Your guide to renting as a professional. From finding your property, attending property viewings, reserving your house, to collecting your keys. You can find it all here.

For over 30 years, Leydon Lettings has been providing a home to Canterbury residents. With qualified letting agents, property negotiators and property managers, we are an experienced team. We hope this short guide to letting a property in Canterbury will help you as you begin your exciting journey of finding your new home.

Finding a property

At Leydon Lettings, we rent properties of all sizes in many locations across Canterbury, including small 1 and 2 bed flats in the City centre, or larger family homes on the outskirts of Canterbury. Use our property search tool to find a property in an area that meets your requirements. Think carefully about the 'must haves' and what you might be prepared to compromise on. Perhaps you must have a garden but could manage with on-street parking.

Our team of Property Lettings Agents can assist you with thinking carefully about what you are looking for in a home. 

Viewing properties

Prior to your viewings, we will send you a copy of the government How to Rent Guide which has useful information to help you with viewing properties and tenancy agreements. We recommend coming prepared with a set of questions you want to ask and features you want to check about the properties you view. 

We will arrange viewings at a convenient time for you, allowing at least 24-hours notice if there are current tenants in situ. At the viewings, we will talk you through the features of the property and any particular points that are important for you to know, such as furnishings that may or may not be included in the property. 

Application Forms and Tenancy Agreements

Imagine you've found the perfect property and wish to proceed. We will get to work preparing your application form for completing and reference checks that will shortly follow provided. It's important to remember that even when the application form and checks are complete, the property is 'let agreed' but remains subject to contract. You and your landlord may still change your decision. 

The tenancy agreement will likely be one of the most important documents you sign, so it's crucial all named tenants fully understand what it is you are signing. Leydon Lettings will always be transparent with information so make sure you ask us any questions you have about the agreement. 

You will likely sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) which will set out the terms of your tenancy and cover your obligations and your landlords' obligations.  We will guide you through every step and offer you assistance when needed. 

N.B. ​​​​​​From the 1st of June 2019, we will no longer be charging tenants an administration fee. Instead, tenants will pay a holding deposit which will be used to secure the property prior to signing your tenancy agreement. The holding deposit will be used as a contribution towards the first months/quarter's rent. Leydon Lettings will provide tenants will clear information about how the holding deposit will be used from the 1st of June 2019. 

Deposits and Inventories

Most landlords request a security deposit that will be kept securely in a government-approved deposit scheme: e.g. the Deposit Protection Service (DPS). It's important you carefully read the inventory you will be provided with at the start of your tenancy as it could affect any deductions that may be claimed at the end of your tenancy. 

Moving In and Bills

When the necessary documents have been signed and completed, we will arrange for you to collect your keys and move into your new home! It's important you remember to set up your bills at the start of your tenancy and ensure you have notified companies of your change of address; e.g. banks, insurance companies etc. 

If your property is managed by Leydon Lettings, we will provide you with a helpful Welcome Pack which will provide essential information about looking after your new home. It will outline your obligations as a tenant and explain important things to consider throughout the year. 

Managed vs Non-Managed houses

Leydon Lettings manages many houses let to students. This means that all communication, whether about rent or maintenance, should be communicated through Leydon Lettings. However, some houses are managed by your landlord. Therefore, Leydon Lettings will assist in establishing your tenancy agreement (including viewings, application forms, referencing and tenancy agreements), but the day-to-day management is organised by your landlord.

If you are unsure if a property you are interested in is managed by Leydon Lettings or the landlord, please contact us and we will happily assist. 

View our agency tenancy fees.