Tenants
A Guide for Tenants
Renting a property is a legal commitment, and understanding the process from the outset helps ensure a smooth and positive tenancy. The guidance below outlines what to expect at each stage and how Carvers supports tenants throughout.
Before You Start Looking
Before beginning your search, it is important to have a clear understanding of your budget, including rent and ongoing household costs such as utilities and council tax. You should also consider your preferred locations and any non-negotiable requirements.
Most applications require standard documentation, including photographic identification, proof of income, and references. Being prepared in advance will help avoid delays once you find a suitable property.
When renting through Carvers, you can be confident that you are dealing with a professional, regulated agent operating in line with recognised industry standards.
Viewing and Choosing a Property
Viewings are an opportunity to assess more than just the layout of a property. You should consider its overall condition, heating and insulation, and the surrounding area.
You should also ask clear questions about the tenancy type and length, what is included within the rent, and whether there are any restrictions relating to matters such as pets or use of the property. If the tenancy is shared or joint, it is important that all parties understand their responsibilities.
Making an Offer and Signing the Agreement
Once you decide to proceed with a property, you will be asked to submit your details and confirm the proposed tenancy terms. Before signing, ensure you fully understand the tenancy agreement, including your obligations and the responsibilities of the landlord and agent.
Most residential tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). All terms should be clearly explained, and you should be aware that under the Tenant Fees Act, most fees are prohibited or strictly regulated. You will only be asked to pay charges that are legally permitted.
Deposits and Moving In
Any tenancy deposit must be protected within a government-authorised deposit protection scheme, and you will be provided with full details of this protection.
At the start of the tenancy, you will receive a check-in report or inventory detailing the condition of the property. Reviewing this carefully and raising any queries promptly helps ensure clarity at the end of the tenancy.
You should also understand how repairs and maintenance are reported, who is responsible for different types of issues, and the appropriate process should a problem arise.
During Your Tenancy
Throughout the tenancy, rent must be paid on time and the terms of the agreement adhered to. Any maintenance or safety concerns should be reported promptly, and access provided where required, subject to appropriate notice.
It is important to keep the landlord or managing agent informed of any changes in circumstances that may affect the tenancy. Tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment of the property, and landlords or agents should not interfere unreasonably.
At the End of Your Tenancy
When ending a tenancy, the correct notice must be given in line with the tenancy agreement. The property should be left in a clean and tidy condition, keys returned, and all agreed requirements met.
A final inspection will be carried out, and the process for the return of the deposit will be clearly explained. Any deductions, if applicable, must be supported by evidence and handled through the deposit protection scheme.
Your Rights and What to Expect from Carvers
Tenants are legally entitled to safe, well-maintained accommodation, appropriate notice, and protection from unlawful eviction.
When renting through Carvers, you can expect clear communication, written agreements, and a professional, structured approach throughout your tenancy.
Final Notes
Renting need not be complicated. By understanding your responsibilities, reviewing documentation carefully, and communicating clearly, tenancies can run smoothly from start to finish. Our lettings team is available to support you throughout the process, from securing a property to managing the tenancy.
Tenant FAQs
Under the Tenant Fees Act, most fees are prohibited. Typically, tenants will be required to pay the first month’s rent and a tenancy deposit capped in line with current legislation. In limited circumstances, additional permitted payments may apply, such as for late rent or tenant-requested changes to the tenancy. All permitted charges will be clearly explained before you proceed.
The tenancy deposit is capped by law and must be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme. You will be provided with full details of the scheme used and the prescribed information within the required timescales.
All prospective tenants are subject to referencing and affordability checks. This typically includes identity verification, right-to-rent checks, credit and income assessments, and references where appropriate. These checks help ensure the tenancy is suitable and sustainable for all parties.
As part of the referencing process, rent affordability is assessed to ensure the tenancy is financially sustainable. As a general guide, the combined annual household income should be at least 30 times the monthly rent.
For example, if the monthly rent is £800, the required minimum household income would typically be £24,000 per year (£800 × 30). This approach helps reduce the risk of rent arrears during the tenancy.
A guarantor is a third party who agrees to meet the tenant’s financial obligations if the tenant is unable to do so. A guarantor may be requested where affordability thresholds are not met, employment history is limited, or referencing criteria are partially unmet.
Guarantors are required to undergo referencing and are usually expected to be UK-based with sufficient income or assets to support the commitment. Full details will be provided in advance if a guarantor is required.
Most residential tenancies are granted as Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) for an initial fixed term, commonly six or twelve months. The length of the tenancy will be confirmed before you sign the agreement, and renewal options will be discussed in advance of the term ending.
Rent increases must be carried out in accordance with the terms of the tenancy agreement and current legislation. During a fixed term, rent can only be increased if a specific clause allows for this or if a new agreement is agreed. For periodic tenancies, rent increases must follow the correct legal process and notice requirements. Any proposed increase will be communicated clearly and in writing.
Landlords are responsible for the structure of the property and essential services such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. Tenants are responsible for reporting issues promptly and for taking reasonable care of the property. Repair responsibilities are clearly set out in the tenancy agreement.
Maintenance issues should be reported as soon as possible using the agreed reporting process. For managed properties, this is typically done through Carvers directly or via an online reporting system. Emergency issues should be reported immediately.
Yes. Periodic inspections are carried out on managed properties to monitor condition and identify maintenance issues early. Inspections are conducted at reasonable intervals and with appropriate notice.
Tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment of the property. Access will only be requested for legitimate reasons such as inspections, repairs, or safety checks, and appropriate notice will be given except in genuine emergencies.
Permission for pets or alterations must be requested in advance and is subject to the terms of the tenancy agreement and landlord approval. Any permissions granted will be confirmed in writing.
Ending a tenancy early is subject to the terms of the tenancy agreement and usually requires the landlord’s consent. In some cases, reasonable costs may apply, limited by legislation. We will explain the process clearly if this situation arises.
Notice requirements depend on whether you are within a fixed term or a periodic tenancy and are set out in your tenancy agreement. Notice must be given in writing and in line with the required notice period. We recommend contacting Carvers before serving notice so we can confirm the correct process.
At the end of the tenancy, you must give the correct notice, return all keys, and leave the property in a clean and tidy condition. A final inspection will be carried out, and the deposit return process will be managed in accordance with the deposit protection scheme rules.
For managed properties, Carvers is your main point of contact throughout the tenancy. We aim to provide clear communication and timely responses throughout your tenancy.