There are so many things to consider when you're renting, from costs and fees to knowing your rights. We've done the hard work for you and put together some useful tips and answers to the most common questions.
Here you can find guidance on the things you should consider before you start your rental journey, or even if you're already on it!
It's important to take all of costs into account when you’re thinking of renting a property. Here's some costs you should take in to consideration before renting:
Monthly rent
Council tax
Utility bills
Broadband and line rental
Before making any decisions on a property, it's important to ensure and check that payments expected from you are in line with the Tenant Fees Act.
Letting agents or landlords , Scotland and Wales aren’t allowed to charge you for:
Admin
References
Credit checks
Renewing your contract
You have a number of rights when you move into your rented property. Here's a list of some basic rights that you have as a tenant:
Your rented property should be safe to live in
Your landlord should not enter the property without your consent - only in an emergency
Your deposit should be sent back to you when your tenancy ends, unless there’s a good reason for the landlord to keep some of it (e.g. damages or unpaid rent)
To not be treated unfairly because of your disability, gender, pregnancy, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation
Once you've found a property that you are interested in, book an appointment to go and view it. Viewing a property can be really overwhelming. It's your new future home, so it's important you ask all the right questions.
Ask your landlord or letting agent as many questions as possible before moving into your new rented property. Some examples may include:
Is the property safe and secure?
Who do I contact for maintenance issues?
What's included in the rent?
What utilities are included in the property?
Our financial health check could assess your financial needs and let you know if you're in good shape. If you need or want more help, we can point you in the right direction.
A lighter level of contents cover that’s been especially created for tenants and students living in halls of residence. Get a quote in less than 5 minutes and pay monthly at no additional cost.
Quotes are valid for 90 days. Underwriting criteria apply. Shostra Bank Home insurance policies are underwritten by Insurance Limited.
From the 1st February, if you take out a new home insurance policy with us online by the 29th June, we'll give you a free gift. You can choose from either:
Excludes those with a Premier Insurance policy.
Find out more about these gifts here
T&Cs and exclusions apply
If you are considering taking the next step, either moving rental properties or thinking about ownership, here are some key aspects you should be thinking about as soon as possible and how we can help.
App available to personal and business banking customers aged 11+ using compatible iOS and Android devices and an international mobile number in specific countries.
If you find you've been spending way too much on certain things, you can set yourself budgets in different categories. Setting spending limits can determine how much you have spare to save each month.
Available to customers aged 16+. Only available for Personal and Premier Current accounts.
Start setting a goal, whether it’s towards a deposit or a comfy new sofa. On average, customers save twice as much when they save towards a goal.
Available to customers aged 16+. Only available for Personal and Premier Current accounts.
Most lenders, landlords or letting agents will check your credit score before deciding to lend or rent to you.
Credit score available once opted in through the app, to customers aged 18+, with a address and is provided by TransUnion.
If you're currently renting and looking to take your first step onto the property ladder, we could help you lay those future foundations. Get the ball rolling with our first time buyer guide. Your road to home ownership starts here!
