A guide for Tenants

We don’t see why renting should be complicated. When you find a place through us we’ll make things as easy as we can, starting with a quick guide to the process.

Step 1: Decide on the basics

The more you know about what you want, the easier your search will be. Before you even start looking, make a list of what’s important to you. Consider whether you want a house or flat and what areas that appeal to you.

Size and Type

A few things to consider:

• House or flat
• How many bedrooms? Do you need a spare room?
• Do you want outside space like a balcony or garden?

Area

Probably the most important question. Do you want to live near your work? Take some time at a weekend to walk around and get a feel for the areas you’re considering. We have houses and flat across the city of Brighton & Hove. Country and town properties in the Lewes area. We also have properties in the surrounding areas .It can be helpful to make a list of postcodes or even streets that you’d consider to narrow down your search.

Transport links

For some people, this is even more important than the area itself. Do you want to walk or cycle to work. Use the bus,train or car. If you have a car is the area you are looking at in a parking zone if so, is there a waiting list for permits. Is the area you are considering near a train station. Is there a good bus service.

Budget

Ah! The big question. Set yourself a price range. Our properties are adverised with rent at per callender month. Please note that our referencing company uses the following calculation as a guide:- Your salary will need to be at least 30 X the monthly rent e.g 30 X £1000 pcm (rent) = £30,000. So you would need a single or joint salary of £ 30,000 per anum to afford a property with a rent of £ 1000 pcm.

Step 2: Start looking

Once you know what you’re after, it’s time to start looking for your new home up. Bear in mind that most landlords are looking for tenants who can move in within 2-4 weeks. If you won’t be ready to move by then, it might be worth waiting.

Use our online search to find a house or flat that fit your requirements. If you register your details with us we’ll email you details of homes that match what you’re looking for.

Our database is regularly updated, so you’ll always see the latest houses or flats available.

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly agents to discus your requirements.

Step 3: Look around the places you like

Once you’ve found a house or flat you are interest in viewing we can make a viewing appointment so you can get a real feel for the place.

It is ideal if you can if you make an appointment as soon as possible as properties can go quickly but we are open a Saturday.

Step 5: Sign the tenancy agreement

We’ll handle the paperwork and provide a tenancy agreement for you to sign. It’s legally binding, so make sure you read it carefully. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

Among other things, it will tell you:

• The duration of tenancy – the minimum length of time you agree to rent for
• How much rent you will pay, and how often
• Your responsibilities regarding bills and maintenance
• Your rights as a tenant
• Your landlord’s responsibilities

Step 6: Move in!

On the day of your move in or just before we will arrange for you to meet one of our agents at our offices to sign the paperwork’s

The keys can be taken on the day you sign the tenancy as long as that is the commencement date of your tenancy.

Where possible we use an independent inventory company at the beginning and end of all our tenancies, to make sure that the inventory is accurate and fair

The inventory details the condition and items in the property. Please note that the items must be left in the property as detailed on the inventory.

Welcome to your new home!