A Guide to Renting

The first step to finding the right property is to register with our lettings team by telephoning or via email. Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements you will receive a selection of properties that match your criteria.

We will then keep you updated via email and telephone on any new properties that match your needs as they become available.

Once you have made your decision and chosen a property we will put your offer forward to the Landlord including any specific requirements you may have.

Once your offer has been agreed a holding deposit capped at one weeks rent is required. Please note: The holding deposit will be non-refundable if:

• An applicant or guarantor withdraws from the tenancy application or fails to take reasonable steps to enter into a tenancy within the agreed timescale
• An applicant fails a Right to Rent check
• An applicant or guarantor provides false or misleading information

The Holding Deposit does not constitute the offer of acceptance of a tenancy until such time as successful referencing is completed and the Tenancy Agreement is signed and executed by both parties. We will liaise with you to agree on a start date for the tenancy.

You will be asked to verify your identity and current addres­s requesting you provide two original identification documents (not photocopies faxes or internet printouts):

• Identity:either a current and valid full passport (certified copies must show nationality, place and date of birth, passport number, expiry date, photograph and signature) or photographic driving licence (both parts)
• Home address:for example a household utility bill (eg gas, electric, water or fixed line telephone but not a mobile phone bill). It must be no more than three months old and show your name and current address

We will then arrange for you to complete an online application which will:

• guide you through the referencing process
• keep you up to date on progress
• complete the tenancy agreement and all associated paperwork
• collect the initial move in monies

We use Goodlord who undertake referencing and credit checks for both applicants and Guarantors (if a Guarantor is necessary) as Landlord’s always seek reassurance about the Tenants suitability. The referencing agent will contact you directly and some or all of the following documents may be required:

• References from previous landlords – you may be asked to give the details of where you have lived within the last 3 years
• A credit check – this will allow them to see if you have a good history of paying your bills
• Your bank details – including bank name, account number and sort-code
• Details of your employment – your employer, job title, payroll number, salary, previous employer, etc

Depending on the outcome from the referencing company for example your earnings or overall financial position may require you to provide a Guarantor. The guarantor will be required to undergo credit referencing – to ensure they have sufficient earnings to cover the overall rent commitments in the event that you, as the tenant, are unable to pay your rent. To comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, Northwood reserves the right to use an on line anti money laundering service to verify the identity of a customer. Electronic Verification does not require consent prior to a search taking place but does require notification.  Electronic Verification leaves a non credit footprint of the search history on the customer’s credit file.

A copy of the Agreement is always available, which Tenants should read thoroughly then raise any questions or queries before moving in.

Before you move in we require cleared funds in our account. This consists of:

• first month’s rent (less the holding deposit)
• Security deposit (capped at 5 weeks rent)

Your Security deposit will be secure and protected in a government backed scheme as Bowes Mitchell are members of The Deposit Protection Scheme to satisfy this legal requirement. Non managed deposits should be registered by the Landlord normally with The Deposit Protection Service or one of the other government backed schemes.

Most properties have a related schedule of condition & contents, which is generally known as an Inventory which prepares for the end of the Tenancy at the beginning!