Tenants Information Guide to Renting Your New Home

Step 1: Get Your Finances Ready

Before you start your property search, it’s important to prepare your budget. Renting involves more than just the monthly rent – here are the key upfront costs to expect:

Holding Deposit – usually equal to 1 week’s rent
Security Deposit – typically 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000)
First Month’s Rent

💡 Tip: The Tenant Fees Act 2019 removed many additional tenant charges, but the above costs still apply. Our full list of tenants fees can be found here

Also, consider:

How long you want to rent for (most tenancies range from 6 months to 3 years)
Your total monthly budget, including bills and council tax
Getting your documents ready: ID, proof of address (dated within 3 months), and immigration status if applicable

Step 2: Find the Right Property

Choose a letting agent you trust—Julie Philpot Lettings is here to help you every step of the way with honest advice and local expertise.

Here’s how to start your search:

Browse our available properties here
Register with us to receive alerts as soon as new homes become available
Speak to our team—we’ll listen to your needs and help match you to the right property

📝 Before viewing, ask yourself:

What’s my realistic monthly budget?
When do I want to move in?
Am I ready to act fast if I find the perfect home?

Step 3: View Your Chosen Properties

The rental market moves quickly, so act fast when a property catches your eye. Viewings can be arranged in person or by video tour.

🔍 What to check during a viewing:

Does the space suit your lifestyle and furniture?
Are there storage options and amenities close by that suit your needs?
What’s the mobile and broadband signal like?
Who will manage the tenancy – Julie Philpot or the landlord?
Will any work be done before you move in?

If you love the property, we’ll guide you through the next steps. You’ll need to complete a pre-application form, which we will share with the landlord. If the landlord agrees in principle, we’ll then invite you to place a holding deposit to secure the property and begin the referencing process.

Step 4: Apply for the Tenancy

Once you’re ready, we’ll begin the referencing and application process. This includes:

3 years of address history
Landlord references (if you’ve rented before)
Proof of income – typically 30x the monthly rent annually
Credit checks (we’ll let you know what’s needed)
For self-employed tenants: accountant’s reference or 3 years of tax returns

📄 Once references are approved:

You’ll receive your tenancy agreement – a legal document outlining everyone’s rights and responsibilities
You’ll pay your deposit and first month’s rent
Your deposit will be protected in a government-approved scheme, and you’ll get full confirmation within 30 days

🏠 Keys will be released once everything is signed and paid—and your new home is officially yours!

Need Help?

Our friendly team at Julie Philpot Lettings is here to answer any questions and guide you from your first enquiry to move-in day. Start your search with confidence—renting made simple with Julie Philpot.