The very first step when renting a property is to let people know you are actively looking. Register your details with us either by phone, by email or using our online form so that we can look out for suitable properties for you to view. Be sure to include any special requirements or preferences you may have and state your current employment status. Although we are registered with the council, we very rarely get Landlords who are able to take on a tenant receiving housing benefit.
When searching for a new home it can be a daunting process, but there are a few things to bear in mind when viewing properties:
If you would prefer to speak to an agent, rather than speaking to your Landlord direct, you should look for properties that are managed by the letting agent. This will mean that the agent will act as a middle man and will deal with any issues that may arise, any maintenance work that may need doing, carry out periodic inspections of the property and will liaise with you and your Landlord regarding all of these things. If a property is managed, the rent would be paid to the agent and we would then forward it to your Landlord, some people feel more secure working this way.
When viewing a property it is difficult to know what will make you stand out from the other applicants who may all rush in and want the property too. In the event that there are several people keen on putting a deposit down on the same property, it is down to us to assess the applicants and try to decide who would be the most suitable, which will lead to some rejection. To make yourself stand out as a potential tenant, consider these things:
Now you have viewed several properties and have found one which you feel would make a perfect home! It is time to put forward an offer to the Letting Agent which they will discuss with the Landlord. If you are going to put in an offer below the asking rent price, be realistic and remember the property is being advertised in line with current market conditions and / or according to the Landlords affordability so there may not be room for negotiation.
Your offer has been agreed and now you will need to go through referencing. Our external referencing company will carry out extensive checks on you and all other tenants (over the age of 18) who will reside in the property with you. Anyone not referenced (with the exception of those under 18) will not be permitted to live in the property. The referencing company will obtain information from your current Landlord / Letting Agent, your Place of Work and also view your credit file.
All the relevant checks have been carried out and passed, which means you have secured the property. All that is left to do at this stage is to pay the remainder of your deposit, (see tenant fees) sign the Tenancy Agreement and be checked in at the property by either the Agent or your new Landlord at which point you will be given the keys to your new home.
428 Downham Way
Bromley
Kent
BR1 5HR
0208 697 8871
enquiries@descotia.com
315 Camberwell road
Camberwell
London
SE5 0HQ
0203 434 2315
enquiries@descotia.com