When looking to rent, it's good to consider a few things, before diving straight into it! We believe the main things to think about are below, and hopefully this will help you in your search for your perfect property. Renting can be complicated, however at Leicester Lettings we aim to make it as simple and straightforward as possible - no nasty surprises!

If there is anything else you are unsure of, just let us know - we are more than happy to help! 

1. What do you really want and what can you afford?

  • Decide where you want to live - Leicester Lettings has properties across LE1, LE2 and LE3
  • Work out how much you can afford to pay each month -Our rent's start from £69.00 per week! Rent will differ depedent on the property type you are looking for. A responsible Landlord will always check your affordability before proceeding with your application.
  • Clearly define what sort of property you're looking for -Is a bedsit best suited to you? Maybe a studio or a one bedroom flat?
  • Think about how long you’re hoping to rent for - Leicester Lettings offers 12 month tenancies, with the flexibility to leave during that contract or extend for longer!

2. When should I start looking?

  • The majority of property on the market to rent is available immediately or within the next couple of weeks. If you are looking for a property several months ahead you will generally struggle - as we work on a seven day turn around, our properties are ready to go!. If you are looking for something further ahead, email us on info@leicesterlettings.co.uk and we can pop you onto our mailing list and inform you of available properties closer to the time.

3. Where should I start?

  • It's a good idea to know what you want, and how much you want to pay - this helps when finding the best property for your needs. As we are the Landlord and manage our own properties, we offer the best possible price with no middle man cut. Some agencies have additional costs, fees and processes. 
  • Always look for the professional organisation - Leicester Lettings is part of the Property Redress Scheme and therefore meets specific standards.
  • Our properties are advertised on Rightmove, Zoopla, On the market, residential people and our own website!
  • Local Newspapers also have lots of information about available properties too!

4. What's the benefit of an unfurnished flat?

  • Don’t be put off by unfurnished properties. The cost of key items has dropped dramatically with companies such as Ikea, Argos, Amazon and High Street supermarkets offering some amazing deals on essentials. 
  • You have the benefit of paying less rent, know the items are new and yours at the end of the tenancy. You can also make your flat your own, with your own style and choices - don't be restricted by what you can and cannot have!

5. How do I know what area is best for me?

  • Get a local map of your chosen area to get an understanding of the area, what's close by and what you may need to travel to access.
  • Investigate bus routes, local facilities etc. You may find cheaper property further away but with great bus routes to your work place, family and friends. Leicester Lettings have properties all over Leicester City Centre, so if you prefer to be in a quieter area and pop on the bus to work, we can help! If you'd rather be a stones throw away from the City, we can help with that too!
  • If you know someone already living in the area ask them to show you around the town to give you an idea of the parts you may choose to live in.
  • Lots of our staff live in the local area so can give you a good insight into what it's like to live in the area you are looking at!

6. How much will it cost me?

  • To take our properties, you will need to pay a month's rent in advance and the equivalent of a month's rent as a security deposit.
  • Additionally, you may need to pay bills such as water rates, utility bills, council tax.  All of our properties are Band A (the cheapest available) so are a great way to secure a property without too many high bills! We dont charge any community charges either, so that is another great way to save money with us!
  • You will need to come into our office to sign Sample tenancy agreements, receipts and provide your details - we would never recommend paying for a property you haven't seen!
  • It's always best to have the funds ready - in case you need to secure a property quickly. As our properties go on a first come, first served basis, we would hate for you to miss out on your chosen property! We accept cash, debit and credit cards.
  • Leicester Lettings do not charge any fees! Other agencies may charge Agents Fees: You may need to pay an agent’s fees, this is the fee for the agent putting you in touch with the landlord and the admin carried out by them in relation to the agreement. 
  • Holding Deposit: To secure our properties, you would pay the equivalent of a weeks rent as a holding deposit -which is deducted from the total to pay upfront and will hold a property for 7 days for you.
  • You will need to pay a security deposit for your time in the property. This should be returned within two weeks after your tenancy ends, as long as there are no damages to be deducted. We understand that you are living in our properties and so would never charge for wear and tear, curtain rails etc. We are fair and genuine.
  • You are not required to pay a fee to view a property - it is illegal to do so!

7. What documents will I need?

  • To take one of our properties, you will need to provide proof of your income and your guarantor information (Full Name, Address of the property owned, contact number and email address).
  • You will need to sign a Sample Tenancy Agreement and we can get everything arranged for you!
  • Your guarantor will need to sign a document and return this with a copy of ID.

