Everything you need to know before renting your first property

Know your criteria

The first step is to set up a list of things that you want from the property. This will help you when speaking to an estate agent about your move as well as when you're reviewing property options. This could be as simple as a specific location for your commute or a parking space for your car or could be more detailed such as a dishwasher or include utilities covered in the rent.

Know your budget

Whatever your reason for renting you will have a budget that you're working to. Make sure to check what costs you may have to pay upfront such as a deposit, as well as what the costs may be during the tenancy. Do your homework on likely utility costs, council tax and rental insurance you may take out. 

You can use our budget planner to help you identify some of the key costs.

Timescales

How long will you want the property for? Landlords will set different terms for their property rental periods. Some will be happy to do a short term such as 3-6 months whereas others will require a minimum of a year. 

Sign up new property alerts

Rrental properties move a lot quicker than properties for sale so make sure you sign up for alerts to find out when new properties come on the market. You should also visit estate agents and let them know what you're looking for and what your budget is. That way they will be able to tell you about any new properties due on the market. You can register for new alerts through My Goodfellows. That way you'll always know what we have available.

Choosing your agent

Getting the right agent is important when choosing a property. You want an agent who has the right property for you and can give you the best help and support in securing the property and working with you to address any issues that may occur during your tenancy.

Budget planner    Register with Goodfellows

Make time to view all the properties you are interested in. In the current market, some properties are agreed at the first viewing, so it is important to be prepared to proceed quickly with your application if you find the right home.

When attending a viewing, take the time to properly inspect the property. Check features such as water pressure, heating systems and overall condition. If the property is currently occupied, confirm what is included within the tenancy and what belongs to the existing tenants.

Know how the property is managed

Some landlords appoint a letting agent to manage the property and deal with maintenance issues, while others manage it themselves. It is important to understand who is responsible so you know who to contact if there is a problem during your tenancy.

Preparing for the tenancy

Viewings

Ensure you have seen all relevant properties before making a decision. Given how quickly properties are let, you should be ready to proceed promptly once you find a suitable home.

References

You will be required to undergo referencing checks, which may include credit checks, employer references and previous landlord references where applicable. A Right to Rent check will also be carried out, as this is a legal requirement in England.

Deposit

When agreeing to rent a property, you may be asked to pay a holding deposit to reserve it. Before the tenancy begins, you will also need to pay a security deposit and your first month’s rent. By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme.

Tenancy Agreement

You will receive a tenancy agreement before the tenancy starts, setting out the rights and responsibilities of both you and the landlord. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, all tenancies are now part of a single periodic system, even if a tenancy previously referred to a fixed term.

Tenancy

Once the agreement has been signed and payment arrangements have been set up, you may collect the keys on the day your tenancy commences. You should be provided with key documents including the Energy Performance Certificate, the landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable), and details of who to contact for maintenance or emergencies.

Move in

After references have been completed and agreed, the tenancy agreement will be finalised and signed by all parties, including any guarantors where required.

Inspections

If the property is managed by a letting agent, periodic property visits may be carried out to ensure the property is being properly maintained and to identify any issues. The landlord/ agent has to give at least 24 hours notice of routine inspections, and should only occur a reasonable amount of times per year. There is no fixed number written in law, but generally accepted to be every 3-6 months.

Continuing the tenancy

Most tenancies now Assured Periodic tenancies. Meaning they don't have a predetermined end date. If you wish to stay in the property, it will continue automatically unless either you or the landlord decides to end it in line with the law.

If you would like to make any changes to the tenancy, such as updating the rent or terms, these must be carried out in accordance with current legislation and properly agreed between all parties.

Notice and ending the tenancy

A tenancy will continue until it is ended either by the tenant giving notice or by the landlord following the legal possession process. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords can no longer use Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and must instead rely on specific legal grounds for possession.

As a tenant, you will be required to provide at least two months’ notice in writing to end your tenancy, unless otherwise stated by your contract. However, landlords cannot require any more than two months notice.

Moving out and your deposit

At the end of the tenancy, the property should be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Providing there is no outstanding rent and no agreed costs for cleaning or repairs, your security deposit will be returned in full. The deposit is legally the property of the tenant unless proven otherwise. Where the landlord requests deductions from the deposit, they must provide evidence that they have incurred that loss (e.g. photos of damages and corresponding invoices for repairs).

If there is a dispute, the deposit protection scheme used to protect your deposit offers a free and independent resolution service.