Tenants

Tenant's Guide to Renting Property

If you are currently searching for a property to rent, please visit our available property listings to view our latest properties. Should you see a property you are interested in, you can arrange a viewing or submit an enquiry using the contact form on the individual property page, or alternatively contact our office directly by telephone.

If you are looking for a particular type of property, we can take details of your requirements and add you to our applicant database. We will then contact you should a suitable property become available.

Once you have viewed a property and decided you would like to proceed, we will guide you through the next stages of the lettings process, including references, tenancy documentation, deposits, and move-in arrangements.

Reserving a property

Once an application has been accepted, we will begin the referencing and tenancy preparation process to secure the property for you.

References

Before a tenancy can commence, satisfactory references will be required. These may include references from your employer and/or your current or previous landlord. In some circumstances, we may also request a personal reference or require a guarantor.

We may use an independent referencing agency to obtain and assess these references. You will also be required to provide proof of identity and photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence.

The Tenancy Agreement

Once all terms have been agreed by both parties and satisfactory references have been received, the tenancy agreement and associated documentation will be prepared for signature by both the tenant and landlord.

Tenancy Fee Schedule (New Tenancies signed after the 1st May 2026 in line with Tenant Fees Act 2019 and Renters Rights Act 2025)

Holding Deposit (per tenancy)

One week’s rent. This is to reserve a property. Please Note: This will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and / or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent under £50,000 per year)

Tenancy Deposit (per tenancy)

Five weeks' rent. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent of £50,000 or below per year)

Six weeks' rent. This covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy.

Security Deposit (per tenancy. Rent of £50,000 or above per year)

The tenancy deposit covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy and will be protected in a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme. Properties with an annual rent of more than £100,000 are not covered by the Tenant Fees Act.

Rent

The rent payable for the tenancy must not be more than the advertised amount. The rent period must either be one calendar month or a shorter period of up to 28 days. A tenant will be able to end a tenancy by giving two months’ notice in writing. The end date of the tenancy must align with the end of a rent period.

Rent in advance of move in date

Rent is payable following signing of the tenancy agreement and in accordance with the agreed tenancy terms. For tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026, no more than one month’s rent may be requested in advance.

Late Payment of Rent

Interest may be charged on unpaid rent if it remains outstanding for more than 14 days. Interest will be charged at a maximum of 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate from the date the rent became due until payment is made.

Lost Key(s) or other Security Device(s)

Tenants are liable for the actual cost of replacing any lost keys or security devices. If the loss results in locks needing to be changed, or replacement security devices being issued, the tenant will be charged the reasonable cost of a locksmith or security engineer, new lock and replacement keys/devices for all relevant parties.

Variation of Contract (Tenant’s Request)

£50 (inc. VAT) per agreed variation. To cover the costs associated with taking landlord’s instructions as well as the preparation and execution of new legal documents.

Change of Sharer (Tenant’s Request)

£50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant or reasonable costs incurred if higher. Includes referencing, Right to Rent checks, deposit registration and legal documentation.

Early Termination (Tenant’s Request)

If the tenant wishes to end the tenancy early (including where less than the required notice period is given), they will be liable for the landlord’s reasonable costs. Under an Assured Periodic Tenancy, then the landlord can charge a fee if their tenant does not give the correct amount of notice. The usual amount of notice is two months. The landlord can charge up to the amount of rent they would have received if the tenant had given the correct amount of notice.

Tenant protection

Riverside Residential Property Services Ltd is a member of Client Money Protect, which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of The Property Ombudsman, which is a redress scheme. You can find out more details on the agent’s website or by contacting the agent directly.

Inventory & Schedule of Condition

Before the start of the tenancy, an inventory is prepared detailing the contents and condition of the property. You will be provided with a copy and so will the landlord.

Deposit & Rent

On commencement of the tenancy, we will require a deposit and the first rental payment, a month in advance. Your deposit will be treated under the tenancy deposit protection scheme (TDS), which is a scheme accredited by the Government.

As part of the Housing Act 2004 the Government has introduced tenancy deposit protection for all assured periodic tenancies (APTs) in England and Wales where a deposit is taken. From April 6th 2007, all deposits paid under an APT have had to be protected within 14 calendar days of receipt by the agent/landlord.

How the TDS Scheme works?

The tenant pays the landlord or letting agent their deposit.

The letting agent/landlord pays the money in to the TDS scheme with 14 days of receiving it.

Upon receipt of the deposit, the TDS provides confirmation and details of the protection scheme to the letting agent/landlord and tenant.

When the tenancy comes to an end, the letting agent/landlord and tenant agree repayment of the deposit including any interest accrued, usually within 10 days.

In the case of any dispute, The TDS return any undisputed monies plus interest to the relevant party, but hold the disputed portion until the Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (ADR) or courts decide what is fair.

Your deposit cannot be used to pay your rent.

When can I move in?

Once the tenancy has been signed and rents & deposits have cleared, the tenancy can proceed. You can now collect the keys to your new home.

Can I have pets in my new home?

You must consult us prior to obtaining a pet.

What if I find any faults or repairs that need addressing?

If you find any problems with the property you are renting, you should contact us immediately. Once we have been informed of any issues/faults we will instruct the landlord and await their instruction.

Can I decorate the property?

You must consult us prior to carrying out any changes to the property. We will contact the landlord and await his permission.   

Do I have to pay for Council Tax & Utility Bills?

As a tenant you will be responsible for any utility bills like water, gas, electric as well as council tax, unless there is a special arrangement with the landlord of the property. You will also be responsible for a TV license at the property, if you watch TV without a license you risk being fined. Please check the tenancy agreement details.

Do I need insurance, as a tenant?

The landlord of the property is responsible for insuring the building and any furnishings that come with it. You will be responsible for insuring your own contents/personal possessions stored within the rented property.

Can I run a business from the property I rent?

No. You must use the property solely for residential purposes unless specifically agreed in advance, in writing.

As a tenant, what am I responsible for?

As a tenant, you are responsible for:

• Prompt payment of the rent

• Prompt payment of gas, telephone, electricity, council tax

• Reporting any damages to the property or furnishings within the property as soon as possible

• Taking general good care of the property

• Respect the needs of your neighbours