The first step is to contact us to provide brief details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. It is advised that you start looking for your new accommodation about a month before you wish to move, as properties are viewed and reserved quickly. We can assist both private working tenants and Universal Credit claimants. Most tenancies are for a minimum term of 6 months.

Viewings will then be arranged and you will invariably be accompanied by a member of our staff who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

Once you have decided on a property we will ask some questions over the telephone regarding your circumstances and the circumstances of those you’ll be living with. We will then speak to our Landlord and if they are happy to proceed, we will take a Holding Deposit which is equivalent to one week’s rent.

Following this, you will be asked to complete a straightforward online application form and to provide documents to prove identity, such as utility bills and photographic ID. Your application will then be processed by our in-house referencing team.

Assuming that the tenancy goes ahead you will be required to pay the deposit or bond and one months rent in advance. The deposit or bond is usually equivalent to five weeks’ rent and cannot exceed this amount by law. A date for signing the Tenancy Agreement is then agreed.

You will lose your Holding Deposit if any of the following occurs:

1. You give us false or misleading information. For example, incorrect salary/income details or you fail to tell us about a CCJ. Please note, if CCJs come back on your credit file and you advise you know nothing about it or it’s the fault of someone else, this will not be a valid excuse.
2. You fail a Right to Rent check and are not eligible to reside in the UK.
3. You withdraw your application.
4. You drag your feet during the application process.

We will require satisfactory references for you, usually from a previous or current landlord and employer. We may also require a personal reference, and sometimes a guarantor. In addition a credit check will be undertaken. All of this is conducted by our staff on your behalf.

If you require a guarantor for any reason then the guarantor must pass suitable credit and reference checks.

Rents are quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance.  The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs (unless specifically stated). All rents are payable by bank standing order/direct debit.

If you claim any form of Universal Credit then you will still be required to pay the rent monthly in advance throughout the tenancy and will require a guarantor.

A security deposit or bond will always be required, the amount varies between different properties. This deposit will be paid to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme as required by the Housing Act 2004. This Scheme is impartial to both landlord and tenant.

They will hold the deposit as stakeholders in a secure client account throughout the tenancy term. The deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy after the property has been inspected, and subject to it being handed back in the same condition it was at the beginning of the tenancy (minus fair ware & tear)

If there are any disputes regarding the deposit at the end of the tenancy then the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Administrator will be made aware of this and they will make a decision.

Under no circumstances can the deposit be used by the tenant to cover rent.

Staff at our branches will send you a link to complete your online application once the Holding Deposit has been paid.