Renting your home
Looking for your perfect rental property in Wigan?
At Alan Batt Sales & Lettings, we are one of the most respected lettings agents in Wigan and are committed to making this process as simple and enjoyable as possible for tenants.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to renting with Alan Batt, outlining each step and what you can expect as a tenant.
Simplifying Renting
Renting doesn’t have to be complicated if you know what’s required and are well-prepared. Our guide ensures you understand what to expect and have all your paperwork and referencing requirements in order when you find the right property.
Planning your budget
Before diving into your property search, take some time to assess your budget and determine what you can comfortably afford.
Consider the following expenses:
- Monthly Rent
- Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water)
- Council Tax
- Telecoms
- Service Charges (if applicable)
- Deposit (Typically 5 weeks’ rent, or 6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000)
- Upfront Rent (Landlords may request several months’ rent in advance)
- Commute/Travel
- Parking Permits (if applicable)
- Furnishings (Most properties are unfurnished, so plan for white goods and furnishings)
Additionally, if you have a pet, factor in an additional rent (capped at £15 per week per pet).
Register with us
With high demand and limited supply, properties often get snapped up quickly. Registering with us ensures you’re at the top of the list when new properties become available, often before they hit the open market.
Securing your new home
Applying to Rent
Once you find a property you wish to rent, we will submit your application to the landlord along with supporting information to help them make a decision. This includes ID documents and details about your current situation, such as your move-in timeline and rental duration.
Holding Deposit
If the landlord approves your application and proceeds to referencing, you must pay a holding deposit equivalent to 1 week’s rent. This deposit holds the property for you and will be included in your security deposit at the start of your tenancy.
Note: Your holding deposit may be forfeited if you withhold information that affects your suitability as a tenant.
A move-in date is usually set at this point. If you fail to provide the required referencing information before this date, you risk losing your deposit.
Referencing
After landlord approval, we commence Tenant Referencing, which includes:
- Credit Checks: Credit Score and CCJs.
- Affordability: 3 months’ bank statements and payslips.
- Employer Contact Details: Verification of employment status and job security.
- Proof of Address: Recent utility bill from your current address (within the last 3 months).
- Proof of Identity: Driver’s license or passport (alternatives available if needed).
- Previous Landlord Reference (if applicable).
- Right-to-Rent: Driver’s license or passport (alternatives available if needed).
- Guarantor: If needed, your guarantor must also meet the above referencing requirements.
You will lose your holding deposit if you don’t provide the required information promptly or fail to take up the tenancy, unless the landlord withdraws consent.
Tenancy Agreements
Most tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST).
An AST is a legal document, so read it carefully before signing. Let us know if there is anything you don’t fully understand or would like to discuss further.
Your tenancy agreement protects both your and your landlord’s rights and helps prevent disputes.
Security Deposits
Before starting your tenancy, a security deposit of 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks if annual rent is over £50,000) is required, which includes the 1 week’s holding deposit.
This deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy, less any agreed-upon damage deductions. By law, your deposit must be registered with a government-approved Tenant Deposit Scheme, and you must receive the reference number and registration information within 30 days of starting your tenancy. The scheme provides a resolution service if disputes arise.
Rent
Upon signing your tenancy agreement, you must pay between 1-3 months of rent upfront, depending on the landlord’s terms. If pets are allowed, an additional £15 per week per pet may be charged.
Check-In
Once your deposit and upfront rent are received, we can hand over the keys and check you into your new home.
A team member or the landlord will show you around the property and test fire, smoke, and CO2 alarms in your presence.
You’ll be shown essential locations such as the stopcock, fuse box, meters, and manuals for heating and hot water. Emergency instructions and current Gas Safety and Electric Safety Certificates will be provided.
An inventory, detailing the property’s condition and contents, will be reviewed with you. Identifying any pre-existing damage or missing items is crucial to avoid issues with your security deposit later.
We recommend taking meter readings and notifying suppliers to avoid charges for the previous tenant. The landlord or our team member will also record and notify suppliers of the new tenancy.
End of tenancy
When vacating the property, leave it in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for agreed wear and tear. The inventory from check-in will be used to assess any issues such as breakages, damage, or missing items. Your deposit statement will outline any deductions.
Your security deposit should be returned within 10 days, less any deductions for damages or unpaid rent. If there is a dispute, the Tenant Deposit scheme will make a ruling within 6 weeks.
Tenant fees
While tenant referencing is no longer chargeable, some fees are still permitted, including:
- Overdue rent charges
- Lost keys
- Early termination
- Broken or lost items
- Damage caused by misuse or neglect
Before renting, please read How to Rent
Ready to Secure Your New Rental Home?
Being prepared is the key to quickly securing your ideal rental property. Register with us today and get in touch with our friendly and helpful team to discuss your rental needs. We look forward to helping you find your new home soon!