Renting, explained once, properly
First time renting, moving for work or university, or just moving across town. Here's what the law gives you in England and in Wales, what we'll ask for, and how to get your application accepted quickly.
The rules depend on which country the home is in
Durham, Andover and London homes follow English law. Swansea homes follow Welsh law. Both are mostly in your favour; the details differ.
A periodic tenancy from day one
Since 1 May 2026 every new tenancy in England is a periodic assured tenancy. No fixed term to be locked into, no section 21 "no-fault" eviction (a landlord needs a legal ground and the right notice), no more than a month's rent in advance, and no bidding above the advertised rent.
No fees to you
We can't charge you for viewings, referencing, admin, contracts, renewals or check-out. The only payments are rent, a refundable holding deposit, a refundable security deposit, and the few default charges the Tenant Fees Act allows, like a lost key at cost.
Holding deposit: one week's rent
To reserve a home you pay a holding deposit of no more than one week's rent. It comes off your first rent or deposit when you move in, and it is returned if the landlord withdraws or we can't complete in time.
Security deposit: five weeks, protected
Capped at five weeks' rent, registered with a government-approved scheme within 30 days, certificate to you. Deductions at the end must be agreed or go to the scheme's free dispute service.
A safe home, by law
Gas safety certificate and electrical report in date, smoke alarms on every storey, carbon monoxide alarms by fixed gas or solid-fuel appliances, and a written statement of your tenancy terms at the start. We also check every adult's right to rent before the tenancy starts; it's the law, and it's quick.
Rent rises once a year
A landlord can raise the rent once in any twelve months, by formal notice, and you can challenge it at a tribunal. You give two months' notice to leave.
You're a contract-holder
In Wales you sign an occupation contract, not a tenancy. You must receive a written statement of it within 14 days of moving in. It sets out everything the landlord must do and everything you must do.
No fees to you
We can't charge you for viewings, referencing, admin, contracts, renewals or check-out. The only payments are rent, a refundable holding deposit, a refundable security deposit, and the few default charges the law allows, like a lost key at cost.
Holding deposit: one week's rent
To reserve a home you pay a holding deposit of no more than one week's rent. It comes off your first rent or deposit when you move in, and it is returned if the landlord withdraws or we can't complete within 15 days.
Security deposit, protected
Your deposit is registered with a government-approved scheme within 30 days and you get the certificate. At the end of the contract, deductions must be agreed or go to the scheme's free dispute service.
A safe home, by law
Mains-wired, interlinked smoke alarms on every storey, carbon monoxide alarms where there's a gas or solid-fuel appliance, in-date gas and electrical certificates, and the property fit for human habitation. Every managed home meets this before you move in.
Six months' notice
On a standard periodic contract a landlord must give at least six months' notice for a no-fault possession and can't serve it in the first six months. You give four weeks' notice.
Get accepted faster
We reference through Vouch or Goodlord. You'll get a link by text or email and the whole thing takes about ten minutes if you have these ready:
- Photo ID: passport, driving licence or biometric residence permit
- Proof of your current address
- Three months' payslips or bank statements, or your student finance letter
- Your current landlord's or agent's contact details
- A guarantor's details if your income is under 30 times the monthly rent
Benefits, self-employed, international student, just arrived in the UK? Tell us when you enquire. We have a route for each of those and we'll explain it before you pay anything.
View
Message us on WhatsApp or book from the listing. Viewings seven days a week.
Reserve
Pay the holding deposit (one week's rent) and complete referencing within 48 hours.
Sign and move in
Sign your tenancy (England) or occupation contract (Wales), pay the first month and the deposit, collect your keys and your inventory from your local team.
Repairs, rent and moving out
Report a repair
WhatsApp 0751 355 2133 with a photo, any time. Emergencies (no heat, no water, a leak you can't stop, a security problem) are answered 24/7. Everything else is logged and you'll have a tradesperson's appointment within two working days.
Paying rent
Rent is by standing order on the day in your contract. If something's gone wrong with money, message us before the due date. A plan on day one is always better than silence on day ten.
Moving out
Two months' written notice in England, four weeks in Wales. We'll send a check-out guide: cleaning standard, meter readings, keys. The deposit is returned within ten days of agreement.
Documents you may need are on the compliance and documents page: the model written statement, our complaints procedure, and how to contact our redress scheme.