Are you looking for a property to let? Read our Tenant Guide to the Rental Process for useful information on every step of the rental journey, from arranging viewings, paying deposits, obtaining references and signing leases.
A Tenants Guide - The Rental Process
If you're renting a home for the first time, or haven't rented a property through Rettie before, this useful guide takes you through the process, from arranging a viewing to organising deposits and references and once your referencing has been approved, signing the lease and going through the inventory.
- Arranging a Viewing
We offer flexible daytime appointments and virtual viewings to fit around busy lives. Please note that many of our properties are advertised whilst tenants are still in situ, therefore it is advisable to contact us at least 48 hours before you wish to view, so that we can give our tenants plenty of notice. To arrange a viewing please get in touch with our team.
- Noting Interest / How to Apply
Once we have found the right property for you, the next stage in the process is to register your interest in the property. We require information on all potential tenants and gather all applications to send to the landlord. Once we get the owner’s approval, we'll contact all applicants with the outcome of their decision. If you're unsuccessful, we'll retain your details for similar properties which suit your search criteria. You can provide us with this, so we are matching you with the most suitable properties.
- Deposits
The next step is to take a deposit from you in order to secure the property and take it off the market. If for any reason your tenancy doesn't proceed this deposit will be retruned to you. We'll ensure this is transferred to an approved tenancy deposit schemes (Rettie is required to do this within 30 days of the tenancy starting), where it will be held for the duration of the tenancy. Your deposit will be returned to you following our final inspection of the property when you vacate, subject to any agreed deductions.
- Referencing
We offer our landlords peace of mind by carrying out thorough referencing on all of our tenants before they move in. All our referencing is carried out by a registered referencing agency. The type of references we require depend on your individual circumstances, but our standard referencing procedure involves completing our application form and providing us with:
- One form of photographic identification, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
- Two most recent monthly salary slips, or a letter from your employer confirming your position within the company and your salary.
- Three years proof of address in the form of utility bills, bank statements, etc.
- If you're self employed you'll need to provide three years of accounts, or your accountants contact details so that we can contact them directly.
- If you don't meet the earning criteria, are a student, or if you have just relocated to Scotland and you've not secured employment yet, we're able to continue your application with a UK based guarantor. If you don't have a UK based guarantor, you may be asked to pay 6 months’ rent upfront.
- Lease Signing
Once all the referencing has been approved, your lease will be emailed to you for e-signature. Your first month’s rent will be due on or before the date of entry. This is usually paid by debit or credit card or bank transfer, in advance of you collecting your keys.
- Inventory
You'll be sent a copy of the invetory report on the day you move in. This is a list of all the items in the property and their condition. You must go through the inventory thoroughly to make sure that you're happy with its content and return it to us with any amendments within seven days. If you don't return your inventory to us we'll assume that you're in agreement with its content and this will stand when it comes to you vacating the property.
If you've any questions, or would like to find out more about renting a property through Rettie, please get in touch with your local team today.