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Posted in
31/10/2024

How To Prepare to Rent a Property

Our guide on how to prepare to rent a property will help you know how to put your best foot forward in the rental market. Find tenant tips and learn how to secure your dream property in a competitive market. Whether you’re a first-time renter or experienced and know what to look for, use our guide as a refresher on how to find your next property.

Get Your Finances in Order

There are a few costs that come with renting properties, so having a small amount of savings can make for a smooth transition.

These include some upfront payments:

  • First month’s rent.
  • Holding deposit: Equivalent to 1 week’s rent, this takes the property off the market whilst checks are underway.
  • Tenancy security deposit: equal to five weeks’ rent. So long as you keep the property well maintained, you’ll get this back at the end of the tenancy.

Finding the right place for you

There is a long list of wants and needs that make a property perfect for someone; it is a good idea to note what features are key to your decision. This could be something as large as the number of bedrooms and location, all the way down to the number of cupboards in the kitchen. If you are considering renting with someone else, talk with them about what you need in a place. This can help to save lots of buyer’s remorse when you have eventually moved in!

Tenancy Application

Now that you’ve found your dream property, you’ll need to start thinking about your application. As part of this, you must prove you can afford the rent through an income affordability check. Landlords are looking for your gross income to be 2.5x more than the property's rent. If you are self-employed, you may need to prove your earnings are consistent over a period of time.

Once this information has been provided, a hard credit check will be carried out to ensure you have no history of bankruptcy, missed payments, or court summons for missed payments.

Finally, you will be asked to provide a reference from your previous landlord. A good reference will show you can pay your rent on time and that you have kept the property in good condition, proving you are the ideal tenant!

Employment references. Some applications may ask you to provide a reference from your workplace to share more about your character and employment.

Moving In

Now that your application has been approved, it’s time to set a moving-in date! To make the moving-in process smooth, ensure that as many items are packed away as possible. You probably own more than you think, so it’s best to avoid any last-minute stresses. You should begin the process of getting the bills all in order, including the council tax, water, energy, and broadband.

We know how important it is to match the right tenant with the best landlord and property. That’s why at TN lettings, we’re experts in the TN postcode area, so we can point you in the right direction when finding your dream home in this area.

When choosing your next home to move into, think carefully about your budget and when you’d like to move in. This will help narrow down your search!

TN Lettings

Contact us today to find the best properties on the market in the TN area. We’ll help you find a place suitable for you

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