Is it the same process in the UK to rent a property as it is in my home country?
Probably not. Experience has taught us that most countries have a different way of finding properties to rent or buy.
Does the UK have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) where I can see every property to rent or buy in London?
The UK does not have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) like the US. We do have some on-line portals, e.g. Rightmove and Zoopla, but they do not list every property available to rent or buy.
Why do I need a relocation or property agent to help me find a home in London?
As a relocation/property agent, we already have a well-established network of trusted agents and owners across London that we can contact directly to find out what properties are available. This also includes properties that are not advertised as well as properties that are due to come to market soon. This means that we can often show you a property before it actually comes to market and get it agreed for you before anyone else sees it.
Who else do you collect fees from?
For both properties to rent and properties to buy, we only receive a fee from our client. We do not receive a fee from the letting agent, sales agent, landlord or owner for finding a tenant or purchaser.
What are we actually paying you for?
In a nutshell, our knowledge, network and expertise. We know London inside out; down to the street level in some areas. We have a direct relationship with the best agents and owners in London. We liaise, on your behalf, with all the agents saving you the time and stress of registering with each and every agent. We send out your search and only select those properties that meet your criteria to send on to you for you to pre-select to view. During the accompanied Home Tour, we advise on the pros and cons of each property. We help you to construct and submit your offer and support you during the entire process until it is agreed in writing by both you and the owner. We advise on all matters relating to the rental or purchase of a property until the AST is signed for a rental property, or until solicitors are instructed if you are buying a property.
How reliable are portals like Rightmove and Zoopla?
Online portals like Rightmove and Zoopla are a great way of gauging the market and seeing what sort of properties are available in a certain area and at a certain price. However, due to the speed of the property market in London, they can become out-of-date and not all agents advertise on these portals. We work with all the best agents across London whether they have advertise on an on-line portal or not.
How many days, weeks or months in advance do I need to start looking for a home to rent in London?
Rental properties tend to be advertised up to 2 months before they are available. But this can vary. Some properties are available immediately and some are advertised as available more than 2 months hence.
Can I make multiple offer on rental properties at the same time?
In London, we tend not to do that. There is a lot of work involved for agents – both owner and tenant - in getting an offer agreed so we recommend that only one offer is submitted at a time. It normally takes up to 48 hours to get an offer agreed but can be agreed in minutes if the offer is agreeable to both parties.
Is making an offer legally binding?
In the UK, making an offer is not legally binding. You can make an offer and have it agreed by the owner but that still doesn’t mean you are legally obliged to rent or buy the property.
What is an AST?
AST stands for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This is your rental or tenancy agreement.
Am I able to break my rental tenancy if some unforeseen event happens?
In short, yes. There are often unforeseen circumstances which necessitate having to leave a rental property before the end of the tenure or using a break clause. In such a case, the landlord will usually put the property back on the market to find another tenant. However, you are still liable for all rent until a new tenant is found and they sign a new tenancy agreement. You may also be asked to pay the agency’s marketing costs of the landlord.
What deposits do I need to make and when?
There are two deposits: a 1 week holding deposit when your offer is agreed and a 5 weeks’ damage deposit when you sign the AST.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount of time I allowed to rent a property?
In England and Wales, an AST is usually signed for a minimum of 12 months, to a maximum of three years.
Do I need a UK bank account before I rent a property in London?
You do need a UK bank account in order to pay your rent and your utilities and council tax.
Do I need a UK work visa before I rent a property in London?
You can search for and agree a property before you have your visa but for rental, you need to show your right to stay and/or work in the UK before you will be handed the key to the property via the Right to Rent checks.
I only need to rent a property for up to 6 months. Is that possible?
Yes. But that may be on a short-term basis. Short-term lets are up to 6 months in length. Rents for short-term lets are up to 40% higher than long-term rents.
What is the best area to live in London?
That depends on you! There are many amazing areas to live in London. It depends on many factors as to which is the best for you, e.g. your commute, the amenities and feel of the area, transport options, access to parks, budget, etc.
What are “Right to Rent” checks?
The Right to Rent checks are carried out by the letting agent once the tenancy agreement has been signed and before you collect the keys to the property.
What is SDLT?
Stamp Duty and Land Tax. This is payable when you buy a property. It is also payable if you rent a property and the rent paid over a period exceeds £125,000.
What other costs do I need to pay other than my rent?
Other than the monthly rent, tenants need to pay for council tax, gas, electricity, a water supply and an internet connection.
