Renting a home is an exciting step, whether it’s your first place, somewhere with a little more space or a fresh start in a new area.
The good news? Renting is usually much quicker and less complicated than buying a home. Understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help you move with confidence.
Before you start arranging viewings, it’s worth thinking about what’s important to you. Consider:
It’s easy to get carried away when scrolling through property sites, but remember that no home is likely to tick every single box.
Focus on the things you can’t change. Location, commute times, parking and being close to the people and place that matter most are usually more important than the colour of the walls or the style of the kitchen.
Having a list of non-negotiables can make decisions much easier when you’re comparing properties.
Viewings are your opportunity to decide whether a property feels like home.
Don;’t just look at the property itself. Think about how it will work for your day-to-day life.
Ask questions about:
And don’t be afraid to open cupboards, check storage space or ask about anything that isn’t clear.
Take photos and make notes after each viewing. After you’ve seen three or four properties, it’s surprising how quickly they start to blur into one.
Found a property you love? The next step is usually referencing.
This helps confirm:
If you’ve never rented before, don’t worry. Many tenants go through this process for the first time.
We’ll let you know exactly what’s required and keep you updated along the way.
Before move-in day, you’ll usually be asked to:
Your deposit will be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme and we’ll make sure you understand everything before collecting the keys.
Once you have collected your new keys, it’s time to make yourself at home.
There are a few things you can consider doing early before you are fully settled:
Our support doesn’t stop when you move in. if you need help, advice or want to report a repair, we’re here throughout your tenancy.
This varies depending on the property but you’ll usually need enough for your first month’s rent and tenancy deposit.
You’ll typically be asked for proof of identity, proof of address and evidence of income or employment.
That’s absolutely fine. Many tenants are renting for the first time and we’ll explain each stage of the process.
Sometimes. This depends on your circumstances and affordability assessment.
Timescales vary, but we’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
Yes. If your property is managed by Redwing, we’ll explain how to report repairs and maintenance issues when your tenancy begins.
Renting is a standard tenancy agreement. Rent To Buy allows customers to rent a hiome at a reduced rate while saving towards a future deposit.
Just like buying, renting is a big stepping stone for anyone looking to move into a new home. Hear from tenants who made the move into their dream home with Redwing.
Interested in owning a home one day? Rent To Buy allows you to rent a property at a reduced rate while saving towards a future deposit.
Are you looking to purchase your dream property but still have questions? Our friendly team can help with any enquiries you may have. Fill out your details below and a member of our team will be in touch to talk.