Set a realistic monthly budget that includes rent, council tax, utilities and other living costs. Remember to allow for a holding deposit and tenancy deposit before you move in.
Make a list of your priorities, such as bedrooms, outdoor space, parking, pet-friendly options and transport links. This helps narrow your search to properties that suit your lifestyle. Keep in mind that parking isn’t always available, so if it’s important to you, be sure to check whether on-street parking is an option.
West London neighbourhoods each offer something different from Brook Green's family-friendly feel and fantastic schools to Hammersmith's excellent transport links or the variety of shops, restaurants and transport links available at Shepherds Bush. Explore the areas to find the best fit for your needs.
Registering your details with a local agent means you hear about suitable properties that match your requirements as soon as they come up, often before they reach the property portals.
When viewing a property, it's worth asking:
Once you’ve found a property to rent, the next step is to put forward an offer along with your preferred move-in date and details of who will be living at the property. If your offer is accepted, the Lettings team will begin the progress of getting everything ready for the tenancy to commence. This includes referencing checks and issuing the Tenancy Agreement for signature.
Referencing typically covers:
Tenant payments in England are capped by law under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. The payments a tenant should expect to make are mentioned below. Beyond these, there shouldn't be admin fees, referencing fees or renewal fees. Any other charge, such as a change of sharer, is capped by law and should be explained upfront before it's agreed to.
Holding deposit - Capped at one week’s rent, paid to pause marketing while referencing is completed.
Tenancy deposit - Usually five weeks' rent, which should be protected in a government-approved scheme (such as TDS Custodial) for the length of the tenancy.
Rent - Paid monthly in advance, as set out in the tenancy agreement.
The tenancy agreement sets out the rent, the length of the tenancy (if applicable), the start date of the tenancy and what's expected of both tenant and landlord. Everyone named on the agreement who is 18 or over needs to sign it. You should read it carefully before signing, particularly the sections on notice periods and any special conditions such as redecoration or pets.
Whether you're a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, managing a property day-to-day can be tough. We take the pressure off – keeping your tenants happy and your property compliant.
We thoroughly check references so you can feel confident that your tenants are reliable and a good fit.
We handle tenancy agreements, inventories, and all compliance requirements before move-in.
We handle collecting payments, chasing arrears, and managing deposit supervision.
Your tenants can contact us directly about maintenance, repairs or issues – saving you time and reducing stress.
Before move-in, an independent inventory is usually carried out, recording the condition of the property and everything in it. It's worth taking additional photos on move-in day and flagging anything not already noted within the first few days and share with the Agent. This is used at the end of the tenancy to agree the deposit return.
Gas, electricity and water readings should be taken on the first day and passed to the relevant suppliers along with the move-in date. You should also register for Council Tax.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested and working before move-in, with copies of the property's current gas safety certificate, EICR and EPC provided.
Once paperwork, deposit and first rent payment are all in place a time is arranged to collect keys.
Tenancies that fall within the RRA are open ended and have no expiry or fixed term. However, a landlord is entitled to increase the rent once every twelve months and if they intend to do so, the legally prescribed notice document must be served on you at least two months prior.
For rentals not covered by RRA - getting in touch before the fixed term ends is the usual first step to renewing. This typically means an additional document covering the new term and rent.
Ending a tenancy means giving written notice as set out in the agreement. The Tenancy Agreement will stipulate the notice period required and the method of service accepted. For Tenancies that fall under the Renter’s Rights Act, notice is two months to commence as of a rent due date.
It is sensible to prepare for your move out a few weeks ahead of your move out date so you can plan for moving your belongings, cleaning and any repairs. The property should be handed back in the same condition as the original inventory, allowing for fair wear and tear; utility accounts should be closed as should your Council Tax account. A check-out inventory is usually carried out and keys are returned.
Once the landlord confirms there are no deductions, the deposit is released. Where there's disagreement over cleaning or damage, deposit schemes such as TDS Custodial offer a free dispute resolution service that reviews evidence from both sides.
This applies to Tenancies that fall under the Renter’s Rights Act; for other tenancies, a deposit can only be released once there is mutual written agreement from both the landlord and the tenant, whether these include any deductions or not.
