Renting Guide

A guide to renting with Mapesbury

Step 1 - Register your interest

When you are looking to rent, the first step is to register your details with Mapesbury Estate Agents. You can do this by registering on our website, by giving us a call on 0208 451 8999 or coming in person to our office at 84 Walm Lane, Willesden Green, London, NW2 4QY. We also have our own pages on Zoopla, Rightmove, Prime location, and Gumtree etc.

Step 2 - Finding the right property

When you’re looking for a new property, you are likely to have an idea in mind about the kind of property you would like to move to. Here are a few things to bear in mind when speaking to one of our agents that may help you narrow your search:

  1. What is your affordable budget?
  2. When is your ideal moving date?
  3. Do you need furniture or will you take your own furniture when you move into your new property?
  4. Do you need ground floor/wooden floors/outdoor space/a pet-friendly landlord?
  5. Do you need to be within walking distance to the tube station, amenities and shops?

Step 3 - Is a short let right for you?

A short let will be ideal for you if you need more time to decide exactly where you want to live or if you only need to stay in an area for a short period of time.

A short let can apply to any size of property and it can be let for a few weeks or for a few months. Short let properties will be charged with a premium of up to 50% more. This is because the property will be empty for longer periods and the landlord has higher agency costs. Short lets will be furnished and will usually have other items included such as kitchenware, iron and vacuum cleaner.

Step 4 – Making an Offer

Once you are sure you have found the right property, you need to make an offer to our letting team. Offers usually need to be put into writing along with a 2-week intent of tenancy payment which binds you to your offer until you move in. Remember if you pull out of this, it is non-refundable so please make sure you are committed to moving to the property and that your references are in order.

When you want to make an offer you should also find out the total cost for taking up the tenancy. These costs may include: security deposit, advance rent, inventory fee, deposit protection fee and/or any further costs. Try to find out these costs before you commit to making your 2-week payment.

Step 5 – Offer Agreed

One of our estate agents will notify you whether your offer has been accepted by the landlord. However, if it has been rejected, we will advise you on re-negotiating to improve your offer for acceptance or offer you an alternative property.

Step 6 – Providing Documents for Referencing

The following documents will be required to secure the tenancy. You must make sure you provide all documents requested and ensure that they are up to date.

  • Full name, date of birth and nationality details & ID – Passport/ Driving License.
  • Proof of address such as bank statements or a utility bill; a mobile phone bill is not suitable.
  • 3 month’s pay slips with details of occupation: details of salary and employer (If the client is self-employed we will need accountant details).
  • 3 month’s bank statements and account details from where the rent is to be paid each month.
  • Details of previous landlord or managing agent.
  • Students need to provide proof of their student status (university letter and student funding loan letter) and guarantor details (name, phone number and email address, 3 month’s bank statements, proof of home ownership or details of business in UK).
  • Tenants from overseas need to provide as many details as possible and usually have to pay more rent in advance.

Step 7 - Completion

Once all payments have been settled, the tenancy agreement contract is signed and you have received the keys from the inventory clerk after check-in, we will need to provide you with the following:

  1. How to Rent Guide
  2. Deposit Protection Certificate
  3. My Deposits Prescribed Information
  4. Inventory Check-In (electronic-copy)
  5. Copy of signed tenancy agreement (hard-copy and electronic copy)
  6. EPC Report (Energy Performance Certificate)
  7. Gas Safety Certificate* If the property does not have Gas then this is not required.
  8. Letting Service of Documents Receipt letter

You will then need to contact the utility companies and local authority to inform them that you are the new occupier/tenant of the property and quote the relevant meter readings from the inventory report.


Mapesbury Estate Agents are always here to help. Please get in touch with our team on www.mapesburyproperty.co.uk or 0208 451 8999 if you require any further assistance.