1) Register Your Interest

When you begin your search for a property to rent, please register your details and property requirements with us.

Our experienced consultants will carefully match your requirements with suitable properties and keep you updated using your preferred method of communication. Our website is regularly updated with the latest properties available to rent, and our team may also be able to advise you about suitable properties before they are widely advertised.

2) Finding the Right Property

You may already have a clear idea of the type of property you would like to rent, but finding the right one can sometimes be more challenging than expected.

Location is particularly important, and the area should suit both your work and lifestyle requirements. It can be helpful to create a list of your “must-haves”, “nice-to-haves” and anything you would prefer to avoid. This will make it easier to identify suitable properties and arrange relevant viewings.

New properties are regularly added to our website, so it is worth checking back frequently.

3) Holding Deposits

Once you have found a suitable property and your offer has been accepted, you may be required to pay a holding deposit, typically equivalent to one week’s rent.

This allows the property to be reserved while the necessary tenancy checks and arrangements are completed.

Subject to the terms of the holding deposit agreement and applicable legislation, the payment may either be refunded or put towards sums due under the tenancy, such as your first month’s rent or tenancy deposit.

4) Referencing

Once the holding deposit has been received, reference checks may begin. These checks can include confirming your identity, employment, income, current address, credit history and eligibility to rent in the UK.

You may be asked to provide photographic identification, proof of address, evidence of income and documents confirming your Right to Rent.

It is important to provide accurate information during the application process and disclose any circumstances that may affect your application.

5) Your Tenancy Agreement

The tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

All relevant parties will need to review and sign the agreement, together with any supporting documentation, before the tenancy begins.

We recommend reading all documents carefully and asking any questions before signing.

6) The Security Deposit

Before moving into the property, you will normally be required to pay a security deposit along with your first month’s rent.

The security deposit provides protection to the landlord against issues such as unpaid rent or damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

For most tenancies in England, the maximum tenancy deposit is equivalent to five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below the relevant legal threshold.

Where required by law, the deposit will be registered with an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme.

7) The Inventory

An inventory and Schedule of Condition provides a record of the property’s condition and, where applicable, its contents at the beginning of the tenancy.

Tenants will usually be given an opportunity to review the inventory and raise any discrepancies.

At the end of the tenancy, the property can be compared against this original record to help determine whether any deductions from the security deposit are appropriate.

8) End of Tenancy

As your tenancy approaches its end date, we will provide information about the check-out process and any arrangements that need to be made.

Where appropriate and subject to the required notice, viewings may also be arranged for prospective tenants.

Before leaving the property, please ensure that it is left clean and tidy, that all personal belongings have been removed and that all keys are returned as instructed.

If you have any questions about renting a property through Keys2 Estate Agency, call us on 0207 000 0000 or email info@keys2.io.