The Basics

Determine your budget…

The first step in any plan to rent a property, is to work out exactly how much you think you can afford. Work back from your total available monthly budget, including not only the monthly rent but also allowing for other expenses like council tax, utility bills, insurance and any other commitments you may already have..

Start looking…

Begin your search by giving us a call – We know the area and our properties extremely well and we’ll do our utmost to help you find a property that’s a good fit for your budget and your requirements.

Arrange viewings…

We will usually accompany you on the viewings – take your time and feel free to ask as many questions as you like, but don’t be afraid to say if the property is not what you’re looking for. The better we understand why that one isn’t quite right, the easier it will be for us to help you find one that is.

Make an offer…

Once you’ve seen a property you like and you’ve expressed your interest to submit an application, we will then need some personal information from you in order to present your offer and application to the Landlord. Should your offer be accepted, you may be asked to pay a holding fee (usually equivalent to one weeks rent) the referencing process will begin.

The referencing process…

We usually use a referencing company and you will be sent a link to complete your details online.  Following successful referencing and acceptance by the Landord, you will be sent an offer of the Tenancy which will advise you of the details of the acceptance including the term of the lease, the rent and the deposit and a proposed date for commencement of the Agreement.

Tenancy Documentation…

Once you’ve accepted the offer of the Tenancy, we’ll then draw up the Tenancy Agreement and associated documentation for your perusal prior to signing and you’ll need to m make arrangements to pay the balance rent and deposit.

You will need to read  the tenancy agreement carefully before signing. If you are not used to doing this, we will ensure that you are completely clear on precisely what you are agreeing. to and your obligations as a tenant. You will also be required to pay a security deposit, which we will place in a government-licensed deposit scheme where it remains throughout your tenancy. This is not held by us the Agent, or the Landlord, and there is a proper procedure that governs its smooth return to you. We’ll also go through the inventory with you to make sure you understand what is included in the property.

Move in…

On the day you move in, we’ll provide you with the keys, and we’ll ask you to check the inventory and report any issues you have over condition of items during this process. This will help protect you from any disputes at the end of your tenancy.

Paying the rent and bills…

It’s essential that you pay your rent on time and in full each month, and we will usually have arranged for you to put in place an instruction with your bank or building society to do so. You will also need to pay for utilities, such as gas, electricity, water, Council Tax and internet. If you have any issues paying your rent at any time, talk to us immediately. We have been doing this for a long time, and have helped lots of Tenants to come through a difficult period safely.

Report any issues…

If you experience any problems or issues during your tenancy, report them to the managing agent as soon as possible. They will then take steps to resolve the problem promptly. This is certainly the case if you are renting through us and something needs repairing or attention.

End of the tenancy…

When your tenancy comes to an end, we’ll carry out an inspection of the property. You should leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in, taking note of any damages you are aware that you have caused. Once we’re all happy and satisfied that everything is in order, we will arrange to refund the deposit to you. If you have caused any genuine damage to the property or contents, a deduction may be made from the deposit. You have the right to appeal this to the deposit scheme operators, who are independent.

We hope this basic guide is helpful, however if you’d like more details of the process and then please follow these links.

Discover the Tenant Journey

Click here to find out about Tenant Fees

We’re here to help you every step of the way, before and during the time you rent a property through Meliora.

MELIORA – Always Better!