Applying to rent a property can seem like a daunting exercise. Forms to fill in, viewings, reference checks, guarantors etc – and all of this before you actually start the process of moving. At Aspire Residential we understand that when you contact us, you are not just looking for a property to rent, you are looking for a home. Our team is empathetic and service focused, as we know it is likely to be a stressful time in your life. To help you navigate the application process, we set out below what’s involved. If you have any questions, you can also refer to our tenant FAQ section.
1. Initial Contact
When you contact us, will ask some basic questions to ensure we can match you with an appropriate property. We will enquire as to what kind of property you would like, whether you have pets, whether you smoke, your employment status, what your budget is etc. We are respectful of the information that you provide us, and we only use that information for the purposes of trying to find you a home to rent.
2. Viewings
When we identify a suitable property, we will accompany you on a viewing, during which we will answer any questions you have. We want you to be both comfortable and settled in your new home for the long term, so you should take time to ensure that the property has everything that you and your family will need. We would encourage you to make a "checklist" of what's important and use this during the viewing to ensure that the property is an ideal fit.
3. Applying
If you wish to proceed, we will require information for all people who will reside at the property, including their current addresses and employment status. It is important that you advise us if you know you have any credit issues (such as a County Court Judgement). Depending on the circumstances, having a credit issue does not disqualify you from renting through us, as many of our landlords understand that people can fall into financial difficulty. The more transparent you are about any credit issues you have, the more likely that your application will be successful.
Please note, that in accordance with legislation, from 1st June 2019, Aspire Residential does not charge an application fee to tenants.
4. Reference Checks
If your application is accepted by the landlord, we will conduct a number of checks including a credit check, seeking a previous landlord reference and requesting an income confirmation from your employer or accountant. In certain circumstances, you may be required to provide a guarantor to proceed with the tenancy. Should this be needed, your guarantor will need to pass the same referencing process.
5. Right to Rent
We will perform a ‘Right to Rent’ check in accordance with Section 22 of the Immigration Act 2014 to confirm that you can legally rent in this country. We undertake these checks on all adults who apply to occupy the property. Should we discover that you do not have the appropriate residency status, we will not be able to proceed with your application and will advise you accordingly.
6. Tenancy Agreement
Once reference checks have been successfully completed, you will receive a Tenancy Agreement, which is a legally binding document that sets out the obligations and rights of both you and the landlord. The landlord, tenant and any guarantor (if required) will need to sign this agreement before the tenancy start date. You should understand that the tenancy agreement is a legal document and if you feel it appropriate, you should seek advice to fully understand it.
7. Deposit
We will advise you of the amount of deposit that you will require. We are required by law to place your deposit in a “Tenant Deposit Protection Scheme”. This government backed scheme ensures that you will get your deposit returned at the end of the tenancy if you have acted in accordance with the tenancy agreement, you have not damaged the property and you have paid the rent and all outstanding bills.
Further information can be found at www.depositprotection.com. The scheme may be contacted at: The DPS, the Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8AE, Phone: 0330 3030030.
8. Moving In
On your moving in day, we will meet you at the property and ensure that everything is in order. We will run through some basic information and provide you with some important documents about your tenancy and your new home. There is a lot to take in on the day you move in, so we encourage you to give us a call after a few days to ask us about anything that you are unsure of.
We know the whole process can seem a little stressful, but we are here to help at every stage. You can also learn more by reading the answers to questions we are frequently asked by tenants.
Good luck in finding your new home.
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