To assist our tenants, here at Knightingale, we have collated a number of our best pieces of advice to assist you in finding the best property for you to rent which meets all of your criteria. If you have any questions or queries on any of the below points, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our experts as we would be more than happy to help.

Location, Location, Location…

We understand the location of the property is the most important element for the majority of people looking to rent as it plays a big factor in your use and enjoyment of the property you are looking to rent. A number of elements you should consider are as follows:

Transport for work, social and/or family reasons

Are you close to the areas you most frequent i.e. your place of work, family and/or friends? Is the property close to a main road/motorway for easy access for long commutes? If trains are used, is the property within walking distance to a train station/underground station? Certain properties may not be feasible if they cause too much of an inconvenience in your ability to travel from ‘A’ to ‘B’.

Local Area/Amenities

What is in the local vicinity? Does it cover everything you need? For example, is there a local doctors surgery, a supermarket, dentist, school etc. What amenities are needed and/or of value to you? If they are nearby the property, it may be deemed more desirable than having to utilise a car or public transport to visit such amenities.

We would always advise you do your research in relation to amenities such as the above before taking the plunge and deciding on a property.

Considering a Viewing – Be quick!

Such is the demand within the letting market at the moment, we are finding that properties are not staying on the letting market for very long and therefore, we strongly advise that if you find a property you like, please get in touch and try to book a viewing as quickly as you can.

Our experts at Knightingale are very flexible, pragmatic and understanding to all personal situations and we are here to help you find the best property that works for you and your circumstances. Once you get in touch, we will look to agree a time which works for all parties to enable you to view the property alongside any questions/queries you may have.

Our experts have great knowledge of the local area and would be able to help with any queries relating to the areas the properties are situated, ensuring you are equipped with as much information as possible before making your final decision.

Found the One? Time to Make an offer of Rent.

If on viewing (or if you are comfortable without needing a viewing), you’ve decided on the next step of your property journey and wish to proceed, it would then be time for you to put in an offer to the Landlord via Knightingale. We would work with you and the Landlord to ensure your offer is circulated in good time. If accepted, we will work with you in relation to next steps regarding relevant forms and rent formalities as soon as practicably possible. For reference, there is usually a holding deposit payable, often up to on weeks’ rent whilst all paperwork is being finalised.

Once the team at Knightingale have been able to finalise all reference and due diligence formalities in relation to your application (this including carrying out background checks on your tenant record by contacting previous landlords and/or employers), the respective documentation would be sent to you for signing, alongside a request for the full deposit. Rest assured, your deposit would be fully protected as it would be lodged with an approved tenancy deposit scheme.

As a Tenant – What are you expected to do?

Please note the following points (which are not exhaustive) would be some of the elements you would be expected to keep on top whilst you are renting the property:

1. Payment of Rent – you will be responsible, as part of your tenancy agreement to continue paying the agreed monthly rent on the respective payment date.

2. Payment of Utility (and other property associated) Bills – Usually, as the tenant, you would be responsible to cover all respective utility bills affecting the property, including council tax, electricity, water and gas. If applicable, the tenant would also be responsible for any TV licence, internet/telephone/Sky/TV packages which may have been set up and ongoing at the property during the tenancy. Unless stated otherwise, it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay bills, this includes water, gas and electricity. A tenant must also pay Council Tax, TV license and may need to pay for a phone line and internet/TV packages if required.

3. General maintenance of the property – it would usually be the tenant’s responsibility to look after the property (as if it were their own) on a day to day. This is even more important if the property has furnishings included within the tenancy. All general elements of the property would also need looking after including keeping carpets clean, garden areas tidy, windows cleaned and changing light bulbs etc. The Agent and/or the Landlord would usually carry out regular inspections of the property during the tenancy and may fine you if the property is seen to be a poor condition.

4. Reporting any damage/required repairs to the Landlord – the tenant would be expected to inform the Landlord, usually via the Agent (such as Knightingale) of any repairs which may be required at the property e.g. repairs to the showers, cooker, roof, windows etc.

Please contact the local experts at Knightingale Lettings if you have any queries in relation to any of the points mentioned above.