Guide for tenants

Before looking for a new home to rent it's a good idea to make a list of what you're looking for. Do you want a furnished or unfurnished property? How long are you looking to rent it for? How many bedrooms do you need? Is outside space a priority? What transport links do you need to get to work? What is your budget?

Once you have a clearer idea of exactly what you're looking for, pop into our office, call us on or register and we will give you the details of a selection of properties that meet your criteria, and will continuously update you via when new properties become available.

At this stage, it's also worth thinking about what referees or guarantors you may need when you find a suitable property, in order to avoid delays further down the line

Step 2: Once you have found a property - or properties - that you'd like to view, please call or email our lettings team on to make an appointment. At Stephenson Browne we accompany the majority of viewings so that we're on hand to answer any questions you may have about the particular properties you're interested in, and about our lettings service in general.

Once you have found a property that you'd like to rent, you can make an offer, stating any particular conditions, which we will put forward to the landlord for consideration. If your offer is accepted, we will then engage the services of an independent third party referencing company for this purpose.

Once all credit and reference checks are completed, we will draw up a tenancy agreement to be signed by all parties. Upon payment of your deposit and first month's rent in advance, you are free to move in. Stephenson Browne then places your deposit with the Deposit Protection Service, and it will be returned in full at the end of the tenancy, as long as there is no damage to the property and the full rent has been paid.

Please note that sharers are usually jointly and severally liable for the rent, so if one person leaves before the tenancy expires, the remaining tenants will still have to pay the rent in full.

Prior to your move in you will be given an inventory to check the condition of the property and its contents and the meters readings. We will inform the utilities companies that you are now responsible for the bills, and contact the local council to advise them that you will be paying the Council Tax. Whilst it's the landlord's responsibility to insure the flat and any furniture/contents that are included in the rental, it's a good idea for you to insure your personal possessions. Now all that remains is for you to settle in and enjoy your new home!

When you move in, you will receive a welcome letter telling you who to contact in the event of any problems arising. If your property is managed by Stephenson Browne this will be contact details of your local branch. Alternatively, if the property is managed by your landlord, it will contain their full contact details.

Please ensure that you have made arrangements to pay your rent on time to avoid any embarrassing calls chasing you for unpaid rent.

For any questions concerning your tenancy agreement, break clauses, payments or renewals, you should contact your local Stephenson Browne Lettings Office, who will be happy to assist.