Discover your perfect rental in the North East with i1 Real Estate,
offering an exceptional range of diverse and quality properties

Step by Step Guide to Renting a Property.

Step 1: Register your interest

The first step to finding the right property is to register with our team of lettings experts by either calling 0191 226 1313 or via email to lettings@i1g.co.uk.

Step 2: Choosing an area

Choosing a location is the first step in any property search. Whether you need to be close to the City Centre or have easy access to motorway linkages, it is important to locate suitable areas as soon as possible.

Step 3: Arrange viewings

Once you have found the right property that you are interested in get in touch with the office on 0191 226 1313 to arrange a suitable time for you to view the property.

Our team is well qualified to assist you in finding the perfect home, so the more information you can provide to clarify exactly what you are looking for and what is on your wish list, the better we will be able to help you discovering your future home.

Step 4: Secure the property

What do you do now that you’ve located the ideal home?

Your offer will be forwarded to the landlord by us. Typically, offers will include the following information:

  1. Length of Tenancy Agreement
  2. Monthly rental amount
  3. Tenancy start date
  4. Any special requests

Once the landlord has agreed your offer we require you to pay a holding deposit of one weeks rent to secure the property.

Step 5: Referencing

The referencing process then begins. Depending on your employment status we may require a guarantor, but usually we require the following:

  1. Proof of identity (passport)
  2. A contact at your place of work to verify your employment status
  3. References from your current landlord and employer
  4. A successful credit reference

Upon receipt of your references, you may proceed to sign the contract, settle the remaining balance, and move in.

Step 6: Completion to move in

Before you are ready to move in we require:

  1. Successful references
  2. A signed tenancy agreement
  3. A signed guarantor agreement
  4. Payment which consists of the first month’s rent (less pre-paid holding deposit) and the damage deposit.

Upon the completion of all paperwork I1 Real Estate (or the Landlord) will have had an inventory/ check-in prepared. This document describes the condition of the property and anything left behind by the landlord. The check-in report is used when you leave the property to ensure that the condition that you leave it in can be fairly assessed against any deposit deductions that may come up.  We will schedule an appointment for you to retrieve the keys and sign the check-in report.

Insurance: Your landlord is accountable for insuring the building and their belongings; however, you may wish to obtain your own contents insurance. I1 Real Estate will be able to assist you on this.

Shortly after you move in you should receive a deposit certificate which will need signed by the tenant and landlord or Agent as I1 Real Estate are registered with MyDeposits. For more information on deposits visit our Deposit Information.

Step 7: During The Tenancy

Both you and your landlord possess obligations while your residency in the property.

As the tenant you are required to:

  1. Pay the rent on time by setting up a standing order.
  2. Pay the council tax
  3. Pay all the utility bills and the TV licence unless otherwise agreed
  4. Do general household and garden maintenance
  5. Dispose of all rubbish
  6. Clean the windows
  7. Carry out basic maintenance such as replacing light bulbs
  8. Keep the property secure at all times
  9. Advise of any repairs or maintenance needed as soon as it arises
  10. Ventilate property by opening the windows
  11. Not create unnecessary noise for neighbours

In return, you can expect to:

  1. Reside in the property without disturbance.
  2. Receive 24 hours’ notice prior to access to the property being requested.
  3. Have the landlord/agent maintain the property to a good state of repair (unless you are responsible for the damage)
  4. Ensure all gas, electricity and water supplies are working.
  5. Have access to all operating instructions for any appliances and equipment
  6. Be charged a fair market rent rate.

During your tenancy, if you encounter any concerns, your initial point of contact should be a member of team at I1 Real Estate if residing in a property managed by I1 Real Estate, or your Landlord if otherwise. If you are experiencing challenges in reaching your landlord or require assistance, please feel free to call us on 0191 226 1313 or email us on lettings@i1g.co.uk.

Step 8: Moving out

Any individual who signs a tenancy agreement must give notice of their intention to vacate the property for at least one month. Usually, this is provided prior to the day on which your last rent payment is due. Your tenancy will automatically transition to a month-to-month periodic tenancy if neither you, the tenant, nor the landlord provide notice before the end of your fixed term.

So, once you have given notice, we will arrange for a property check-out report, which is usually done on the date when the tenant vacates the property. It is important to compare the property’s condition as described in the initial inventory to its current condition. The results will be reported back to both the landlord and you. The expectation is that the property is left in the same condition in which it was let to you allowing for fair wear and tear. In our managed properties, we offer accompanied check-outs so that we may discuss the property’s condition with you in person.

Prior to vacate the property you will need to:

  1. Pay all of the rent due
  2. Make sure all of your belongings have been removed from the property
  3. Hand back all keys
  4. Make sure that the property is clean (to a professional standard) and that all contents are left intact
  5. Take a note of the meter readings and ensure all utility have been paid up to date.
  6. Redirect mail and cancel all media services
  7. Cancel your standing order
  8. Furniture must be left in the same place as stated on the inventory/check in.
  9. Replace light bulbs that are not working
  10. Ensure the garden has been tended to and left in the same condition as stated on your inventory/check-in.

 Put the rubbish bins out

Step 9: Return of deposit

Within 10 working days of the tenancy agreement ending, any deductions from the deposit should be agreed with the landlord or management agent. The formalities of how and when the deposit is returned will depend on the provider that protects the deposit. You can refer to the deposit information for more information.