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TENANT GUIDE
If you are at the beginning of the process of looking for your next rental property it can seem like there is an endless list of choices and tasks to get done. In your busy schedule time can really run away from you. Fortunately Shields & Rowland are here to help. Not just with the search but every step of the process. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the perfect new property, as well as making sure that you are as informed as you can be in order to make a good decision that will leave you happy in your new home.
Defining your search
Likely the most important place to start is knowing what you are looking for. Making a list of your base requirements should be your first port of call, such as number of bedrooms, rate of rent you can afford, distance from stations or your place of work, areas you like, near by amenities. This may be the first point at which you feel a bit lost, maybe your requirements are quite relaxed, or it may be your first rental and you just aren't sure yet. Fortunately Shields & Rowland are here to do more than just show great properties. Use our affordability calculator to get an idea of what you can afford, use our area guides to get a feel for the areas we service and of course we are always available by phone or email to help you narrow down your search. Once you have decided what you are looking for, you will find out properties with ease here on our website, or on all the major property portals. Register with us to get updates when new properties matching your criteria become available and to view your saved properties.
Making an offer
After attending viewings with one of our agents and having found a property that is perfect for you, it is time to make an offer. This is where you might want to add some extra details and requests for us to pass to the landlord of the property. Details around furnishing level, or if there are any minor requests like a new coat of paint etc. Further, and most importantly you will need details of the rental amount you would like to offer, the date you would like to move in and how long you would like the tenancy to be. At this stage you can leave things with us. We will contact the landlord with you offer and discuss the details, then come back to you with and revised offer the landlord proposes.
Referencing, Documents & Payments
Once your offer has been accepted by the landlord, we will run a reference check. Getting your referees prepared at an early stage of your tenancy process will mean you can move swiftly during this stage. In most circumstances the references will be carried out by an independent referencing agency, the details of which we can provide upon request in advance of the checks being undertaken. The required Right to Rent checks (as part of The Immigration Act 2014) will always be carried out during the process and it is required that we take copies of all tenants' passports and visas (if required) before the start of their new tenancy. Once all the referencing is completed, we will send you the tenancy documents to read through and sign. At this stage deposits (held under TDS) and first months rent will be arranged to be paid.
Congratulations
It is now time to arrange to collect the keys and move into your new property. While this is the end of the process, Shields & Rowland are always on hand to answer any further questions you have, and if your property is managed by S&R we look forward to making sure that your tenancy runs smoothly and that your property is maintained to the highest of standards.