The Tenant Journey – What to Expect When Renting a Home

Renting a home is an exciting step, whether you’re moving into your first apartment or relocating to a new city. At Settio, we make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, guiding you through each stage with expert advice. Here’s what to expect from your rental journey with us.

Finding a home and making an offer

The first step is finding a property that fits your needs; speak with our expert lettings team who will help match you with the perfect home. Once you’ve found the one, it’s time to make an offer. You’ll need to provide details about yourselves and propose key information like a move-in date, rent amount and expected length of tenancy.

Paying a holding deposit

To secure the property, you’ll be required to pay a holding deposit. This ensures that the property is taken off the market while your application is being processed. A holding deposit is typically the value of one week’s rent and the amount will later be deducted from your final balance, so you can rest assured it’s contributing towards your tenancy costs.

Submitting referencing documents

To confirm your suitability as a tenant, you’ll need to submit referencing documents. This typically includes your ID and any visas, proof of income, employment references, and previous landlord references. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring it’s straightforward and efficient.

Protecting your tenancy

At Settio, we offer flexibility when it comes to your deposit. You can opt for a traditional cash deposit, to the value of 5 weeks’ rent, which is held securely for the duration of your tenancy or choose a deposit replacement scheme through Reposit. This option allows you to pay a smaller upfront fee (to the value of one week’s rent) instead of a full deposit, making moving more financially accessible.

Signing your contract and making payment

Once everything is in place, you’ll receive your tenancy agreement electronically for signing. At this stage, you’ll also need to pay your deposit (or the insurance fee) and your first month’s rent.

Take a look around

Moving day is an exciting milestone! One of our team members will meet you at the property, hand over your keys, and give you a tour. We’ll explain how everything works, from appliances to security features, so you feel comfortable from day one. To ensure transparency, you’ll receive an inventory report detailing the condition of the property at the start of your tenancy. It’s important to review this carefully during the first week and report any discrepancies on our platform, as this document will be used when you move out to assess any potential deductions.

Enjoy it!

With everything set up, all that’s left is for you to enjoy your new home. Whether you’re settling into city life in Manchester, exploring London’s vibrant neighbourhoods, or enjoying the culture of Birmingham, we’re here to support you throughout your tenancy.

At Settio, we’re committed to making renting a hassle-free experience. If you have any questions or need assistance at any stage, our team is always happy to help.

Welcome home!