Common questions when renting a property

How do I register with Prospect Estate Agency for properties?

To register with Prospect, you can visit us at your local branch, request a call back from our expert agents or complete our online registration form. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll start searching for properties that meet your criteria.

What type of rentals do Prospect offer?

Prospect offers a number of options for renting a property, ranging from a house or flat with sole tenancy, studio apartments or just a room from Prospect Rooms. There are also a number of contract options available too.

How much deposit do I need and when do I need pay it?

You will be required to pay the equivalent to 5 weeks rent for a deposit. Most agencies will also request a 'holding deposit' to reserve the property prior to all documentation being completed. This holding deposit is calculated on the equivalent of one weeks rental and will be taken off the total deposit you're required to pay. The holding deposit will be required as soon as you see the property and the actual deposit will be required prior to your move in.

Where can I search for availabale rental properties?

At Prospect, our Client Managers are always available to help you to find your perfect home. We invite you to visit us in branch, have a coffee and a chat with our agents and browse for property in our client iPad areas.

What references will I need to rent a property?

You will typically be asked for employment references and where applicable current landlord references. We will also carry out a credit check and you will need to provide us with photo I.D. and proof of address.

What does referencing involve?

It is standard practice for an Estate Agency to check their tenant’s references. It involves checking information that you provide about your employer, your previous landlords and history.

How quickly can you find me a property and how soon can I move in?

This will vary depending on your requirements but if you are looking to move in a hurry, our agents will do everything possible to find you a suitable property. The average time between offer and move in is 14 days.

How long is your minimum contract?

A minimum tenancy agreement is for a 6 month period.

How do I arrange viewings?

Once you have registered with Prospect Lettings, either online or at your local branch, we can start searching for the right property and arranging viewings for you. If you see a property that you like on this website or our mobile website you can follow the quick links to request a viewing.

How are viewings arranged and conducted?

We will liaise between you and the Landlord to find a mutually convenient date and time. We will, whenever possible, accompany a viewing so you don't have to worry about meeting the Landlord alone and so we can answer any questions you may have.

What happens on a viewing?

We provide accompanied viewings 7 days a week, from early morning, to late into the evening. You will have the option of being chauffeured to the viewing or meeting us there, if that’s more convenient.

You will have plenty of time to ensure you’re happy with the space, appliances and décor of the property, whilst your Personal Client Manager will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about the property or local area.

Should you have any questions that can’t be answered on the spot, we will follow up so you are able to make a fully-informed decision about the property.

Am I able to rent a room rather than a house or flat?

Yes. Prospect Rooms is a unique service that gives you the opportunity to rent a room, rather than a property. We have a selection of rooms available to rent and one is sure to match your needs.

You can also contact your local branch or email our dedicated Prospect Rooms team at [email protected].

What are the costs associated with renting a property?

Please click the following link to view the complete breakdown of the costs required before the Tenancy commences. click here to view the complete breakdown of the costs required before the Tenancy commences.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes, your Landlord will require a security deposit in case you fail to pay your rent and to ensure that any damages that occur during your tenancy are covered.

We will also require a holding deposit equivalent to 1 weeks rent to ensure that a property will be reserved for you. This can be used against the security deposit/first month's rent.

What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)?

We will put your deposit into an independent Government Approved scheme designed to protect your deposit with a government approved scheme.

What does the inventory process involve?

This is a list of every item contained within a property and its condition. It is advisable for tenants to check each item on the list before signing any contracts and often people take photographic evidence to give extra protection and avoid unnecessary disagreement further down the line. The inventory will be key in determining how much of your deposit you retain at the end of a tenancy.

Landlords will typically schedule regular quarterly checks to assess the condition of the property and the items contained.

When you leave the property, you will have the option to run through the inventory checklist. If any damage to items has occurred since the beginning of your tenancy, then you will need to agree repair costs or replacements.

You should have no problem retaining your full deposit if you are up to date with your rent and your Landlord is satisfied with the condition of your property.

If I have any problems during the tenancy, who can I speak with?

If any problems arise during your tenancy, you can contact our Property Management team on 0118 955 9747.

Why do I need a guarantor?

On occasions, we may ask for a guarantor as your earnings may not be considered enough to pay the rent, or you may not achieve the appropriate rating set by the Referencing Agency. We will explain all of the details to you, but rest assured this is not an uncommon request.

What will my guarantor need to do?

They will be required to have sufficient earnings to cover your rental commitment, as they will be responsible for paying any rental arrears if you cannot, or damages costing more than the deposit.

We're proudly rated excellent by our clients on TrustPilot

'Prospect' has recently helped me with selling my flat although my property was not the easiest to sell. 'Prospect' is represented by a team of enthusiastic, hardworking, professional, hardworking people who don't easily give up. I definitely recommend 'Prospect'.
- Katarzyna.

I moved to Prospect from another Agency last year after a complete refurbishment of my flat ready to let and I am so glad I made the move! I am particularly impressed with Agnese and the way she is managing my property, very efficient, always cheerful and very helpful.
- Melanie.

Prospect Estate Agency is committed to conduct our operations in a fully compliant manner. We fully support and adhere to all regulations covering the industry including The Estate Agency Act 1979, Competition Act 1998, The Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007, Consumer Protection Regulations 2008, Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, GDPR Act 2018, UK Competition Law, The Property Ombudsman Code of Practice and ARLA & Propertymark Protection.

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