First steps

Renting has many benefits.  It can be cheaper than owning, allowing you to be able to save more – which can be really useful.  It is also more advantageous to those who are moving jobs or studying away from home as you can move to somewhere else quite quickly in comparison to having to sell and buy property. 

The process of renting a property can also be simpler than buying.  However it is not without it's complications, so we have put together a few helpful guides to assist you.  

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Finding the right property

To find the right property for you, it is vital that you set out what requirements you have.  What do you need from a property?  Some key questions for you to consider:

1. Do you need a property to live in full time or is it for the week only?
2. What is your budget?  Here you need to look at what you can afford to pay in rent plus your bills like council tax, insurance and utilities. 
3. How many bedrooms do you need?
4. Do you need parking? 
5. Do you require a furnished or unfurnished property?
6. Would you like a garden?
7. What area is best for you?  Do you need to be near local amenities?  Near certain schools?  Near transport links?  Close to work?
8. Are you looking for a short term or long term let?
9. When is it available from?
10. Do they allow pets?

Once you have your answers, you can set your criteria for searching for the property that is perfect for you. 

Renting privately or through a Lettings Agent

Landlords letting their property privately are unregulated and are not usually part of a professional body therefore it can be more reassuring to rent through a lettings agent.  

haart are associated with a variety of industry and regulatory bodies that enable professional agents to subscribe to their strict codes of practice; offering customers peace of mind that their best interests, both financial and social, are protected:

The Property Ombudsman
Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)
National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS)
Founding member of SAFEagent scheme

Looking for a property to rent through a Lettings Agent also has the advantage of an extensive range of properties in the different areas to suit all requirements, tastes and budgets.