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🏡 Tenant Application Process 

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1. 📞 Book a Viewing

  • Contact us to arrange a viewing

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2.📝Submit a Note of Interest

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After a viewing,

If you wish to apply for the property, you will be asked to submit a note of interest, this will be forwarded onto the landlord to decide if they wish to proceed with an application. 

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3. 📝Submit a Rental Application

You’ll usually be asked to provide:

  • Photo ID (passport, driver’s licence)

  • Proof of Right to Rent in the UK (mandatory under UK law)

  • Proof of income 

  • References (employer and previous landlord)

  • Credit check consent

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4. 💳 Pay a Holding Deposit

  • You will be asked to pay a holding deposit (max 1 week’s rent) to reserve the property

  • The property is then taken off the market while referencing checks are done

  • This deposit will be deducted from the first months rent, however, the agent has the right to retain the holding deposit if you the applicant is found to have:

    • Provided false or misleading information

    • Cancelled your application 

    • Failed referencing for something you didn’t disclose at the start

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5. 🕵️ Tenant Referencing Checks

We will carry out the following:

  • Credit check

  • Employment verification (salary usually must be 2.5–3× the rent)

  • Landlord reference (to confirm previous conduct/rent payments)

  • Affordability assessment (especially if on benefits or zero-hours contracts)

📌 You may be asked to provide a UK-based guarantor 

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6. 💰 Pay the Deposit and Rent in Advance

  • Security deposit: Max 5 weeks' rent (or 6 if annual rent is over £50,000)

  • First month's rent: Paid upfront

  • Deposit will be registered in the government-approved scheme DPS

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7. 📑 Sign the Tenancy Agreement

  • Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

  • Read carefully and check:

    • Rent due date

    • Length of tenancy and notice period

    • Who is responsible for what (repairs, bills, garden, etc.)

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8. 🏠 Inventory & Move-In

  • You’ll receive a check-in inventory report (detailing the condition of the property) and the following compliance documents:

    • Gas Safety Certificate

    • EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

    • How to Rent guide 

    • Deposit protection certificate & prescribed information 

    • EICR​

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✅ Tips for Tenants

  • Be honest in your application to avoid losing your holding deposit

  • If using a guarantor, they usually need to be a UK homeowner with strong credit and  3 x the rent salary or savings.​​

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If you have any questions about our process, please get in touch with one of the team

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🏡Tenant’s Guide to Renting Residential Property in the UK 

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🔍 Finding a Property

  • Use trusted websites or letting agents (e.g. Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket).

  • Ensure the agent is registered with a redress scheme (mandatory in England).

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📄 Check the Tenancy Type

  • Most private rentals are Assured Short hold Tenancies (ASTs).

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📋 Questions to Ask

  • How much is the rent and deposit?

  • What bills are included?

  • Who is responsible for maintenance?

  • Are pets allowed?

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🧾 Permitted Fees

  • Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England), you can only be charged for:

  • Rent

  • Refundable tenancy deposit (max 5 weeks’ rent)

  • Refundable holding deposit (max 1 week’s rent)

  • Fees for tenant-requested changes, key loss, late rent

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🔍 Tenant Checks

  • The agent may:

  • Conduct reference and credit checks

  • Ask for ID and proof of income

  • Check your Right to Rent (legal requirement in England)

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✍️ 2. Signing the Tenancy Agreement

  • Read the AST carefully. It outlines rent, duration, responsibilities, and rules.

  • Ask for clarification on anything unclear.

  • Get a copy of the agreement signed by both parties.

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📦 Documents You Must Receive by Law:

  • How to Rent Guide (latest government version)

  • Gas Safety Certificate

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

  • Deposit Protection Scheme details and Prescribed Information

  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

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💷 3. Paying the Deposit and Moving In

💰 Your Deposit Must Be Protected

  • In England, the landlord must protect it in a government-approved scheme 

  • You must receive:

    • Scheme details

    • Prescribed information

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🛠️ Inventory & Condition Report

  • Review the inventory carefully.

  • Take photos of each room before moving in.

  • Report discrepancies immediately.

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🧑‍🔧 4. During the Tenancy

🧹 Your Responsibilities:

  • Pay rent and bills on time.

  • Keep the property clean and undamaged.

  • Report maintenance issues promptly.

  • Allow access for inspections/repairs (with 24h notice).

  • Respect neighbours and avoid anti-social behaviour.

  • Don’t sublet or make alterations without permission.

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🛠️ Landlord’s Responsibilities:

  • Keep the structure safe and in repair.

  • Ensure gas/electrical safety.

  • Maintain heating, hot water, sanitation.

  • Protect your deposit.

  • Carry out repairs in a timely way.

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📅 5. Ending the Tenancy

  • Giving Notice:

  • Fixed-term tenancy: You can leave at the end with 1 month’s notice (unless otherwise stated).

  • Periodic tenancy: Give at least 1 month’s written notice (or as per agreement).

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Moving Out Checklist:

  • Clean the property thoroughly.

  • Remove all belongings.

  • Take final meter readings.

  • Return all keys.

  • Attend the check-out inspection

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Getting Your Deposit Back:

  • You’re entitled to your full deposit unless there’s:

    • Unpaid rent

    • Damage (beyond fair wear and tear)

    • Missing items or poor cleanliness

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I would highly recommend MAS Lettings & Management Ltd as one of the best housing agencies . In particular, I would like to commend Ms. Michelle for her exceptional professionalism and dedication to ensuring the satisfaction of tenants.

 

As a tenant of MAS Lettings, I have experienced first hand the outstanding level of service provided by Ms. Michelle. She is not only friendly and approachable but also always available to address any needs or queries promptly. Her commitment to resolving tenants' issues efficiently and effectively has truly made my experience as a tenant a positive one.

 

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Alexa Young, CA

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