either party has notified the other of their intention to finish it. This means you would need to give a month’s notice to the landlord to leave. The landlord would be required to give two months’ notice to you.

If we are managing the tenancy on behalf of the landlord, we will arrange for the Inventory Clerk to re-visit the property and check the condition. All being well, your deposit will then be refunded within 14 days.

Request a call back

If you would like further information about letting a property please call us or get in touch using the form and we will call you back.