🏡Tenant’s Guide to Renting a Property with Findahome Online
Renting through Findahome Online – Simple, Transparent, and Stress Free
At Findahome Online, we believe renting your next home should be straightforward and stress free. Whether you’re a first-time tenant or a seasoned mover, our friendly team will guide you from first enquiry to moving in day. Here’s exactly how it works.
1. Before You View a Property
Before booking a viewing, we’ll ask you a few questions in person, over the phone, or at our Victoria Road office in Stoke-on-Trent.
This helps us make sure the property is suitable for you and meets the landlord’s criteria.
We’ll look at:
Credit history – CCJs, IVAs, or bad debts may affect your ability to pass referencing.
Affordability – Your income must comfortably cover the monthly rent.
Employment type – Permanent contracts are preferred; temporary or part-time work may require a guarantor or rent in advance.
If everything looks good, we’ll arrange your viewing.
Viewings are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm and may be part of an open house, so you might see other viewers.
2. Applying for a Property
If more than one person is interested, we send a short application form to everyone.
We’ll ask around 10 questions, such as:
How many adults and children will live in the property?
Do you have any CCJs, IVAs, or bad credit?
How long do you plan to stay?
Are you in full-time, permanent employment?
We then discuss the applications with the landlord, who selects the most suitable tenant.
3. Right to Rent Checks & Holding Deposit
Once chosen, all tenants over 18 must bring valid ID to our office for the legal Right to Rent check.
At this stage, we take a holding deposit equal to one week’s rent.
This secures the property for you.
It will be deducted from your first month’s rent.
It will only be lost if you withdraw or fail referencing.
4. Tenant Referencing
Referencing is completed by Rightmove Tenant Referencing, one of the UK’s most trusted providers.
They will:
Check your credit history for CCJs or bad debts.
Verify your employment, income, and contract type.
Contact your current landlord (if applicable).
Confirm any savings or benefits if relevant.
If you don’t pass, all may not be lost — with landlord approval, we may still proceed with a guarantor or rent in advance.
5. Signing & Moving In
Once approved, we agree your move in date. If you need to move quickly, we’ll prioritise it.
Before collecting your keys, you’ll receive numerous documents including:
Tenancy Agreement
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Gas Safety Certificate
How to Rent Guide
Prescribed Information
Photographic Inventory
These are sent electronically for signing.
We will need:
First month’s rent (minus the holding deposit)
Security deposit (five weeks’ rent)
Both must be paid into our dedicated rental clients account before key handover.
6. After You Move In
Within 10 days, we register your deposit with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).
You’ll receive a deposit certificate directly from us.
From there, you can enjoy your new home. Routine inspections and tenancy details are set out in your tenancy agreement.
Why Rent with Findahome Online?
Clear, honest process – No hidden surprises.
Friendly local team – Based in Stoke-on-Trent, here to help.
Flexible solutions – We work with landlords to find ways forward.
Safe & secure payments – All rent and deposits held in a protected account.
Findahome Online – Helping you find the place you’ll call home.
📍 80 Victoria Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2JX
📞 01782 318067
🌐 www.findahomeonline.co.uk
