Tips for tenants

Are you looking to rent a property? Here are a few handy tips from us.

The current rental market is subject to a shortage of good rental properties, therefore when trying to rent a property in the current market, it pays to know what you’re looking for. Being prepared and making sure you start your search weeks before you plan to move will help you secure your ideal home.

1. Know what you’re looking for

The first step is to know what you’re looking for. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Establishing a realistic budget
• How many bedrooms do you need?
• Do you need a garden?
• How long do you need to rent for?
• When do you need to move? (We recommend starting your search 6-8 weeks before)
• Do you have a pet? If so, this may limit the properties that are available to you
• Furnished or unfurnished?
• Location – e.g. Do you need access to a station/bus route/main road?
• What amenities are important to you? – schools, shops, pubs, cinema, sports center

Decide on what are your “must haves” and what you can compromise on also, communicate these points to your local agent so they can help you with your specific requirements.

2. Do your research

Check on property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla for the properties which match your criteria. Alternatively, go local and check your local letting agents’ websites for their properties. Here at Edison Ford properties appear on our website first and on portals up to 24 hours later. On other occasions we can know of properties prior to them even coming to market so it always pays to register your interest with us.

Get in contact today to provide us with your criteria.

3. Be prepared

Once you have found your perfect property, don’t hesitate – arrange that viewing! Our standard procedure, to be fair to everyone, is to deal with people on a first-come first-served basis. Here is a list of tips to help you prepare:

• Make sure you start viewing properties in good time – e.g. 6-8 weeks before you plan to move

• Get ready to move – Most landlords will prefer tenants who can move within a month – and may accept a slightly lower rent in order to get someone in sooner

• Prepare references – we will require one from your employer and one from your previous landlord. It may be useful to let them know so they know to expect a call or an email.

• Carry originals that prove your ID and address for the previous three years (e.g. Bank statements, utility bills, etc.) as we will need copies of these for your file

• Have a deposit fee ready – We will need this after the landlord accepts your offer.

4. Make yourself standout as the ideal tenant

Landlords want to know that you are going to be a good tenant and can not only afford your rental but will pay on time. If you have a relation who can act as a guarantor this may mean that a landlord is more likely to accept you as a tenant when given the choice between you and another applicant who can’t provide this additional form of security.