RENTING GUIDE

Moving in to a new rental home is an exciting time, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. Our renting guide will walk you through the process of renting a property with Greenwoods.

Preparation and presentation

When you view one of our rental properties, it’s likely that someone else will still be living there, so it will look lived in. But when you move in, you can expect to find it in good condition. We ask all our landlords to properly prepare their properties to be rented out, which means that any decorating jobs should be completed prior to the start of a tenancy, furniture should be of good quality or removed altogether, windows clean and domestic appliances serviced.

Advertising

We advertise all of our rental property in our window displays, online(though our won website and the most widely used portals such as Rightmove and on advertising boards. We do get a lot of enquires about our rental properties every day, so if you find a property you like, get in touch as soon as possible. 

Application

Once you’ve found a property you want to rent, you’ll need to complete a tenancy application. A separate form is required for each potential occupant over the age of 18.

Fees

There is more information on fees in our tenant fees guide.

Identification

You will need to provide a passport or driving licence to confirm your identification, and an additional proof of current residence like a current utility bill or bank statement.

References

We use an independent company to carry out credit checking for you and your guarantor (if applicable). We will also write to your employer and current landlord. This process usually takes around 7-10 working days.

Tenancy agreement

Once you are accepted for a property, we will liaise with you and the landlord to agree a move-in date.

Pets

If the landlord agrees for you to keep pet(s) at the property, we will need you to sign a pet schedule addendum to the tenancy agreement, stating that you will carry out additional professional cleaning at the end of your tenancy, and any damage caused by the animal(s) will be your responsibility.

Initial payment

The first month’s rent and security deposit must be received as clear funds before your tenancy starts. You can pay by bank transfer ahead of time, or make a card payment when you come to the office to sign the tenancy agreement.

Deposit

Your deposit will be held securely with the Deposit Protection Service and will be returned at the end of the tenancy in accordance with your tenancy agreement.

Inventory

Before your tenancy starts, we will prepare an inventory for your property, consisting of a full ‘schedule of condition’ and list of items and their condition, including photographic evidence. When you move in, you will have an opportunity to check the inventory, make any changes or additions, and sign it off. At the end of your tenancy, we will carry out a ‘schedule of dilapidation’ and check this against the initial inventory to avoid any disputes.
 

Rental payments

All rental payments must be paid monthly, in advance, by standing order, to the bank details we will provide you. The whole payment must be made in one standing order and cannot be split between tenants.

Property folder

When you check in to a rental property, you will be given a folder containing comprehensive property details, including appliance instructions, utilities, deposit protection and other useful information. You’ll need to return this folder to us when you move out.

Keys

A set of keys to the property’s main entrance door will be provided for each adult tenant. To help us protect your safety and security, you are not permitted to cut new keys or change the property’s locks without your landlord’s permission. If you lose a key or believe someone else has a key to your property you must let us know immediately.

Utilities

You are responsible for all the services charged at your property, including council tax, gas, electricity, water and sewerage. If you change suppliers for any of your utilities, you must let us know who the new suppliers are and provide copies of final utility bills when you leave the property. We cannot release your security deposit until we have these details.