Your Guide to the New Application Process

Updated in line with the Renters’ Rights Act (2026)
 
At Harlestone Property, we have updated our onboarding journey to ensure full compliance with the latest legislation, providing a fairer and more transparent experience for all prospective tenants.

 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

 We review applications based on suitability and affordability to ensure the property is a right-fit match for your needs.

 

APPLICATION HOLDING DEPOSIT: One Weeks’ Rent 

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 When you express interest in one of our properties and we agree to pause further viewings, you will be asked to pay a holding deposit,  equivalent to one week’s rent to begin your application.
 
 This payment is made to reserve the property while we carry out referencing checks and application checks. The holding deposit is not rent and is not the same as a tenancy deposit. 
 
This holding deposit will be refunded if the landlord decides not to proceed with your application. However, it will not be returned if you fail Right to Rent checks, decide not to proceed, provide false or misleading information, or do not provide the required information within 15 days.
 
All properties are let as seen, so please ensure you raise any specific requests, queries, or concerns at the time of application 

GUARANTOR

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In some cases, if you don’t meet the necessary requirements to move into a rented property, you may be required to provide a guarantor with your application, who would be responsible for paying any shortfalls in rent or for repairs to the property should you, as a tenant, fail to make any payments.   
If a guarantor is required, they will typically need an annual income of at least 36 times the monthly rent. This ensures they can cover the rent if needed, alongside their own financial commitments 
Guarantors must also provide documents to prove they can cover the rent if need be. These documents include proof of income, proof identity, current address and relationship with the tenant. 
 

WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO RENT FROM US

 To proceed, we require documentation to verify your identity, Right to Rent status, and financial affordability. 
 
 ✓  Identity verification & Proof of address
Please provide a valid ID card or passport along with your visa OR share code (if applicable). 
  • UK Nationals and EU passport holders may simply provide their passport, driving licence, or any other government-authorized ID.
  • Non-EU passport holders will need to provide their passport and a copy of their visa (such as a student or work visa).
  • Students are required to provide their university acceptance letter.
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 ✓ Proof of right to rent in the UK
 
 Under UK law, landlords are required to verify that every adult (aged 18 or over) who will live in the property as their primary home has the legal right to reside in the UK. This check must be completed for all occupants, even if they are not officially named on the tenancy agreement.
 
Please Note: We are legally unable to grant a tenancy or allow a move-in until the Right to Rent check has been successfully completed for all adult occupiers 
 ✓ Proof of income and Credit check report
These are required to prove that you can afford the rent on the property
  • Recent three months bank statement.
  • If you are Self-employed, you will need to provide your earnings over a longer period of time as well as a tax return showing your income. 
  • A credit check will be required as part of the moving-in process . This is so we can gain insight into your credit history to get an idea of how reliable you may be with rent payments. 
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 ✓ Written reference from your current landlord or/and employer (If applicable)
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SECURITY DEPOSIT

 
 If your application for a property is successful, you will be required to pay a tenancy deposit equivalent to no more than five weeks’ rent.
 
The deposit will be held as security for the landlord against any breach of the tenancy agreement, and will be protected within a government approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within the required legal timeframe. You will be provided with the prescribed information relating to the deposit.
 
The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to agreement following a final inspection of the property. Any deductions must be fair, reasonable and in line with the tenancy agreement. If a dispute arises and cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the relevant tenancy deposit protection scheme for independent adjudication.
 
 No rent payments can be taken at this stage. 
 

 

WRITTEN STATEMENT and TENANCY

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Pre-Signing Information

 Before you sign the tenancy agreement, we will provide you with all key information regarding your tenancy to ensure complete legal protection and clarity. This includes details about the parties involved, property description, rent and fees, security deposit, grounds for termination, individual responsibilities, and more. 
 
Finalizing the Agreement
Once all parties have signed tenancy agreement, the first month’s rent, minus any holding deposit already paid and correctly applied, is due in cleared funds before you move in. 
 
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MOVE-IN

From the 1st of May, your tenancy will operate on a monthly periodic basis. Under the Renters’ Rights Act , there are no "fixed terms," providing you with greater flexibility from the start of your stay. Consequently, you may choose to end the tenancy at any time by providing two months' written notice, which should be scheduled to expire the day before your next rent payment is due to keep the transition simple. 
 
On your tenancy commencement date, you will be provided with a selection of mandatory documents and safety certificates, either as hard copies or via email. Please keep these stored safely together for your records. 
 
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Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
Office opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm  (Bank Holidays CLOSED)
Smart Living & Working Starts Here Your trusted residential lettings and office space provider in the heart of Northampton Mob 07882138752
Harlestone Property Ltd, which is registered in England and Wales under company number 08978481.
Registered Office is Northampton Business Centre, Lower Harding Street, Northampton, NN1 2JL.
VAT Registration Number is 191749277