Guide to Renting Property in London

The next step is to get viewing. Your agent will take you around. Ask lots of questions - better to make everything clear sooner than later.

When you see the property you would like, - make an offer. Your offer should include:

1. The rent you are prepared to pay,
2. When you would ideally like to move in
3. How long you expect to stay.
4. If you are sharing, include the names and contact details for all the people who will be living there.

When an offer has been accepted, Daniel Cobb will prepare the details of the agreement, usually for one year. Please note that flat-sharers are usually 'jointly and severally' liable for the rent, so if one person leaves before the tenancy expires the remaining tenants will still have to pay the full rent.

A reservation fee will be payable. The reservation fee will be deducted from the first rental payment unless the landlord withdraws, in which case it will be returned to you.

When your references have been checked and any guarantors signed up, the tenancy agreement is drawn up for signature. At this point, the rent for the first period will become due and a deposit will need to be paid. We hold the deposit on behalf of the landlord, protected by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, so you can be assured that it will be returned as long as the rent is paid and there is no damage to the property.

It’s time to inform the utility companies that you are now responsible for the bills, and although insuring the property itself is the landlord's responsibility, it is a good idea to insure your own possessions.

So you have rented your own place. Well done, time to relax and enjoy!