guide to rent Getting Started Arrange Viewing The Viewing Make An Offer Secure Property References Tenanacy Agreement Rent & Deposits Check In & Inventory During Tenancy
Step 1
Step 1: Getting Started

First you need to find the right property for you. Browse online and have a look at the properties we have on the market, you can find these on all of the major property portal websites such as Rightmove.co.uk, Primelocation.co.uk, Zoopla.co.uk as well as our own website. You may find your ideal property isn’t on the market therefore you can register your details with us, specifying what you are looking for and we will call you once we have something that matches your criteria.

Step 2
Step 2: Arrange A Viewing

Once you’ve found your perfect property the next step is to arrange a viewing at a date and time convenient to you. In order to arrange a viewing you may contact our office on 02920 230 338 / info@theumbrellahomes.co.uk or why not visit our branch for more details of the property before your viewing, one of our friendly letting advisors will have the answers to any questions you may have.

Step 3
Step 3: The Viewing

During the viewing we highly recommend you take everything into consideration as properties are taken by tenants fairly quickly. To avoid disappointment please note everything you would need to know about the property. If it ticks all of the boxes, you are ready to put your information forward to take the property.

Step 4
Step 4: Making An Offer

In order to make an offer on a property we require you contact the office on 02920 230 338 or visit the branch

We will ask you some basic information to forward over to the landlord/landlady; this is so they can see who exactly would be moving into their property and to find out if you match the referencing criteria for that particular property. We will then inform you as soon as we can with the outcome.

Step 5
Step 5: Securing The Property

Once you have made an offer on the property of your choice and the landlord has accepted you as a suitable candidate, you will be required to do the following –

  • Pay your holding deposit
  • Complete Tenancy Application Form
  • Provide a copy of either your driving licence or passport
  • Submit your references
Step 6
Step 6: Referencing

We apply for references on each applicant moving into the property (Ages 18 and over). We use a professional third party referencing company to carry out the necessary checks which include employment reference, landlord reference, character reference and a credit check (if required). This process normally takes 48 – 72 hours and in order for us to proceed the references must be satisfactory.

Step 7
Step 7: Tenancy Agreement, Rent and Deposits

Once we have received satisfactory references you will be offered the tenancy on the property, subject to the relevant terms and conditions:

  • A deposit is paid (actual amount varies with property). The deposit acts as security for damages and dilapidations during the tenancy and we will be returned at the end subject to the property being handed back in the correct manner. Umbrella Homes are a member of My Deposits; please see our tenancy agreement for further details.
  • Balance of one month rent is paid, minus the original holding deposit.
  • All tenants must sign our assured shorthold tenancy agreement.
  • Umbrella Homes are a member of My Deposits and Deposit Protection service (DPS).
Step 8
Step 8: Check In & Inventory

The next step is to move you into the property. Depending on the service your new landlord has taken out with us; an inventory will be prepared. An inventory is a document noting all of the properties furniture, condition and any pre-existing damage, if applicable. This is to ensure that when you move out the property is returned in the same condition as when you moved in and to prevent any disputes. You will be provided the opportunity at the start of your tenancy to add any details / photos to the move in inventory for the property.

Step 9
Step 9: During Tenancy

The final thing to note when renting a property is whether the property is fully managed or not. You will find that some properties will be managed by us and some will be managed by the landlord personally, so be sure to ask us about this. It can be an advantage if we are managing due to our efficient response with any maintenance issues you might have. However, if the landlord is managing yours their contact details will be provided.

Do not be afraid to ask our Lettings Team should you have any questions.

Assuring you of our very best attention to helping you move into your new home.