Renting a property is a fast process. You can rent from a landlord or via a letting agent, but take care!

Neither landlords nor lettings agents are regulated, so don’t just sign a contract and move in. If you do, you may find that no-one looks after your interests, or the property, once you’re paying rent.

Recently, legal changes have been made to try to protect you as a tenant. Essential checks before agreeing to rent a property are:

• Are there current gas and electrical safety certificates?
• Is the landlord or agent protecting your deposit using one of the Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes?

Know your rights and responsibilities as well as those of the landlord or letting agent. Remember:-

• Carefully read your rental agreement
• Ideally get it checked out by a local lettings legal specialist

Find out more about renting:

Rental budgets >

Tenant property checklist >