Our guide to renting a house

The current housing market has made renting property an increasingly important part of the way we now live. Property prices continue to rise, making it ever more difficult to get onto the property ladder, so renting if often be the best option for many. We’ve compiled a tenants’ guide to renting a property explaining the key steps that a tenant will take during the process. We hope this guide will give you all of the necessary information you need, from finding and securing a new rental home all the way through to what to expect from your inventory.

Follow the below step by step guide to ensure your application runs smoothly.

Start Your Search

Estate agents and property portals allow you to register for property update emails which will alert you to new rental properties. It is also worth contacting estate agents in the area you are looking to move into. It’s always going to be a careful balance between the monthly rent and the supply of available property in your chosen area at the time you are searching. You could find your next home in any of a number of places, but without doubt, the easiest place to start looking is the internet. VitalSpace advertise on all the main property portals as well as our own website and encourage all potential tenants to register your details with us. This will enable us to keep you informed of any new properties coming to the market and send details directly to your inbox so you can book a viewing straight away.

NB: If you have a specific date or timescale, this must be advised at the application stage. No guarantees can be given as to a move in date until all references and checks have been satisfied.

Securing a property

Once you have selected a property that you would like to rent, we require you to complete an online application form to be considered by our landlord. You will be also required to supply the following documents to support your application:

Personal details and contact information – We will require anyone over the age of 18 residing at the property to submit an application form.
Proof of identity – This is a legal requirement under the Anti Money Laundering Regulations and the Immigration Act 2014 Right to Rent legislation. Without the required identification your application cannot be processed.
Personal ID – Valid passport or equivalent and a valid visa where applicable.
Address Verification – Current UK driving license showing your current address or a utility bill dated within the last 3 months.
Proof of Income – Proof of income is required to support your application. Typically this is provided in the form of payslips or if self employed. SA302 documents.

In order to reserve a property and to prevent any further viewings, prospective tenants are required to pay a holding deposit.

Holding Deposit

Once our landlord has accepted your application, a holding deposit will be required to secure the property and commence the credit checks. The holding deposit can be paid using a debit card via our online payment system. Please note: the holding deposit will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s) withdraws from the tenancy application, fail a Right-to Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing). The holding deposit will be the equivalent of 1 week’s rent.

Referencing and Credit Checks

Our credit checks are carried out alongside a company called Let Alliance, who are one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the lettings industry. The credit checks will provide a detailed insight into your credit profile. The credit checks will report any adverse credit history, such as county court judgments, bankruptcies and insolvencies. Please note that the referencing agency requires you to earn 30 x 1 month’s rent in order to meet the affordability check (e.g. 30 x £600pcm = £18,000p.a.)

The credit checks will also obtain information on previous residency addresses, electoral roll data and demographic cameo information.

Security with Bank Verification – This additional check verifies that the account details are genuine and highlights potential fraudulent data.

Landlord references – VitalSpace will obtain a reference from your current and sometimes previous landlord/agent. The information we request will determine if the rent has been paid on time or if there are any outstanding rent owed, if the property has been maintained and looked after during the tenancy term by the tenant and if there have been any reported issues involving anti-social behaviour.

Employers references – VitalSpace will obtain a reference from your current employer and sometimes previous employment. The information we request will confirm your annual salary, including any bonuses, commencement date of employment and the contract length or employment status.

NB: We cannot under any circumstances, divulge to you any information obtained during the credit reference process other than to say that it was satisfactory or not satisfactory.

Photographic Inventory

An inventory will be prepared by a member of our team detailing the fixtures and fittings in the Property together with their condition. You will be required to sign a copy of the electronic inventory confirming that you agree with the inventory and the comments regarding condition. This inventory will also be used at all inspections and the check-out to assess any damage or dilapidations to the Property. With allowances made for fair wear and tear, any damage noted or cleaning required will be charged to the outgoing tenant(s). It is therefore strongly advised that you check through the inventory carefully and ensure that you are in agreement with it at the outset of the tenancy.

Upon receipt of the inventory you will be given 7 days to make any further comments or alterations. If we do not hear from you within this time, it will be assumed that you are in agreement with the comments in the inventory and further inventory alterations will be restricted.

Household Bills

All VitalSpace tenancies are exclusive of utility bills, water rates, gas, electric and Council Tax bills unless otherwise stated. All tenants renting with ourselves benefit, at no extra charge, from our Home Setup Service which comprises arranging change of occupation notifications for council tax and utilities, as well as setting up optional services such as broadband, TV, phone, and/or where requested other home or move related needs such as storage or removals (known as “Home Setup Services”). The Home Setup Service is provided on our behalf by Ethical Introductions Limited (t/a Just Move In). Please note that in order to arrange and confirm the scope of the Home Setup Service to be provided, you will be contacted by telephone, text or email by Just Move In.

Rent Payments

Rent is payable monthly and in advance. You will be required to establish a standing order arrangement with the Landlord or managing agent’s bank. Bank details will be provided to you at the move in appointment.

Start searching today for your dream home

At VitalSpace, our dedicated staff will go the extra mile to help you find the property of your dreams. Our experienced staff have insightful knowledge regarding local properties enabling you to acquire the most suitable home available. Whatever the type of property or special requirements you may have why not give us a call and let us know what you’re looking for!

Alternatively, you can browse through our available properties using the search facility on this website.

Arrange your free valuation

Our property experts are flexible and can visit your property at a time that suits you. We also offer out of hours appointments.

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VitalSpace Estate Agents (a trading name of VitalSpace Sales Limited) 22 flixton Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 5AA | Registered in England 06595585 | VAT Number 980295690