WILKINSON ESTATE AGENTS

Tenant's Guide

Everything you need to know about renting a property with Wilkinson Estate Agents.

Renting With Us

At Wilkinson Estate Agents, we let and manage a variety of furnished and unfurnished properties throughout East London and the surrounding areas.

We pride ourselves on providing a professional, friendly and personal service, helping you through every stage of your rental journey — from finding your new home and making an offer, through to moving in and, where applicable, managing your tenancy.

Looking for Your Next Home?

Our website is regularly updated with available rental properties. To receive details of new properties that match your requirements, please register your interest with us.

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact our lettings team.

Call Us

0208 555 7218

Email Our Lettings Team

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01 — FINDING YOUR HOME

Finding & Applying for a Property

Once you have found a property that is suitable for you, you will be able to make an offer for the landlord's consideration.

All offers are subject to the landlord's approval and the successful completion of the necessary referencing and Right to Rent checks.

Important: An Offer Is Not a Tenancy

Please note that an offer does not create a tenancy or guarantee that the property will be let to you. The property will only be secured once the relevant legal requirements have been completed and the tenancy has been agreed and entered into.

02 — YOUR APPLICATION

Holding Deposit

If your application is accepted in principle, you may be asked to pay a holding deposit of up to one week's rent to demonstrate your commitment to proceeding with the tenancy.

The holding deposit is subject to the rules of the Tenant Fees Act 2019, as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

The holding deposit will normally be applied towards your first month's rent or tenancy deposit once the tenancy is entered into, as agreed.

When Could a Holding Deposit Be Retained?

There are circumstances in which a holding deposit may be retained in accordance with the law, for example, where you provide materially significant false or misleading information, decide not to proceed with the tenancy, or fail to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy within the agreed timeframe.

We will provide you with the relevant information regarding the holding deposit and explain the circumstances in which it may be retained before you pay it.

03 — CHECKS

Referencing & Right to Rent Checks

Before a tenancy can proceed, all prospective tenants will be required to complete the relevant checks.

These may include:

Proof of identity
Right to Rent checks, where applicable
Proof of current address
Employment and income verification
Previous landlord or letting agent references, where applicable
Credit checks
Additional financial information where reasonably required

The exact checks required will depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the landlord and referencing provider.

Financial Requirements

There is no single income requirement that applies to every property or applicant. Referencing criteria may vary depending on the property, landlord and referencing provider.

Guarantors

Where a guarantor is required, they will normally be subject to their own referencing and affordability checks.

If you are self-employed, you may be asked to provide additional evidence of your income, such as accounts, tax documentation or confirmation from your accountant.

If your circumstances mean that you do not meet the referencing provider's standard criteria, a guarantor or other suitable arrangement may be considered where appropriate.

04 — YOUR TENANCY

Agreeing the Tenancy

Once the landlord has accepted your application and the required checks have been completed satisfactorily, we will proceed with the tenancy arrangements.

From 1 May 2026, most private rented tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies. These are rolling tenancies and do not have a fixed end date in the way traditional assured shorthold tenancies did.

Your tenancy agreement will set out the terms of your tenancy, including the rent, payment arrangements, responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, and other relevant conditions.

Rent & Rent in Advance

The rent payable will be clearly stated when the property is advertised.

Following the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords and letting agents must not invite or accept offers above the advertised rent.

From 1 May 2026, a landlord or letting agent cannot ask for or accept rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed. Once the tenancy has been agreed and signed, a landlord can generally require up to one month's rent in advance before the tenancy begins.

Tenancy Deposit

Where a tenancy deposit is required, the amount will be confirmed before the tenancy begins.

For most properties where the annual rent is below £50,000, the maximum tenancy deposit is generally five weeks' rent. Where the annual rent is between £50,000 and £100,000, the maximum is generally six weeks' rent.

Any tenancy deposit taken will be protected in accordance with the applicable tenancy deposit protection requirements, and you will be provided with the relevant prescribed information.

Possible Lawful Deductions

Unpaid rent
Damage beyond fair wear and tear
Missing items
Cleaning where the property has not been returned to the required standard
Other costs that are the tenant's responsibility under the tenancy agreement

Pets

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet. Any request must be considered in accordance with the law, and a landlord may only refuse a request where there is a valid reason.

Fair & Lawful Applications

Landlords and letting agents must comply with the law when advertising and letting properties. Applications will be considered fairly and in accordance with relevant legal and referencing requirements.

05 — YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Tenancy Length & Ending Your Tenancy

Most private rented tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies and continue on a rolling basis.

If you wish to leave your tenancy, you will generally need to give your landlord at least two months' notice in writing, with the notice ending on the day rent is due or the day before.

From 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer use the previous Section 21 "no-fault" eviction process. If a landlord needs to regain possession of a property, they must rely on a valid legal ground and follow the correct legal process.

Rent Increases

Under the new tenancy rules, landlords must follow the correct legal process when increasing rent.

For assured periodic tenancies, rent can generally only be increased once a year and the landlord must provide the required notice. If you believe a proposed rent increase is above the open market rent, you may have the right to challenge it through the appropriate tribunal process.

Your Tenancy Agreement

Before your tenancy begins, you will be provided with the relevant tenancy documentation and information required by law. Please read all documentation carefully before signing and ask us if there is anything you do not understand.

Check-In & Condition Report

Where we have been instructed by the landlord to provide this service, a professional inventory and condition report may be prepared at the start of your tenancy.

You should carefully review the condition report and notify us promptly if you believe anything has been recorded incorrectly or is missing. It is important that you keep a copy of the inventory and report throughout your tenancy.

06 — DURING YOUR TENANCY

Looking After Your Home

The following points should be kept in mind during your tenancy:

You are responsible for arranging suitable insurance for your own personal belongings.
You should arrange the relevant utility accounts and council tax responsibilities from the start of your tenancy, unless these are included in your rent or otherwise agreed.
Any repairs or maintenance issues should be reported promptly to the landlord or managing agent, depending on who manages the property.
You should not carry out alterations or decoration without obtaining the required permission.
You must take reasonable care of the property and its contents.
Any damage caused by you, your household or your visitors may be your responsibility, subject to the terms of your tenancy.
You should report any serious or urgent issues immediately.
The landlord or their agent may need to access the property for inspections, repairs, maintenance or other lawful reasons. Appropriate notice will normally be provided, except in emergencies.
You should always allow reasonable access where proper notice has been given and the request is lawful.
If the property is managed by Wilkinson Estate Agents, you should contact us regarding repairs, maintenance and tenancy queries. If the property is let-only and managed directly by the landlord, you will normally need to contact the landlord directly.

07 — MOVING OUT

Ending Your Tenancy

When you decide to leave your tenancy, you should follow the correct notice procedure and continue to pay rent until your tenancy legally ends.

Before Leaving, Remember To:

Remove all personal belongings
Return all keys and access devices
Ensure the property is clean and tidy
Return the property in the condition required by your tenancy agreement, allowing for fair wear and tear
Remove all rubbish
Ensure gardens and outside areas are left in a suitable condition where these are your responsibility
Provide forwarding contact details
Take final meter readings where appropriate

Important Information

This guide is intended to provide a general overview of the renting process and is not a substitute for legal advice.

The law governing private renting can change, and the specific terms of your tenancy will depend on your individual circumstances and the property you rent. If you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities, we recommend seeking independent legal or housing advice.

Need Help?

If you have a question about your tenancy or need further assistance, please contact our lettings team.