Tenants Guide

Step by Step Guide for Tenants

Finding a rental property can sometimes seem challenging, but DBK Estate Agents are here to guide you from beginning to end. We have broken the process down for you to better understand what to expect.

Why choose DBK to Let your Property?

  • We are a long established independent Lettings and Sales agency since 1982 with offices in Hounslow, Heston and Southall.
  • A trusted community agent with a proven track record of successful lettings and property management.
  • Awarded Best Lettings and Sales Branch 2023 for all branches and recognised by Best Estate Agent Guide 2022 - 2020, meaning we are in the top 3% of estate agents in the UK!
  • Repeat business with happy landlords and tenants - see their feedback on Renting Reviews and our Awards page for more.

1. Searching for a rental property

It’s never too early to start your search, however you are less likely to secure anything at such an early stage. We recommend beginning your search at the earliest 5-6 weeks prior to your ideal moving date as the rental market is fast moving. Search our Properties to Rent.

2. What do we need to know about you?

  • When do you need to move into your new property by?
  • We will need to know your full name, current residential address and how many people will be moving in together?
  • Will you or any other persons be claiming housing benefits? DBK do not discriminate, we simply need to ensure that the correct financial arrangements are in place i.e. would you be able to provide a homeowner guarantor?
  • Establish your monthly budget – make sure that this is realistic and affordable figure.
  • What type of property would be suitable? Depending on how many people will be moving in, how many rooms do you require? Would you prefer a house or a flat?
  • Where is your ideal location? This should be somewhere convenient to your lifestyle i.e. commutable distance to work or schools if applicable.

3. Finding you a suitable property

We are now ready to search for your ideal property. Our Lettings team will inform you of available properties suitable to your requirements and arrange viewings accordingly.

4. Securing your rental property

  • Holding Deposit - Once you have found a property you like, you will be required to place a holding deposit of 1 week’s rent. This will be withheld if you withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide false or misleading information, or fail to sign your tenancy agreement within 14 calendar days.
  • Security deposit – You will then be required to pay a security deposit which can be anything up to 5 weeks rent. This covers any potential damages or defaults caused during your tenancy.
  • See Tenant Fees and Terms for more information.

5. Referencing

As part of our standard requirements, DBK carry out due diligence and ensure the necessary referencing are in place for each and every named tenant on the agreement. For this you will be required to provide the following:

  • 3 years history of employment and residential addresses
  • A reference from your previous landlord
  • A reference from your current employer
  • Bank statements and payslips (3 to 6 months)

6. Let Agreed

Once all the referencing has successfully been completed, we move to the Let Agreed stage. It’s now time for a little paperwork before your tenancy can start.

7. Tenancy Agreement

Our next step is to draw up a tenancy agreement, which outlines all the exact terms of the contract between you and your landlord. DBK have a thorough template which fully covers all aspects of the tenancy. Our Lettings team will provide both you and your landlord, a copy to check and sign before the tenancy can begin. You will both receive a fully signed tenancy agreement.

8. Inventory

An inventory is a detailed record of all contents and the condition of the property you want to rent, assessed and drafted by a professional external company. This is typically carried out on the day of you moving in. This will cover all aspects of the property contents and condition if damaged. Mid-term and end of tenancy inventory inspections may also be carried out to check that nothing is missing or damaged. A copy of the inventory will be provided to both you and your landlord.

9. Moving in day and Keys

The moment you’ve been waiting for – moving in day! The Lettings team will inform you when you will receive the keys and whether these can be collected at our office or at the property.

Congratulations!

DBK have successfully found you a property to rent!

 

Tenant Fees and Terms

Holding deposit – 1 week’s rent

To reserve a property, a deposit is required of 1 week’s rent. This will be withheld if you withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide false or misleading information, or fail to sign your tenancy agreement within 14 calendar days.

Security deposit – (rent under £50,000 per year) – up to 5 weeks rent

This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

Security deposit – (rent over £50,000 per year) – up to 6 weeks rent

This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

Late / Unpaid Rent – 3% interest

Interest at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from Rent Due Date until paid in order to pursue non-payment of rent. Please Note: This will not be levied until the rent is more than 14 days in arrears.

Lost Keys or Security devices

Tenants are liable for the cost of replacing any keys or security devices. If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the actual costs of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord any other persons requiring keys will be charged to the tenant.

Change of Sharer - £50

If you need to change the sharer in your tenancy agreement, a standard charge of £50 inclusive of VAT will apply per person.

Chargeable Costs to Tenants Amount
Holding Deposit 1 week’s rent
Security Deposit for rent under £50,000 pa Up to 5 week’s rent
Security Deposit for rent over £50,000 pa Up to 6 week’s rent
Late or unpaid payment 3% after 14 days
Change of Sharer per person £50
Keys / Security devices From £15

Renting Reviews

Garry

I am dealing with the Lettings Team from last five years. I found them very hardworking, competitive. Reliable, honest and experienced team. I recommended DBK to my friends and family. Lettings team are the best.

Anju

Overall an excellent experience dealing with them. Staff always makes sure for a prompt call back to a query. We were always well informed regarding the progression of the property we were planning to rent. Thanks.

Reenu

One of the best estate agencies I must say Aman is very nice and polite person. He is always one call away when you need help. I am with them for the last 3 years I don't even have a single complaint about them must recommend trying their service.

Iwona

Aman was very helpful, he is a professional individual. I have spoken to many agents lately, however, I cannot compare any of them to Aman :)

Oana and Marius

Mr Sandhu helped us with renting our house, he showed high competence and great negotiating skills, he sped up the process as much as he could. He understood our needs from the beginning and did everything to help. We highly recommend DBK Estate Agency. Thank you

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