Guide To Renting

Finding a property which in effect will become your new home, can be exciting not to mention time consuming. So, we have taken the time to give you a step-by-step guide to renting.

Step 1: Ensure you have the right amount of finance prepared.

Since 2020, the Tenant Fees Act 2019, came into full force meaning many of the fees once paid by the tenant, are now not payable. Beware there are some upfront costs involved before renting a property. These costs normally include:

Holding Deposit (equal to 1 week’s rent)

Tenancy Security Deposit (equal to 5 week’s rent where the rent is less than £50,000 p/a and equal to 6 weeks rent where the rent is above this) – unless you are renting deposit free

First month’s rent

when searching you should be in budget. If you have a monthly rental price in mind, make sure you check added costs including bills and tax. You can check how much you can afford on the Money Advice Service website.

Always ensure when you start looking, you have your identification documentation, immigration status and proof of address (less than 3 months old) easily to hand.

Step 2: Looking for a suitable property.

When you start looking for a rental property, ensure you allow enough time to find a suitable property as well as a minimum of two weeks to complete the application and referencing processes. 

With Universal Credit For Homes To Let (UCFHTL) we are completely confident that you will indeed find the right property through our site.

Finding the right place to rent.

The easiest way to start, is by clicking on property search button. Once there you can then filter through all the universal credit friendly rental properties, we have on the site to match your criteria.

Register with us then receive property alerts, making sure you’re first to know about any new properties that becomes available.

Once signed up with Universal Credit For Homes To Let (UCFHTL) you can save any suitable property you find and wish to view later on. 

 Step 3: The Fun Part Start viewing the properties. 

Try to arrange as much viewings as possible as the rental market can move very quick. Ensure you’re asking all the right questions.

• Does it meet your all your important needs.
• checking if the property comes furnished or unfurnished.
• Is Their enough storage.
• Does the property have an allocated parking space or maybe a garage? Or do you simply need a permit?
• Are you able to make changes to the property like painting flooring etc? (This is very important as you may need permission.)
• If you are happy with the property and are considering renting it, make sure you ask if any works are being done before you move in.
• Find out about mobile phone reception, cable/ satellite dish, broadband availability.

Step 4: Securing a property.

Once you have selected a property, be prepared as following will be required:

• Confirmation of personal details and contact information – This will be required for everyone who will be residing at the property over the age of 18.
• Proof of identity – This is a legal requirement under Anti Money Laundering Regulations and Immigration Act 2014 Right to Rent legislation and without the required identification your application cannot be processed.
• ID will be required for each adult applying to rent the property. Both personal ID and address verification will be required. 
• Personal ID – Valid passport or equivalent and a valid visa where applicable.
• Address Verification – Current UK driving license showing current address – Up to date utility bill with current address.
• Tenant Protection – It’s important that agents you sign up with have tenant protection.
• Holding Deposit – You will be required to complete some initial paperwork and pay a holding deposit to reserve the property. The holding deposit usually will be the equivalent of 1 weeks rent.

Step 5: Tenancy Application

Credit and reference checks

Here you will be asked to give references to your prospective landlord/agent to confirm your details and background. Some agents will ask you to complete the details of your references online. It’s also worth speaking with your references / referees so they know they will be approached, and this will help speed up the process.

Step 6: Moving in time.

This will be an exciting time and a new chapter in your life. Enjoy it take it easy as stress can begin to kick in at this time. this is time where you should relax because you have already passed the tough part.

We at Universal Credit For Homes To Let (UCFHTL), hope you find this information useful. Any queries where always here to help. Please feel free to contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help.