Step 3 of 5

Apply and sort your references

You've found a place you love, but what happens next? Here's how to make an application, check your rental contract and get your deposit ready to go.

Making an application

The letting agent will need to check your references and run some background checks. Let's get the paperwork sorted and keep things moving forward.

  • Everything you need to know about rental references and credit checks, including low credit scores, renting with a guarantor and renting from overseas.

  • You've found a property to rent. So what happens next? From references for moving in to final inventory checks when moving out, we've got all the info you need.

Understanding your rental contract

About to sign on the dotted line? Here's how to understand your rental contract and what to double check before you go ahead.

  • About to enter a new rental agreement? Here's how to understand your contract and what to look out for before you sign on the dotted line.

  • Those perplexing property phrases and tenancy terms explained, so you can rent without a worry.

Paying the deposit and tenancy fees

Most tenancy fees are now banned but you'll need to put a security deposit down. Here's the lowdown on what you need to pay and when.

  • Moving to a new rental home? Here are the laws around your deposit and how your landlord must keep it safe it with a government deposit protection scheme.

  • It's illegal for letting agents and landlords to charge certain fees to renters. Here's a breakdown of what you can and cannot be charged as a renter.