If you haven’t used an Estate Agent before, or just need to refresh your memory on what happens next, this is where we provide a brief guide to each process. Whether you plan to sell, buy, let or rent, these guides should make the task a little easier. Print out and tick off the stages as you go.
Budget
Calculate what you can afford to pay per week on rent, not forgetting that you will also have to pay a deposit, which will be registered with an independent body until the end of the tenancy, and there will be other associated costs. A Franklyn James rental negotiator can run through with you exactly what you will need to pay for at the beginning of a tenancy.
Check that your budget is adequate for the sort of property you want in your chosen area.
Viewings
Make sure your requirements regarding the property, parking, furniture and start date are clear when you start viewing available properties. Don’t stray too far from your maximum budget. When you find a suitable property, check out the background information before making an offer. Ask to see the exact parking space, get the council tax band and availability date in writing first.
Offer
Firstly, pay a holding deposit to demonstrate that you are serious. Then make a reasonable offer based on what similar properties are renting for, or what the landlord is currently receiving for the property. Suggest your preferred tenancy start date. Once the offer is accepted, the property will be removed from the market whilst referencing is carried out. Complete forms promptly to enable referencing to take place.
Referencing
An independent referencing agency will obtain references from your employer and a previous landlord where possible. Whilst this is taking place, get the balance of funds ready for transfer.
Contract
When satisfactory references have been received, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (contract) will be drawn up and both you and the landlord will be asked to sign. Read the ASTA carefully and question, in writing, any dates, amounts or clauses which are different from what you expected. Find out which utility companies you will have to contact at the start of the tenancy.
Start of new tenancy
Pay the balance of funds, including any fees, in plenty of time so that it has cleared before you collect the keys from the estate agency. Contact relevant utility companies and the local council regarding new council tax liability and consider taking out contents insurance. When you receive a copy of the check-in report and inventory, read these immediately and compare them with what you see in the property. Raise any inconsistencies within five working days of receipt of the report, as any areas or items which are damaged or missing at the end of the tenancy may well be charged to you.
All information provided correct at time of publication.
Docklands" Nicholas has been very professional and friendly. A big thank you for him for answering all my inquiries promptly and even - after a few last minute changes - sacrificing his Sunday morning and driving over to give me the keys to my new flat. Fantastic service, I would recommend him to anyone looking for a new place. "
Captain DashenkaFebruary, 2018
Docklands" Antony is very kind and friendly to solve the issues we faced during the property renting. With his help, we rented a satisfactory flat and everything goes well. Thanks to Antony. "
WenApril, 2018
Docklands" Nicholas has been very passionate and professional all the time and I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me. With friendly manner, he rang me first a couple of times wanting to show me properties which isn't even on the market yet that I'd be interested which I really appreciated. He knows exactly what he's doing and I can tell he thoroughly enjoys his job. Don't hesitate to contact him if you're looking for a property to rent in E14, you'll get everything you deserve. "
JooJuly, 2017
Limehouse" Great service, kind and fast responder. Glad to have done businesses with him! He helped us going beyond his duties. "
LuisDecember, 2017
Limehouse" I would like to express a note of thanks for Lee Alter. I am very pleased with all the work he has done. I highly recommend working with Lee, as he always answers emails on time, offers the best possible solutions, very kind and lovely person (which is very important quality for the time of job he does), knows well what is going on the market, very professional and has advanced knowledge in the time of work he does. Many thanks! "
Natalia KalenovaJuly, 2017
Docklands" Antony was friendly, helpful and efficient. I couldn't fault the service we received and would happily recommend him to other prospective tenants. "
AMApril, 2018
" I rented an apartment, with two friends, in North Greenwich (Rent PCM: £2600). Moving in, the agency was incredibly accommodating with our situation and made the whole process of moving in so smooth. We had the opportunity to move in one day early at short notice. Throughout the tenancy, they have been respectful of our space and understanding. When we first moved in, the extractor hob wasn't working and Nicole was very quick to respond to emails and sort the situation out! (Not easy with manufacturers based in Germany). "
Gwsmith22June, 2017
Limehouse" Dovile was Excellent.
Booked a viewing with her towards the end of December, she made every effort to work around my busy work schedule, unlike other estate agents she actually turned up and was knowledgeable about the property she was showing. She would pick up calls after hours and during her day off to answer any question I had.
She made this whole process very enjoyable and by end of January I had moved into my new flat. "
Miss JohnsonJanuary, 2018
Limehouse" Dovile had immediately understood our expectations.
We found our perfect flat after 2 visits in the same day.
Very professional but also friendly, we highly recommend Dovile. "
Audrey and SeanJanuary, 2018
Docklands" Nicholas was incredibly helpful,efficient and easy to work with. I would definitely ask for his help in the future and mention him to others. "
NatashaMarch, 2018
Limehouse
Docklands
