Renting a property

When you rent a property, you will need to know what you can afford. You’ll also need to understand the type of rental agreement you are entering into.

Applying for a property

Always ensure you have viewed the property first.

To apply for a tenancy, an application form must be completed for each occupier over 18 years old.

Always ensure you view the property before applying

Step by Step Guide - Applying for a Property

  1. Do you fit the criteria of the property? (Some properties are unsuitable for pets, for example.)
  2. Can you afford the property?
  3. Request and complete an application form. This is usually done online, but a printed copy may be available.
  4. Provide proof of Identification – please see the Right to Rent section for acceptable documents. *Please note that in certain circumstances may need a secondary document.*
  5. Provide Visa/Residence Permit (if applicable.)
  6. Provide proof of address – e.g. Driving Licence/Utility Bill (No older than 3 months.)
  7. Once the initial application has been submitted we will obtain consent from the landlord to proceed to referencing.
  8. Contact your referees to inform them they will have to conduct a reference.
  9. Once the reference checks have been completed, they will be put to the landlord for consent to proceed.
  10. Once the landlord has provided consent, one of our team will be in touch to discuss dates for the commencement of the tenancy and prepare tenancy documents.

Right to Rent

Since 1 February 2016, all private landlords and their agents in England must check that new tenants have a right to be in the United Kingdom before renting a property to them (Immigration Act 2014). This was introduced as part of the government’s reforms to build a fairer and more effective immigration system. When you find the right rental property through Boococks, we will ask you to provide us with documents confirming your eligibility to reside in the UK. We will need to take copies of the original documents and also confirm your likeless to any photographs.

When you decide to rent a property you will be asked to prove your right to rent in the UK.

Download a list of acceptable documents (pdf) Opens in new window

Once you have provided the relevant documents, a check will be carried out. This will be done by a third-party company. If the Right to Rent check is acceptable, we will proceed with our normal full referencing procedure. If the Right to Rent Checks fails, we will not be able to proceed with the tenancy.

We have a constantly changing selection of rental property on our books

Tenancy deposit scheme (TDS)

A bond is usually requested by the landlord. This is to protect the landlord in the event of damages to the property and/or the tenant not making due rental payments. Under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, any bond paid to the landlord must be protected under an approved scheme to ensure that:

  • the deposit is safely returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy
  • any disputes relating to damages and/or missed rental payments are dealt with fairly
  • to act as an arbitrator for any disputes which may arise with respect to repairs and/or non-payment of rent

As a tenant of one of our fully managed properties, Boococks will register your deposit with TDS. This government-approved insurance scheme ensures your deposit remains safe and secure during the course of your tenancy.

Your landlord's obligations

Within 30 days of receiving a bond deposit, the landlord must:

  • register any bond received in an approved deposit scheme
  • comply with the initial requirements of the deposit scheme
  • provide the tenant with prescribed information, detailing where the deposit is held and how to claim its return at the end of the tenancy

Find out more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and what do if you are facing eviction, from Citizens Advice Opens in new window .