Why Rent Through Us?
At Your Home Let, we understand that finding a new home is an important decision. Our friendly and experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from arranging your viewing and completing your application to moving into your new home.
We aim to make renting as straightforward and stress-free as possible while ensuring that all applications and tenancies are handled fairly, professionally and in accordance with current legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Application
Once you have found a property you would like to rent, we will ask you to complete an application and provide the information required to begin the referencing process.
We will discuss your preferred move-in date with you; however, this will remain subject to satisfactory referencing, Right to Rent checks, the landlord’s approval and completion of all necessary pre-tenancy requirements.
From 1 May 2026, new assured tenancies in the private rented sector are periodic tenancies rather than fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies.
Holding Deposit
To reserve a property while referencing and pre-tenancy checks are carried out, you may be asked to pay a refundable holding deposit of no more than the equivalent of one week’s rent.
The standard deadline for entering into the tenancy agreement is 15 days from receipt of the holding deposit, unless a different deadline is agreed with you in writing.
The holding deposit will normally be refunded or, with your agreement and once the tenancy agreement has been signed, can be put towards your tenancy deposit or first month’s rent.
In certain circumstances, a holding deposit may be retained. This may include where an applicant withdraws from the application, fails a Right to Rent check, provides false or misleading information that materially affects their suitability to rent the property, or fails to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement.
If a holding deposit is retained, you will be informed of the reason in writing in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Referencing and Right to Rent Checks
As part of your application, we will carry out referencing and affordability checks through an independent referencing provider.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Identity and Right to Rent checks
- Credit and financial checks
- Employment and income verification
- Previous or current landlord references
- Residential history
All applicants must meet the required Right to Rent requirements before a tenancy can commence.
If a guarantor is required, the guarantor will also need to complete the appropriate referencing and affordability checks.
Each application is considered individually and fairly based on the information provided, affordability, suitability for the particular property and any lawful requirements relating to the property.
Fair Access to Renting
We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and in accordance with current legislation.
Applicants will not be excluded simply because they receive benefits or have children. Applications will be considered on their individual circumstances, including affordability and suitability for the property.
We will also comply with our obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and all other applicable anti-discrimination legislation.
Pets
Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet at their rented property.
Any request will be considered in accordance with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the individual circumstances of the property. A landlord cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet and will provide a reason where a request cannot be agreed.
If you have a pet, please let us know as early as possible during your property search so that we can discuss your requirements with you.
Smoking
Smoking or vaping may not be permitted inside a property. Any requirements relating to smoking or vaping will be clearly explained and included within the terms of your tenancy agreement where applicable.
Self-Employed Applicants
If you are self-employed, we will ask you to provide suitable evidence to verify your income and affordability.
The exact documentation required will depend on your circumstances and may include accounts, tax calculations or other appropriate evidence of income.
Our referencing provider will advise you of the documents required as part of your application.
Student Applicants
Students are welcome to apply for suitable properties.
Where an applicant is unable to demonstrate sufficient regular income to meet the affordability requirements, a suitable guarantor may be required.
Any guarantor will be required to complete referencing and affordability checks and enter into the appropriate guarantee documentation.
Tenancy Deposit
Where a traditional tenancy deposit is required, the amount will be confirmed before you enter into the tenancy.
For properties with an annual rent of less than £50,000, the tenancy deposit cannot exceed five weeks’ rent. For properties with an annual rent between £50,000 and £100,000, the maximum is six weeks’ rent.
Your deposit will be protected with a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within the required legal timeframe. You will also receive the relevant prescribed information explaining where and how your deposit is protected.
Your deposit remains your money throughout the tenancy and may only be subject to lawful deductions at the end of the tenancy, for example for unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Deposit Replacement Options
Where available, you may be offered the option of a deposit replacement product instead of paying a traditional cash tenancy deposit.
Deposit replacement products are optional and are not the same as a traditional refundable tenancy deposit. Any fee or premium paid for such a product may be non-refundable, and you will remain responsible for any unpaid rent, damage or other costs for which you are liable under your tenancy.
Full terms, costs and conditions will be provided before you decide whether a deposit replacement option is suitable for you.
What Happens if There Is a Deposit Dispute at the End of the Tenancy?
If you have paid a traditional tenancy deposit and there is a disagreement over proposed deductions at the end of your tenancy, we will always try to resolve the matter fairly between you and the landlord in the first instance.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the tenancy deposit protection scheme provides a free Alternative Dispute Resolution service, subject to the scheme’s rules and both parties agreeing to use the service.
The independent adjudicator will consider the evidence provided by both parties before reaching a decision.
Inventory and Check-In
At the beginning of your tenancy, an inventory and schedule of condition may be prepared by an independent professional inventory clerk.
This provides a detailed and impartial record of the property’s condition, cleanliness, fixtures, fittings and contents at the start of your tenancy. Photographs may also be included as supporting evidence.
You will be given the opportunity to review the inventory and notify us of any discrepancies within the timeframe provided.
At the end of your tenancy, a check-out inspection may be carried out and compared with the original inventory and check-in report.
You will not be responsible for fair wear and tear. However, where damage, missing items, cleaning issues or other tenant liabilities are identified beyond reasonable fair wear and tear, the landlord may propose appropriate deductions from the tenancy deposit, supported by evidence.
When Can I Move In?
Once your referencing and Right to Rent checks have been satisfactorily completed, the landlord has approved your application and all required documentation has been completed, we will confirm arrangements for your move-in.
You will need to sign your tenancy agreement before any rent in advance can be requested or accepted.
Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, you may be asked to pay a maximum of one month’s rent in advance before your tenancy begins, together with any agreed tenancy deposit.
Please do not make firm moving arrangements until we have confirmed that your tenancy is ready to proceed.
Your Tenancy
From 1 May 2026, new assured tenancies in the private rented sector are periodic tenancies. This means your tenancy continues on a rolling basis, usually monthly where rent is paid monthly, rather than having a fixed end date.
You will receive written information setting out the terms of your tenancy and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Utilities and Council Tax
Unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise, you will normally be responsible for the relevant household bills associated with the property from the start of your tenancy. These may include:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water and sewerage
- Council Tax
- Broadband, telephone and other communication services
- TV Licence, where required
We will provide further information about the arrangements for your particular property before you move in.
Tenant Insurance
The landlord’s buildings or contents insurance does not cover your personal belongings.
You may therefore wish to arrange your own tenants’ contents insurance to protect your possessions against risks such as theft, fire or accidental damage.
Some specialist tenant insurance policies may also provide cover for accidental damage to a landlord’s fixtures and fittings. You should check the terms and level of cover carefully before purchasing any insurance product.
Please speak to a member of our team if you would like further information.
Rent
Your tenancy agreement will clearly state the amount of rent payable and when your rent is due.
You cannot be asked or encouraged to pay rent before your tenancy agreement has been signed, and we cannot accept rent offered before the agreement is signed.
Once your tenancy agreement has been signed, you may be asked to pay a maximum of one month’s rent in advance before the tenancy begins.
Ongoing rent is normally paid monthly in advance by standing order in accordance with the terms of your tenancy agreement.
We’re Here to Help
Our team is here to support you throughout your tenancy, from your initial application and move-in through to maintenance, property management and the day-to-day questions that can arise when renting a home.
If you have any questions about applying for one of our properties or renting through Your Home Let, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Your Home Let – helping you find a place to call home.
Useful links –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-overview-for-tenants
