Tenants - The Renting Journey

In a highly competitive market where good property is often hard to find. Potter's aim is to make the process of securing the property you want as simple and straight forward as possible.

 

Although raising the deposit may sometimes be a struggle, and at times credit searches, employment and landlord references may seem onerous there is no reason with modern technology and good communication why these cannot be done in advance.

 

At Potters we will help you gather, and document all the necessary information that is required in a simple and straight forward way, smoothing the process until you take up residency.

 

“Bradley was brilliant, his clear and concise instructions together with his almost instant replies to e-mails enabled us to take up the tenancy on our first-choice property within a week. We can’t thank him enough.”

 

Renting a Property – The Process

We don’t see why renting should be complicated. When you find a place through us we’ll make things as easy as we can, starting with a quick guide to the process:-

 

Step 1: Decide on the basics

 

The more you know about what you want, the easier your search will be. Before you even start looking, make a list of what’s important to you. Consider whether you want a house or flat and what areas appeal to you. Of course, you’ll sometimes have to trade off one good thing against another. It’s a good idea to divide your wish list into “essential” and “nice to have”, to make these decisions easier.

Area

Probably the most important question. Do you want to live near your work? Is there a good school in the area and how long is the school run? In a village, somewhere rural or somewhere in a town centre? Take some time at a weekend to drive around and get a feel for the areas you’re considering. We have houses and flats across Woodbridge, Stowmarket and Ipswich so it can be helpful to make a list of postcodes or even streets that you’d consider to narrow down your search.

Transport links

For some people, this is even more important than the area itself. How long will you commute for? Which station can you park at? Do you want to walk to work, or will anywhere that’s near a train station do?

Size and type

A few things to consider:

  • House or flat?
  • How many bedrooms? Do you need a spare room?
  • What outside space do you want?
  • Garage?
Budget

The big question. Set yourself a price range, often if you can move quickly the landlord is more likely to negotiate on price. Be prepared to make adjustments if there are other benefits: a more expensive house or flat might be in an area with lower council tax, for instance.

Step Two: Start looking

Once you know what you’re after, it’s time to start looking. Bear in mind that most landlords are looking for tenants who can move in within 4-8 weeks. If you won’t be ready to move by then, it might be worth waiting. Call or register your details with us and we can keep you updated. It maybe worth taking into consideration leaving your details with us, if we don’t have your details you won’t be the first to hear about new properties. Our database is updated daily, so you’ll always see the latest properties.

 

Step Three: Look around the places you like


Once you’ve found a property that you like the look of, we can make a viewing appointment so you can get a real feel for the place. Although it’s best to look around a home in daylight, we’re happy to do late viewings during the week so you can take a look after work or at a more convenient time for you. We’re open on Saturdays too and can do viewings on Sundays by special arrangement.

Step Four: Agree to rent

When we have found you a property and your offer has been accepted we will proceed as follows:

  • We will require a holding fee equivalent of one weeks worth of the rent, this secures the home and allows referencing and subject to contract preparation. Please note this fee is non-refundable should the tenant subsequently withdraw from the tenancy or references are deemed unsatisfactory.
  • Once the referencing is successfully completed we will prepare the Tenancy Agreement for you to read through and sign. Once tenancy agreements are signed and executed the tenancy becomes legally binding.
  • An inventory will be arranged before for the first day of your tenancy we will then make the arrangements for you to collect the keys from our office. The inventory will be forwarded to you and you will be given fair time to check through the document and make any amendments you feel necessary. 
  • You will be required to pay one month’s rent in advance of the tenancy start and also the deposit which is usually five weeks worth of the rent. These funds must be received and cleared into our account before the tenancy can start.
  • The rent should then be paid by standing order each month and received in cleared funds on the rent due date.
  • Tenants should consider having contents insurance for the term of the tenancy.

Step Five. Move in and enjoy your new home!

 

Tenant Resources

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