Tenants Guide
Banc Property Group is proud to be an approved Property Guild agent, so you can be sure of best practice when you rent with us, including helpful advice and complete transparency of charges.
Whether you're a first-time renter or experienced tenant, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the renting process.
Fixing a Budget
- Letting agents have strict affordability guidelines, usually based on a percentage of your yearly salary
- Commission and overtime are not generally counted, though savings can be considered in certain circumstances
- Contact us before making an offer to ensure your budget meets our criteria
- Remember to budget for bills as well as rent: council tax, contents insurance, utilities, cable, travel, and parking
Pro Tips
Working Out Your Requirements
Before you start your search, consider the following:
- Location — town, rural, close to schools, transport links, shops, or countryside (see our Area Guides)
- Property size — how many bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms do you need?
- Furnishing — furnished, unfurnished, or flexible on either
- Occupants — who will be living there, including ages of any children
- Pets — do you have any pets that will be moving with you?
- Tenancy length — how long are you looking to rent for?
- Timing — do you have a specific move-in date or are you flexible?
- Credit history — do you have any adverse credit history to declare?
Pro Tips
Viewing Properties
- Take a notepad and prepare questions in advance
- Ask about fixtures, fittings, the neighbourhood, and the landlords
- The rental market moves quickly — make viewing times a priority and arrive promptly
- Stay in the neighbourhood afterwards to soak up the atmosphere and explore local amenities
- Do a dummy-run of your commute if the area is unfamiliar to you
Pro Tips
Applying for a Tenancy
- All offers must be submitted through the letting agent
- Provide full details of all prospective tenants
- Specify any fixtures or fittings you would like included
- State your proposed moving date and preferred tenancy length
- Disclose details of any children and pets
- Provide two forms of ID for all tenants and guarantors (passport plus a utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old)
- Complete Banc tenancy application forms and provide references
- Remember that all offers are subject to satisfactory references and agreement of the tenancy agreement
Pro Tips
Signing the Tenancy Agreement
- Three identical copies of the tenancy agreement will be provided
- Read the agreement carefully, sign all copies, and return them promptly
- Ask questions before signing if anything is unclear — the agreement is legally binding once signed
- Transfer your first rental payment and security deposit at least 48 hours before moving
- Arrange a convenient time to take possession of the property
- Moving day is when most agreements are signed and keys are released
Moving Day Checklist
Pro Tips
Utilities
- Please note that rent does NOT include utilities. You will be responsible for setting up and paying for:
- Gas and electricity supply and usage
- Water rates and sewerage charges
- Council tax (determined by your local authority)
- TV Licence
- Telephone line rental and call charges
- Internet and broadband services
Pro Tips
Tenant Fees
Holding Deposit
Holds the property for 14 days. Withheld if you withdraw, fail Right to Rent checks, give false or misleading information, or do not sign the tenancy agreement in time.
Security Deposit
Six weeks where the annual rent is over £50,000. Protected in a government-authorised scheme and returned at the end of the tenancy, subject to the condition of the property.
Set-up, referencing and additional tenant
Referencing for up to two tenants — identity, immigration and visa checks, credit checks, employer and landlord references — plus negotiating and arranging the tenancy agreement. No charge to the tenant.
Inventory and Schedule of Condition
Preparing the inventory, explaining how appliances work and taking meter readings. Dependent on the size of the property.
Amendment Fee
Contract negotiation, amending terms and updating your tenancy agreement during the tenancy. Changes you request are capped at £50, or reasonable costs if higher.
Early Termination
Where you ask to leave early. This cannot exceed the financial loss the landlord suffers or the reasonable costs the agent has incurred in agreeing it.
Lost Keys or Security Devices
Plus the cost of a locksmith should the locks need to be changed.
Call-outs caused by the tenant
Where your actions result in the agent or a nominated contractor attending the property, time to put it right is charged at the prevailing rate plus any actual costs.
Late Rent
Only where written into the tenancy agreement, and only on rent more than 14 days overdue, for each day it stays outstanding.
Download the full Fees to Tenants schedule (PDF)All fees are inclusive of VAT where applicable. These fees are accurate as of the Tenant Fees Act 2019. For any questions about fees or charges, please contact our lettings team who will be happy to help.
Property Guild Approved Agent
Banc Property Group is proud to be an approved Property Guild agent, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to best practice, professional standards, and complete transparency in all our lettings services. When you rent with us, you can be confident you're working with a trusted, accredited agency.