Renting Process

Getting Your Property Finance In Order

Get your Finances in Order

Property Finances Come First

Finding a new home to rent is an exciting time, but make sure you take time to consider your finances. Should your application be successful, to secure one of our properties we require a minimum of 5-weeks’ rent as a security deposit, plus one month’s rent in advance. As part of the tenancy process, we undertake references and credit checks on all potential tenants, this is to ensure that you can consistently meet the rental payments, and that you have a good credit score.

Guide To Renting: Be Prepared

Be Prepared

Portland Estate Agents Guide To Renting

Being prepared and having everything you need to hand can help the process of securing a property.

The first check will be of your current employment, so have all your details ready, including your start date, salary, copies of recent payslips, and contact details for your employer. If you’re self-employed we would require your accountant’s details and further confirmation of your income. Should you be currently renting a property, we will require a reference from your current landlord. We will also need copies of a recent bank statement, your passport, and any relevant visa documentation. Having all the documents ready can speed up the tenancy process, should you find a property you would like to make your home.

Make sure you also budget for additional costs, such as those related to moving, especially if your rental property is unfurnished, and also any expenses you may incur by changing area, like increased commuting costs.

For advice on the costs related to renting, contact a member of our professional lettings team.

Finding The Right Property To Let

Finding the Right Property

What To Consider When Finding A Property To Let

Just like many house-hunters, you may have begun your search online, but bear in mind that you may miss out on viewing what could be your perfect home. At Portland Estate Agents, we often let properties before they have been advertised; in these circumstances we contact only those prospective tenants who are registered with us. By registering, we can get a better understanding of the type of property you are looking for, and make you aware as soon as one we believe will suit your needs arises.

There is a lot to take into consideration when looking for the right property, including location, size, style, and commutability. Although it is great to have a picture of what you want in mind, we would also recommend that you place your trust in us. Sometimes a property may arise that, on paper, is not what you thought you were looking for, but on viewing is perfect, so see your criteria as more of a guide.

If you cannot find a property to meet your budget and wish list in your desired location, it is probably because it doesn’t exist, but with our help we can find you an exciting alternative that you won’t be able to resist.

The Key to Successful Viewings

The Key to Successful Viewings

The key to a successful viewing is to be prepared; put together a list of questions you need to get the answers to, so that you don’t get distracted on a viewing and forget to ask. A viewing is a time to think about how you would live in the property, and whether it would work for you. Take your time to study each room; providing honest feedback is of great benefit, as if this is not the home for you it will allow us to understand what is really important to you, and to personalise our search for your next home.

Conditions in the rental market dictate the speed at which properties are secured. In today’s market things are moving extremely quickly, which is why it is essential that when you find a property you wish to rent, you act quickly to secure the home of your choice.

Advantages of using a Letting Agent

Advantages of using a Letting Agent

We want you to rent a property that is safe, and where you feel protected should something go wrong. As a letting agent we check that every property and landlord has met all relevant legal responsibilities and will provide you with a home that is properly maintained and in a good state of repair.

On top of this, when we are instructed to manage a property on behalf of the landlords, we ensure that, should something break or need repairing, it is fixed as quickly as possible, and by a certified professional. Let us focus on your property, so you can simply enjoy living in your new home.

Inventory

Inventory

The inventory is an essential part of the letting process, and it is important that you take the time to give it the attention it deserves. To ensure impartiality on all sides, we instruct a highly regarded independent inventory company to carry out the process.

They will draw up a full colour inventory, which records the exact condition of the property and furnishings prior to the start of the tenancy. It is this record that will form the basis of the check-in and check-out, and any changes in condition that could affect the return of your deposit will be detailed.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Guide To Renting

Understand your responsibilities as a tenant.

Rental Payments

Your rent is paid in advance and must be paid on time by the method agreed in your tenancy agreement. Advise us straight away of any issues, as you could be evicted if you fall behind with the rent.

It’s Your Home Now

The property is yours to look after, but be aware that any damage will have to be reported, and anything missing replaced. There will possibly be a time during your tenancy when something needs to be repaired, inform your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible so we can ensure this is done quickly and to prevent further issues.

Always Ask

We will talk through all the terms of your tenancy prior to signing the agreement, but if you are ever unsure or wish to, for example, take in a lodger, decorate, or start a business from home, don’t put your tenancy at risk, simply ask.

Access Required

There will be times when your landlord may require access, such as when they need to undertake repairs. We will ensure they give you reasonable notice, and we will always try to organise it at a time that suits you.

Be Considerate

When moving home you are becoming part of a new community. You may not always get on with those around you, but be mindful of your behaviour, as acting in an antisocial or aggressive way could lead to you being evicted.

The Right Way to Leave

Should you wish to leave your tenancy there are certain steps that have to be taken, ignore them and you could be liable for rent. It is always beneficial to discuss any issues with your landlord or letting agent, as we can often find a workable solution.

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What Our Clients Say...

The guys over at PE were excellent throughout the entire cycle from viewings to signing the contract. They did everything and more to ensure my experience was seamless. Would highly recommend Andrew and the rest of the guys over at Portlands.

Rahul Kumar - Tenant

Professional and friendly service. My first experience using an estate agent could not have gone any better. Always available by phone or email no matter how minutia the question or need is. Within 25 hours they (Andrew) had found me a couple who have already moved in! Strongly recommend their services. Thank you so much to the Portland Team.

Liza Silvanian - Landlord

Darren and Andy were excellent at helping us to secure our new home - knowledgeable and sensible, lots of attention to the transaction, and great drive to get us over the line. Thanks both!

David Scott - Buyer

Finally, we sold our flat. It was a roller coaster journey for us-- with the great help of Darren and Andy who were there to guide us along the way (as we are selling our property for the first time) these duos really did a fantastic job of explaining to us and giving us information as we go about with the process. They would call, update us by email, phone and would go extra mile.. I couldnt thank them enough. Thank you Portland Estate Agents. Highly recommended!

Rhodora Requilme - Seller

Very helpful people, I found an amazing house to rent in a short period of time. I have relocated from another country and they helped me a lot.

Anca Novac - Tenant

I would highly recommend Portland Estate Agents. They offered a highly efficient service with clear communication, regular and reliable updates. Offered frank advice in relation to the market which ensured a sale within 5 weeks in this competitive market. The office of Portland estate agents always offered a warm welcome.

Patricia Walsh - Seller

I sold a 3-bedroom house in NW10 area through Portland Estate Agents. I am very satisfied with their service from valuation to sale, and I strongly endorse Portland Estate Agent with high ratings as their service is great and above expected. I would like to thank Darren, for being helpful, always responsive; and highly knowledgeable during the transaction. Thanks team Portland!

Ahmed Al - Seller

A very good company with an exemplary service. Jo Frati, the Property Management looks after me very well and I would recommend them to everybody.

Hisham Alshehatha - Tenant

We rented our flat through Portland and it was a very smooth process. We are 'inexperienced' renters and the whole process was much less stress and time-consuming then expected, Andrew was really helpful, particularly with finding a solution to some reference issues.

Tansy - Tenant

Brilliant service! from start to end, kept giving us updates regarding our purchase. big thanks to Darren for the support throughout the sale! i would highly recommend Portland estate agents!! i will definitely consider using it in the future. Always ready to answer multiple questions and give their expert advice. They have put lots of effort to make it all happen and we finally got there. Thanks for everything! good luck to the Portland team!!!!

Chirague Jamnadas - Buyer

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