Renting a house guide

A brief guide to renting a property

For many people today, renting is a positive lifestyle choice. Renting a house, flat or apartment gives you greater future flexibility; as many people prefer not to have the long-term obligations that come with buying a property.

Additionally, a lot of people want to live in vibrant city centres, where property prices are often at a premium. Renting is an affordable alternative and frees tenants of the responsibility of property repairs and maintenance. Whether this is the first time you’ve decided to rent a house or you’ve been renting for years; finding a new home can be an exciting and stressful time.

The following information provides a simple overview of the renting process (N.B. this is a typical example only and your particular circumstances may differ).

Renting a property process – a simple step-by-step guide

•  Work out how much you can afford
  You need to ensure that you can afford the rent for the term of your tenancy agreement. Once signed, it may very difficult to get out of the agreement. Even if you’re not living in the property; the landlord can still technically claim (and sue you for) the rent for the whole of the fixed term. Consider what other outgoings you’re likely to have and how much you’re prepared to pay (or sacrifice other luxuries) for the perfect home in the perfect area.
    

• Choose an area (or areas)
  Some of the factors you’ll need to consider are:
  
  • Your budget – see above
  • Your place of work and local transport networks
  • Distance from friends and family
  • Shopping facilities
  • Lifestyle factors – e.g. close proximity to pubs or country walks
  • Local services, such as schools, parks or hospitals
  • How popular the area is – would you be happy living in an area with a poor local reputation?
  
  It makes sense to do some research on the area that you are looking to rent a property in. After all, you’re going have to live in that area for at least 6 months or more!
   
• Choose your home
  Open House Online Letting Agents do all the legwork to make finding a house, apartment or flat, as simple and stress free as possible. Search our properties online and register your details with us to receive the latest property details via email, text, phone or mail. We cover the whole of the UK through our national network of dedicated property professionals.
   
• Viewing properties
  View the properties you are interested in as soon as possible. Leave it too long and you could lose the house. Search our rental properties online and click on the ‘arrange a viewing’ button and we’ll contact you to arrange a suitable time – it couldn’t be any simpler! Alternatively, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, which allows you to arrange property viewings at your convenience.
  
  Before we arrange your viewing, (if you have not done so already) we are required to register your full details. Our Landlords do the majority of their own viewings and expect us to pre-qualify any potential tenant. When organising a viewing, we request that you provide us with a number of time and date options that are convenient to you and in line with the landlord's availability.
   
• Making an offer
  Once you’ve found a property you like and want to make an offer, contact Open House Online Letting Agents as soon as possible. You don’t want to potentially miss out on the ideal home due to not acting quickly to secure it! Please do not make an offer directly to the landlord.
   
• Offer Acceptance
  Once you have found a rental property and had your offer accepted, the following process will usually apply:
  • Tenancy agreement – This outlines the agreement between you and the landlord and includes details such as tenancy periods and rental payments
  • Reference checking – This may include a credit check, employment status and references and may take up to 10 days to complete. Please note that an admin fee will be charged to cover the tenancy agreement and reference checks
  • First month's rent & deposit – You will be required to put down a deposit (which will be held by a Tenancy Deposit Scheme) and pay the first month’s rent in advance
  • Service transfers – Some landlords will require that services, council tax and utilities are transferred into your name before you move in
  
  
• Organise the move
  Packing, sorting the removal, and arranging utilities are just a few of the things you need to consider! Open House can help you with this.


• Move in and enjoy your new home!

Costs you may encounter

If you’re looking to rent a house, you will need to allow for costs that are incurred throughout the process; which may include, but may not be limited to:

• Deposit (usually equivalent to 1 month or 6 weeks rent)
• Tenant’s contents insurance (if required – advisable)
• Tenancy agreement admin fee (if applicable)
• Reference check fee (if applicable)
• Removal costs
• Utility connection charges
• Your first month’s rent (in advance)!

And after you’ve moved in…

•  Payment of rent!
• Council tax (unless included)
• Service & utility bills (unless included)
• TV licence
• Keeping the property in good condition However, by law, landlords are responsible for any electricity, heating and gas problems and should provide assistance immediately.

Is your rental deposit safe?

From 6 April 2007, all deposits (for rent up to £25,000 per annum) taken by landlords and letting agents for Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales, must be protected by a tenancy deposit protection scheme.

The schemes allow tenants to get all or part of their deposit back when they are entitled to it and encourage tenants and landlords to make a clear agreement from the start on the condition of the property.

The schemes:

• Allow tenants to get all or part of their deposit back when they are entitled to it
• Make any disputes easier to resolve
• Encourage tenants and landlords to make a clear agreement from the start on the condition of the property

For more information about tenancy deposit schemes when renting a house, see direct.gov.uk

Call 08444 100 444 to see how Open House Online Letting Agents can help you find the perfect home and guide you through the complete process. Alternatively, contact Open House letting agents or use our live chat service.