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 are renting a home for the first time, or have not 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 ViewingChevron-down

    You can arrange a viewing of one of our properties in person, by telephone or via email. 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.

  • DepositsChevron-down

    Once we have found the right property for you, the next stage in the process is to get the owner’s approval and to take a deposit from you in order to secure the property and take it off the market. We will collect a deposit from you and 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.

  • ReferencingChevron-down

    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 are self employed you will need to provide three years of accounts, or your accountants contact details so that we can contact them directly.
    • If you have just relocated to Scotland and you have not secured employment yet, you may be asked to pay 6 months’ rent upfront.
  • Lease SigningChevron-down

    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, when you sign your lease and pick up your keys.

  • InventoryChevron-down

    You will be given an inventory when you collect your keys to your new home. 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 are happy with its content and return it to us with any amendments within seven days. If you do not return your inventory to us we will assume that you are in agreement with its content and this will stand when it comes to you vacating the property.

If you have any questions, or would like to find out more about renting a property through Rettie, please get in touch with your local team today.