8. What paperwork do I need to sign?

  • All of our tenants sign a Sample Tenancy Agreement before paying any holding deposits - that way we are totally transparent and our tenant's know the clauses and details of our contracts - they don't have any nasty suprises thoroghout or at the end of their tenancy! We would always recommend reading the tenancy agreement in detail and never to overlook any clauses. Our team are well trained on our agreements, so can explain anything you are unsure of.
  • Your guarantor will need to sign a guarantor agreement and provide a copy of ID for us. If two people own the property you are using for your guarantors, both must sign the agreement.
  • When you come to collect your keys, you will sign your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement - this will be exactly the same as the Sample, but possibly with different dates if you are moving in earlier than planned!
  • Once you have moved in, we will send you your Deposit Protection Certificate, EICR, Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable) EPC rating (if applicable) and How to Rent Guide. We recommend you keep these safe for your own records.

9. Things to think about:

  • Leicester Lettings requires at least a month's notice, from your rent date in order to vacate the property and end your tenancy with us. This is the same for whether you are choosing to leave during the tenancy, or at the end.
  • Your rent date will be the date you collect your keys, and from there every month. Eg if you move in on the 13th of January, your rent date would be the 13th of every month. We can swap your rent date if you wanted to, you simply just pay the difference to do so!

10. Maintenance and Repairs

  • We aim to deal with maintenace and repairs promptly. All you need to do is call into our office, or report via email on maintenance@leicesterlettings.co.uk and we will get someone out to you as soon as possible.
  • Our team can enter if you are not present, as long as you are happy for them to do so. We will always check with you when you report the issue to us.
  • The quicker you report a problem the sooner it can be resolved – so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
  • We also have an emergency out of hours service - which can be contacted whenever the office is closed to report emergency maintenance and we will aim to get someone out as soon as possible.

11. Sharing

  • Our bedsit properties have some shared facilities - either a shared bathroom or shared kitchen and bathrooms.
  • These properties are socialable and a great way to meet people!
  • Our communal areas, are professionally cleaned twice a week, including bathrooms!
  • Our bedsit properties will also have shared laundry facilites - free of charge for our tenants!

12. Viewings

  • We offer a simple and convenient viewing system for our tenants.
  • Pop into our office, leave ID with us and take the keys to view the property or properties you are interested in.
  • You can then go, at your own lesuire, to view the properties. We find this way our tenants are more relaxed, and is COVID-19 friendly.
  • All of the properties available to view are unoccupied - so no need to worry about bumping into current tenants!

13. What are the tenant’s responsibilities?

  • Once you sign your contract and move in you will be responsible for the property.  Respect the property you are renting and treat it as you would your own. You should keep the property and its contents in good order so can be certain to get your full deposit back when you move out.
  • Keep it secure and report any issues back to us as soon as ppssible.
  • Try to be a considerate tenant within your building. Be respectful of noise levels and keeping the communal areas clean.

14. Utilities / Bills

  • Unless you have your bills included as per your contract, you will be responsible for them. Make sure you transfer the services into your name (ie electricity, gas, telephone, council tax, tv license, water rates etc ). You will need to contact the provider and in some instances may be charged a connection fee. On move in, Leicester Lettings will provide a welcome pack to give you all the information you need!
  • We would recommend always taking an opening meter read.
  • All of our properties are Council Tax Band A -  Remember a 25% discount is available if you are a one household occupant.
  • Make sure you set up direct debits or payments properly for your rent and for your utility bills. Some charge late payment fees.

15. Insurance

  • It is your responsibility to take out personal contents insurance to cover your property and any damage you may accidentally cause to the property.
  • Leicester Lettings have buildings insurance to cover each property.

16. Safety Matters

  • A landlord has a legal obligation to provide a safe property for the tenants to live in. At Leicester Lettings we are fully complaint with all legalities and safety requirements. 
  • When you move into your property, you will be provided with all certificates required.

17. What if I want to vacate the property?

  • You will need to provide a months notice, from your rent date to vacate the property. This is the same for during your tenancy, or at the end. Simply email in to advise us of your choice to vacate and we will advise the rest.
  • Leave the property in the same condition you found it. All of our agreements detail no pets, so don’t be surprised if you loose you deposit if the carpets smell of cats or the doors got dog scratches all over them! You may even be liable for the damage to be repaired if the damage exceeds the deposit.
  • Take final meter readings for gas, electric and water if relevant. 

18. Enjoy your time!

  • With a good landlord or agent you should be staying in a well maintained property at no extra cost or worry to your self, ties or commitments...

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