Tenant Information
Everything you need to know about renting with Just Lettings.
Guide to Renting a Property
Finding a Property
Check out our property listings page. If you have seen a property you would like to view, use the contact form on the property details page to arrange a viewing, or give us a call. If you have a specific type of property in mind we can take details of your requirements and contact you should a suitable property become available.
References
Before commencing with the tenancy we will need to obtain satisfactory references from your employer and/or a previous or current landlord. We may require a guarantor to support the applicant/s application. We use the services of an independent referencing agency. Personal & photographic identification will also be required, such as a passport or driving licence.
The Tenancy Agreement
Once satisfactory references have been received, the relevant documentation will be drafted and prepared for signing by the Tenant(s) and the Letting Agent on behalf of the landlord.
Inventory & Schedule of Condition
Before the start of the tenancy, an inventory is prepared detailing the contents and condition of the property. You will be provided with a copy and so will the landlord.
Deposit & Rent
Prior to commencing the tenancy, we will require a deposit and the first rental payment (a month in advance). Your deposit will be protected under the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), accredited by the Government. All deposits must be protected within 30 calendar days of receipt. Your deposit cannot be used to pay your rent.
Signing the Tenancy Agreement and releasing of the Keys.
Under the new Renters Right Act 2025 the rules have changed.
Both Tenant/s and the Landlord/s have to sign the undated Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement, known as the ‘APT’. Once the APT has been signed by both parties the Tenants transfer the Months Rent and Deposit. On cleared effects of the money transfer the APT is then dated, along with all relevant documentation signed, the keys will then be released and the Tenant/s can move into their new home.
Your Responsibilities
As a tenant, you are responsible for:
- Prompt payment of the rent
- Prompt payment of gas, telephone, electricity, council tax and TV licence
- Reporting any damages to the property or furnishings as soon as possible
- Taking general good care of the property
- Respecting the needs of your neighbours
- Using the property solely for residential purposes (no business use)
- Insuring your own contents/personal possessions (landlord insures building & their furnishings)
- Consulting us before carrying out any decoration or changes to the property
Pets
You must reveal that you have a pet(s) during the application stage and not after the reference process has commenced. The Landlord must give written consent for a pet at the property. No additional deposit can be charged for pets. Properties marked as "Pet Friendly" in our listings welcome well-behaved pets.
Repairs & Maintenance
If you find any problems with the property you are renting, you should contact us immediately via our online maintenance request form. Once we have been informed of any issues, we will instruct the landlord and arrange for repairs.
Report a Maintenance IssueRenters' Rights Act 2025
Government Information Sheet — Key changes affecting tenants from 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 represents the biggest change to private renting in England in a generation. The new rules apply automatically from 1 May 2026, even if your tenancy agreement is not updated. Landlords must provide this government-produced information sheet to all existing tenants by 31 May 2026.
No-Fault Evictions Abolished
Section 21 "no-fault" eviction notices have been abolished. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a legal reason.
Fixed-Term Tenancies Ended
Assured Shorthold Tenancies with fixed terms are replaced by periodic tenancies from the outset.
Rent Increases Limited
Rent can only be increased once per year, using a Section 13 notice giving at least 2 months' notice.
Right to Request a Pet
Tenants now have a legal right to request a pet. Landlords must consider the request and cannot unreasonably refuse.
Stronger Tenant Protections
The Act strengthens enforcement powers, bans rent in advance beyond permitted limits.
Written Statement Required
Landlords must provide a written statement of tenancy terms before the agreement is signed.
Official Government Information Sheet
The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 — published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. Landlords are required by law to provide this document to all existing assured or assured shorthold tenants by 31 May 2026. Failure to do so is a civil offence with penalties of up to £7,000.
Source: GOV.UK — Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Tenant Fees
In compliance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, only the following permitted payments may be charged:
Acceptable Fees
During the Tenancy (Permitted Payments)
Emergency Contacts
Gas emergency: 0800 111 999 (National Gas Emergency Service)
Property emergencies outside office hours: Refer to your tenancy pack for the emergency contact number.
Office hours: 01953 686863 / 07749621060