Shortlisting a property to rent is one thing and getting your application processed to move into that property is another. You have to plan meticulously with all the required details and documents before putting in your application with the landlord or letting agent.
This article is an attempt to walk you through the rental application process step-by-step which should help renters plan and make the rental application process a smooth journey.
Personal details along with the application form:
This is the very first step that needs to be taken after finalising the property. Once you have seen the property by yourself and agree that a particular property lives up to your expectations then you need to proceed to fill the rental application form. The rental application form is basically a personal data collection form and you may have to furnish certain personal details (of all the applicants) such as:
– Full name
– Email address
– Current address
– Contact number
– Employment details
– Personal and Professional References
– Previous landlord reference (if applicable)
– Emergency contact details
– Income proof (salary slip or tax returns)
– Recent photograph with photo id proof
Background verification:
Most landlords or letting agents follow the next logical step and that is getting your background check done. This is often done through the third party professional service provider which involves calling your personal and professional references. It is also done to check any criminal history of the potential renter. This is the make or break step in the rental application process as the landlord has to be sure about your character and criminal record. Please make sure that you provide all the background information correctly. Background verification check is then submitted to the landlord or letting agent and it is left with them to take a call on whether to proceed with the rental application or not.
Credit check:
This goes in parallel with the above step as the same third party may do your credit check as well. This may involve checking with the credit rating agencies and checking with the organization you are working with (if applicable). This is done to rest assure the landlord that you are indeed capable to pay rent every month. With the rental application form, you need to submit the details of your employment. The letting agent/ landlord may ask you to submit the proof of income in the way of tax returns, salary slip if you are employed, and the latest bank statement. Provided documents are then scrutinized and the credit check is performed. A positive credit check report is the gateway to the next step.
Provide a character certificate or past rental references from your previous landlord if applicable:
You can make your application look strong by providing a character certificate / rental payment reference from your previous landlord. A character certificate / reference from your previous landlord should provide enough evidence that you are a suitable renter. This will give the potential landlord enough confidence and assurance about you. Besides just getting to know about your character, the potential landlord can also learn about the previous landlord’s experience with you such as your day-to-day behaviour in the property and with the neighbours, your ability to maintain the property in good shape, etc. This kind of information can go a long way to convince the potential landlord to rent you a property. This is just a good to have document and is not a mandatory one. So, if you are a first-time renter this document or character certificate from your previous landlord is out of the question.
Provide personal references:
You should provide some references that can prove that you are the one who you are claiming to be. It is also important to provide reliable references of your friend or of your office colleague who knows you well and can provide correct information about your character. This proves your authenticity and provides details about your behaviour in general and helps landlords/ letting agents about deciding on your rental application.
Finalise the tenancy agreement:
Once you complete all the above steps and live up to all the parameters set by the landlord, you will get a green signal to move on to the final step i.e. signing the rental agreement. This is the final and significant step as you are now about to sign the tenancy agreement. Before signing the rental agreement please discuss the terms and conditions thoroughly with the landlord/letting agent. You must discuss below things:
– The deposit money you have to pay and how they will safeguard the deposit amount
– The pet policy. Check if you can bring or keep any pets at the rental property
– The utility bills payment clause. Get clarity on who will be responsible to pay the utility bills-whether they are included in the rent amount or you need to pay it separately
–The rent amount and how you are supposed to pay the rent.
You may be asked to give a standing instruction to your bank for direct debit every month. Make sure that you agree to the rent payment date every month Or get the bank details of the landlord to pay rent. Understand any clause related to late fees if unable to pay the rent on the day agreed.
– Make sure that you clearly understand any break clause discussed along with the notice period
-Get the contact details to report repairs and maintenance work.
– General maintenance responsibilities of tenant and landlord.
-The essential safety certificates like Gas Safety Certificate, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
-The list and photographs of inventories in the rental property.
The above walkthrough of the points should lead a potential renter to process the rental application successfully and should be able to find the desired property with less hassle. It should be noted that it is the renter’s responsibility to read and understand the rental agreement thoroughly before signing the rental agreement as you cannot go back on it. I am sure few new steps might creep up in the future but the above steps are very foundational and hope that they will come in handy and make your rental application process smooth.
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