Renting a Property

Our experienced and dynamic team also ensure we can maintain the professionalism and personal touch that sets us apart and gives us our edge, as well as what allows us to cater for all types of needs. With our elite and cutting edge website, everything is made easy. Whether you're looking for a penthouse apartment or a house share, we offer tailor-made options to all our clients.

We understand that you may be busy and not have time during normal working hours. With City Quays there's never a need to take time off work to visit a property. Simply arrange a time that suits you, even if this is outside of normal working hours, and we will arrange the viewing of properties around your convenience!

Many of our staff are multi-lingual so if you're from overseas there's no need to bring a translator along to our office, we have them all here!

For details on the letting costs and charges, For details on the tenancy costs and charges, download our comprehensive list of fees for tenants.

The Renting Guide

In using City Quays to assist you renting a property needn't be the stressful process it sometimes can be. Our simple step-by-step guide gives you all the info you need on ensuring the renting process for you is smooth and stress-free!

Step 1: Decide What You Want

The quicker you decide on what it is exactly that you want, the quicker we can assist you, and the quicker you can be moved into your new property.

There are many things that are worth considering to ensure you make the correct decision. First, is the area in which you wish to rent in. When doing so it is important to consider proximity to work and schools, local amenities and transport links. You also have to decide on exactly the size and type that you wish for the property you rent to be.

Most importantly however the big question remains, the budget! Set yourself a price range so you know what is realistic and affordable for you.

Step 2: The Search

Once you've decided exactly what it is you want, it's time to start looking for properties that fit the bill and live up to your expectations. You can utilise our website for this purpose that has tens of properties to choose from across a multitude of areas. Alternatively, come in to our office and have a chat with one of our estate agents who'll be able to help you find a property matching your tastes and requirements.

Step 3: Check it out!

Once you feel you have found the perfect property to rent, it's a good idea to set out to visit the property. We can set up a viewing appointment for you. At City Quays we operate these around our clients and their busy working lives, so many of these viewings take place on weekends and after working hours, totally for your convenience!

Step 4: Agree to Rent

Once you've decided on what you feel is the perfect property, just let us know so we can pass on the good news to the landlord. This stage is known as the letting agreed stage.

At this point we check your references, which requires you to pay a fee. If and when this runs smooth and problem- free, you then pay the deposit and advance rent. The process is very nearly complete!

For details on the letting costs and charges, For details on the tenancy costs and charges, download our comprehensive list of fees for tenants.

Step 5: The Tenancy Agreement

If you so wish, you can leave all the paperwork to us, and we will provide a Tenancy Agreement for both you and your landlord to sign. This agreement is legally binding.

The tenancy agreement covers many things, including details of: your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities upon the landlord, the duration of tenancy, the agreed amount of rent and how often it is to be paid, as well as your responsibilities regarding bills and maintenance.

Step 6: The Big Move!

With the paperwork complete, and the advance rent and deposit paid, the only thing left for you to do is move in! You will be given a set of keys, and we will accompany you to the property on this day to carry out what is known as an inventory. Simply put, this just lists every item and fitting in the property so it can be checked for any damages or losses when you move out.

Once this has been carried out the process is all complete.

Welcome to your brand new home!

Moving Checklist

"Moving to your new address can be stressful. Here at City Quays we take care of our clients every step of the way, our team of specialist have prepared a Moving out Checklist" - Daniel Godfrey, Lettings Manager

Preparing for the move

• Try to avoid Fridays and bank holidays when removal firms are in high demand and may be stretched. For a less stressful move, opt for off-peak times such as mid-week. It's more likely your chosen removal firm will be available for that day.
• Call in the professionals. Ask friends or relatives who have moved recently to recommend removal firms. Failing that, the British Association of Removers (BAR) or the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS) will be able to supply names of approved members in your area. They operate within the terms of a code of practice and offer an independent conciliation and arbitration service in case of complaint. Find out more information on how to choose a removal company, or alternatively, view a selection of removal companies here on City Quays.com
• Get at least three estimates from different firms and don't automatically accept the cheapest; you tend to get what you pay for. When comparing estimates, make sure you are comparing like with like. Are packing materials, boxes, cartons and crates and VAT all included?
• Ensure your possessions are insured for transit. Most removal companies provide such insurance. Check what it covers and whether there are exclusions. Remember that anything you pack yourself may not be covered by the removal firm's insurance. If you are planning to transport any precious items yourself, check that these are covered when in transit by your contents insurance.
• Point out anything that needs special care and attention, such as antiques, computers, pictures, etc. (Highlight any large or awkward items of furniture, such as a piano - which may require a specialist handler and/or have to be winched in through a window - or sofa)
• Keep in mind William Morris' interior design dictum that "everything must either be useful or beautiful." Valuable items that are no longer needed can be auctioned or sold to a dealer in second-hand furniture. Other items can be donated to charity shops or recycled.
• Get someone to look after the children for the day. The same goes for pets - or book them into kennels or a cattery. Make sure they have identity tags with their new address.
• Compile a fact file for the people who are moving into your property, such as instruction leaflets and service information for the heating system and appliances you're leaving, together with details of rubbish collection, milk deliveries, recycling schemes and so on.
• If the move is going to be spread over a couple of days, arrange accommodation somewhere special, ideally a hotel - you'll be too exhausted to socialise - and pack a bag for an overnight stop.
• Make a scale plan of each room in your new home to give to the removal team so, in theory, they know exactly where everything is to go.
• Colour-code packing boxes, cases and furniture in the hope that this will mean it ends up in the right rooms.
• Final preparations should include making a complete inventory of everything to be moved in case anything goes missing when it is delivered to your home
• Advising the post office to redirect your post and cancelling the milk and newspapers if you have them delivered.
• If you are moving to a different area, register with a new GP, Dentist, and Opticians.
• Use storage facilities - Storage companies will accept practically anything as long as it isn't perishable (food, plants, etc), flammable (noxious chemicals), illegal (drugs, cash waiting to be laundered) or alive (pets, children).

Notify the following parties of your new Address

• Telephone and Internet service providers
• Notify TV Licensing of your new address. Your TV licence doesn't automatically move with you when you move house. If you don't notify TV Licensing of you new address, you could end up being unlicensed in your new home, even if you paid for a licence at your old address. Anyone who watches TV without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1000, so make sure you're covered by logging on to www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0844 800 6722 and follow the instructions. This should only take a few minutes!
• Bank, building society, pension provider and any company you have loans or investments with
• Credit card and store card companies
• Inland Revenue - see www.hmrc.gov.uk for a list of offices
• Local council regarding council tax
• Subscriptions to magazines, charities, etc
• Employers
• The schools your children attend
• It is a legal requirement to notify DVLA - you will need to renew your driving licence and vehicle registration document
• Friends, family and colleagues of course!

On the big day

• Make sure the foreman has a layout of your new home so furniture is put in the correct room.
• Ensure the removal firm has access to your new home and has arranged for permission to park outside the property if necessary.
• Have all paperwork and contact numbers relating to the move with you.
• Upon arrival, read the meters and check that the phone, security alarm, electricity, gas, central heating and water work.
• Make sure all items that were included in the sale, such as carpets, curtains and light fittings, are there. Think about getting the locks changed on your new property - you never know who the previous owners may have given spare keys to in the past.
• From personal experiences make sure you get to know the local area (Take away shops) cause by the end of the day you will be shattered so order a takeaway and crack open a bottle of champagne!