Lettings People

Whether your looking for flats to rent or Houses to rent in Southend, we believe that renting property shouldn’t be complicated. lettingspeople aim to find you the perfect property, with the minimum of hassle, and make things as easy as possible, starting with a quick guide to the process.

Step 1: Decide on the basics
Step 2: Start looking
Step 3: Look around the places you like
Step 4: Agree to rent
Step 5: Sign the tenancy agreement
Step 6: Move in!

Step 1: Decide on the basics

The more you know about what you want, the easier your search will be. Before you even start looking, make a list of what’s important to you. Consider whether you want a house or flat in Southend or the surrounding areas and what neighbourhoods appeal to you.

Of course, you’ll sometimes have to trade off one good thing against another. It’s a good idea to divide your wish list into “essential” and “nice to have”, to make these decisions easier.

Area

Probably the most important questions. Do you want to live near your work? Do you need to be near a Train Station or your Children's School? Perhaps do you need it to be close to the Town Centre? Maybe take some time at a weekend to walk around and get a feel for the areas you’re considering. We have all types of property in Southend, and the surrounding areas, so it can be helpful to make a list of postcodes or even streets that you’d consider to narrow down your search.

Transport links

For some people, this is even more important than the area itself. Do you want to walk to work, or anywhere that’s near a train station on the right line? If you drive to London a lot or out of the area, do you need easy access to the motorway?

Size and type

A few things to consider:

• House or flat in Southend, or surrounding areas?
  
• How many bedrooms? Do you need a spare room?
  
• Do you want outside space like a balcony or garden?
  
• Do you require parking?
  

Budget

Ah! The big question. Set yourself a price range, and work it out by week and by month (Remember there are more than 4 weeks in a calendar month – about 4.3, in fact).

Rents are normally quoted calendar monthly, and payable monthly in advance. The tenant is usually also responsible for Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity and Telephone costs. All rents are payable by bank standing order to our company bank account or your landlord's bank account

You’ll need to earn approx 2.5 times the annual rental figure ie (£600pcm X 12 = £7200 X 2.5 = £18000.

A deposit is required prior to occupation. This is normally equal to about 1 months rent, but may vary. Check with your lettingspeople representative. This deposit will be protected in accordance with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) legislation where applicable.

The deposit is held to cover your obligations under the tenancy agreement including any breakages, damage, or other tenant liabilities. At the end of the tenancy lettingspeople, or an independent Inventory Agent, will check the property and assess any damage, breakages, and any other liabilities under the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Step 2: Start looking

Once you know what you’re after, it’s time to start looking for houses or flats in Southend, and the surrounding areas that measure up. Bear in mind that most landlords are looking for tenants who can move in within 2-4 weeks. If you won’t be ready to move by then, and moving is not urgent we can log your details and will contact you as suitable properties to rent become available.

Use our online search at the top of this page on the right to search and find a house or flat, or you can register your details by with us, and we’ll keep you up to date with new property instructions.

Our database is updated every two hours, so you’ll always see the latest houses or flats to rent in Southend throughout the day.

If you'd like to talk to one of our friendly staff , contact us by phone or by dropping into our office located on Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea. We’ll get you registered and start looking for your place straight away.

Step 3: Look around the places you like

Once you’ve found a house or flat that you like the look of, we can make a viewing appointment so you can get a real feel for the place. Viewing will be arranged to suit you, which could be in the evening or week end, subject of course to the Landlords permission. Our member of staff will be able to provide any advice & answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Agree to rent

Once you’ve decided on a particular home, we move into the letting agreed stage. You tell us you want to go ahead, and we’ll tell the landlord the good news.

This is when we check your references – there’s a reservation fee(holding deposit) of equiliavant of 2 weeks rent & reference fee to pay at this stage. Assuming the tenancy goes ahead, the reservation fee(holding deposit), will be deducted from the monies due prior to move in.

References will be obtained on behalf of the landlord. Normally, this will include your employer, current/former landlord and a Bank reference. In addition a credit check maybe undertaken. Each person over the age of 18 who will be living in the property will need to be referenced.

Where a tenant is unable to meet the required income or credit checks, the tenant may be required to have a Guarantor to agree to underwrite any rent liabilities. Each Guarantor if required will need to be referenced.

Assuming there’s no problems, you’re on the home straight.

Step 5: Sign the tenancy agreement

We’ll handle the paperwork and provide a tenancy agreement for you and your landlord to sign. It’s legally binding, so make sure you read it carefully. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

Among other things, it will tell you:

• Your responsibilities regarding bills and maintenance
  
• Your rights as a tenant
  
• Your landlord’s responsibilities

Step 6: Move in!

When the paperwork’s done and your balance of deposit and first month’s rent are paid, the only thing left is to move into your property.

You’ll be given a set of keys to your new home, along with 2 copies of a detailed & photographic inventory/schedule of condition listing. The Inventory lists every item in each room of the property, and assesses the condition of the property. You will be required to check this, sign both copies and return one copy within 7 days of taking occupation back to lettingspeople.

Welcome to your new home!