The first thing to do is plan your budget carefully. Work out your current outgoings and decide what you can comfortably afford each month in rent. Bear in mind that you will need to pay a refundable holding deposit upfront (capped at one week’s rent), as well as your first month’s rent before moving in.

Booking a viewing should be your first step — it’s the perfect opportunity to see the property and meet the agent. After the viewing, if you’d like to proceed, we’ll ask you to complete a Tenancy Declaration, outlining the services we’ll provide and the payments expected from you. We’ll then begin the referencing process. If successful, you’ll be offered a tenancy agreement to sign.

A deposit gives your landlord security that the property will be kept in good condition. It can be used at the end of the tenancy to cover any damages beyond fair wear and tear, outstanding rent arrears, or unpaid utility bills. Under the Tenant Fees Act, deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent (or six weeks if the annual rent exceeds £50,000).

By law, your landlord or agent must register your deposit with a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 30 days of receiving it. Fleming Lettings is registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). You will receive written confirmation of where and how your deposit is protected, along with the relevant prescribed information.

A Tenancy Deposit Scheme protects your deposit throughout your tenancy and provides a free, independent dispute resolution service if there is a disagreement between you and the landlord about deductions at the end of the tenancy. This means you do not have to go to court to resolve deposit disputes.

What happens to your deposit depends on whether you have met your obligations under the tenancy agreement. Factors considered include the condition of the property compared to the inventory taken at the start of the tenancy, any outstanding rent, and unpaid bills. Normal fair wear and tear cannot be deducted. If you disagree with any proposed deductions, you can raise a dispute through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme at no cost to you.

The tenancy agreement is the legal contract between you and your landlord. It sets out both parties’ rights and obligations, including your monthly rent. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, all private tenancies are now periodic (rolling) — there are no fixed-term contracts. This means your tenancy will continue indefinitely until either you or the landlord ends it through the correct legal process.

Your landlord or agent will periodically visit the property to check its condition and identify any maintenance issues. We will always give you advance notice before any visit — your landlord cannot enter the property without your permission, except in a genuine emergency.

Your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, as well as the heating, hot water, and essential services. Under Awaab’s Law — now extended to the private rented sector via the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — landlords must investigate and begin fixing reported hazards such as damp and mould within strict timeframes. If Fleming Lettings manages your property, report any issues to us directly. If your landlord has a Let Only or Rent Collection arrangement with us, you will need to contact your landlord directly.

In most cases, you will need the express permission of the landlord to make changes, and it is best to have this permission in writing before proceeding. The landlord may make a claim against your deposit to restore the property to its original condition, and without their written permission, it may be successful.

Accidents happen, and landlords understand that. You should report the incident to the person in charge of property maintenance — whether that’s us or your landlord — as soon as possible. You will be expected to cover the associated repair or replacement cost, but it is important that you do not try to hide or ignore the damage, as it could worsen over time and increase the effect on your deposit at the end of the tenancy.

If you believe your landlord is not keeping to their obligations, the first thing to do is speak with us. As a letting agency, we have a duty of care for our tenants as much as we have a duty to the landlord. We may be able to resolve any issues depending on the agreement they have with us. Alternatively, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice, or raise a complaint through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.

No. Unless it is a genuine emergency, your landlord must give you advance notice before entering the property. Your right to quiet enjoyment of your home is protected by law.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, all tenancies are now periodic (rolling), so there is no fixed end date to wait for. If you wish to leave, you must give your landlord at least two months’ written notice. You can serve this notice at any point during the tenancy. There are no early termination penalties for leaving after your notice period.

Since 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer use a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ notice to end a tenancy. A landlord must now have a valid legal reason (known as a ‘ground for possession’) to ask you to leave. Common grounds include significant rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, the landlord wishing to sell the property, or the landlord or a close family member needing to move in. The landlord must serve the correct written notice and, if necessary, obtain a court order. You cannot be evicted without one.

If you’re struggling to pay your rent, it’s vital to act quickly and not let arrears build up. Speak to us or your landlord as soon as possible to discuss a repayment plan. You may also be entitled to benefits or financial support — Citizens Advice and your local council can help. Be aware that significant rent arrears is one of the grounds on which a landlord can seek possession, so early communication is essential.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, your landlord can only increase your rent once per year, and must give you at least two months’ written notice using a formal Section 13 notice. The increase must be in line with the local market rate. If you believe a proposed increase is unfair, you have the right to challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) at no cost to you. Landlords are also prohibited from inviting or accepting offers above the advertised asking rent.

Yes — it’s important to pay your rent in full and on time. Late payment or non-payment can negatively affect your credit score and reduce your chances of obtaining future credit or a mortgage.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, you have the right to request permission to keep a pet at the property. Your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. If they do refuse, they must provide a valid reason in writing. As a condition of granting permission, the landlord may require you to take out pet damage insurance. We recommend always making any pet request in writing.