Finding rented accommodation to suit you couldn’t be simpler when you choose Petty Son and Prestwich. However, there are still a few stages to the process, so we thought it’d be a good idea to put together a quick tenants guide to renting so that you can see each of the steps in full.

This guide to renting a house or flat will help you better understand each stage of the renting process and give you some insight into what you’ll need in order to successfully secure the right home for you.

So, without further ado, let’s get started with our step-by-step home renters guide.

Step 1: Getting things together

Before you begin searching for property to rent, it’s worth taking stock and doing a little groundwork first. This step won’t take long to complete, but it will make a big difference to how smoothly the renting process goes for you.

First up, give some thought to your circumstances. How long do you want to rent for? What’s your budget? Do you have a specific area in mind? Answering as many questions like these as you can will give you a clearer picture on how to proceed with your search for rented accommodation.

Next, you should begin to gather up all of the necessary documentation. You’ll need paperwork to confirm your identity, employment status, credit history, and immigration status should this be applicable. It’s also worth securing references at this stage too.

Getting all these things together before filing an application to rent will save you time later on. It could even be the difference between getting the property you want and missing out.

Step 2: Register with us

Now that you have all the paperwork ready and have a clear idea on affordability and area, it’s time to register your interest with us. This is a simple process that can be done in a number of ways.

The quickest and easiest option is to use our Tenant Registration Form, but you can also give us a call or pop into one of our offices, if you’d prefer.

Step 3: Searching for your new home

What suits one person may not necessarily be your cup of tea, so the search for rented accommodation is different for everyone. We’ll speak to you about your own personal requirements and send you relevant properties as and when they come to us. This will save you the hassle of trawling through dozens of homes that simply do not suit your needs.

Naturally, our website will also showcase all of our properties too, so you’re only ever a click away from seeing exactly what we have to offer.

Step 4: Arrange a viewing (or several!)

So, you’ve spotted a few potential candidates, have you? Well, there’s no time like the present, give us a call! We’ll arrange a viewing for you and accompany you to the property too. This will give you the opportunity to ask all of the questions you may have about the rented accommodation you’re looking at.

Step 5: Make an offer

If the viewing goes well, the next step is to make the landlord an offer. As the areas we serve are so sought after, we recommend getting in touch with us to make your offer as quickly as possible. Our stock moves fast, and we’d hate to see you miss out on a home you’d set your heart on.

Once we receive your offer, we’ll ask you to complete an application for tenancy. This part of the rental process gives the landlord all the details they need and enables you to stipulate any special conditions you may have. Once completed, we’ll pass the tenancy application across to the landlord for you.

Step 6: Offer agreed

The landlord has taken a look at your offer and has agreed to accept you as a tenant. Nice work!

There are, however, still a couple of last minute things we’ll need to do before we set a completion date. We will need you to sign the Tenancy Agreement and pay the agreed sum (usually a set amount of rent plus your deposit) before we can finally hand you your keys and welcome you into your new home.

Step 7: Completion

Now that all of references have been checked and the relevant documentation has been signed, you can finally take charge of your keys and move in...congratulations!