Renting in Pimlico or Westminster: from viewing to moving day
Finding the right rental property can be an exciting prospect, particularly in an area as varied as Pimlico and Westminster.
From period conversions and traditional mansion flats to modern apartments, there is a considerable range of accommodation available, each with its own character and practical considerations.
But once you have found somewhere you would like to live, what happens next?
At Tuckerman Residential, we guide tenants through the process from their initial viewing to collecting the keys. Whether you are renting in London for the first time or simply moving to a different property, understanding the steps involved can make everything considerably easier.
Before you begin your search
It is useful to have a clear idea of your requirements before arranging viewings.
Alongside your preferred budget and number of bedrooms, think about location, transport connections and the features that matter most to you.
For example, would you prefer a period apartment with traditional features, or a modern building with a lift? Is outside space important? Do you need somewhere furnished?
The more we know about your requirements, the easier it is for us to identify suitable properties.
You can browse our current rental properties or register your requirements with our team.
What to look for during a viewing
A viewing is an opportunity to do more than decide whether you like the appearance of a property.
Try to imagine how the accommodation would work for you on a day-to-day basis.
Consider the layout, storage, natural light and available furnishings. Check what appliances are provided and ask how heating and hot water are supplied.
If you are viewing a flat in a mansion block, it may also be worth asking about lift access, communal facilities and any arrangements for porterage.
Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the letting and whether there are any important matters to clarify before proceeding.
If you have questions after your viewing, we are happy to discuss these with you.
Making an offer
Once you have found a property you would like to rent, the next step is to submit an application or offer.
You will usually be asked to provide information about the proposed occupants, your employment or income, your preferred moving date and any other relevant circumstances.
The landlord will consider the application and decide whether to proceed, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
In England, rental advertisements must state an asking rent, and landlords and agents cannot invite or accept offers above the advertised amount.
It is therefore particularly helpful to provide clear and complete information about your circumstances from the outset.
For properties marketed by Tuckerman, you can submit an application using the lettings offer form linked from our properties to rent page.
What happens once your application is accepted?
If the landlord agrees to proceed, the property will usually move into the referencing and tenancy preparation stage.
A refundable holding deposit may be requested to reserve the property while the necessary checks are completed.
For tenancies covered by the Tenant Fees Act, this is capped at the equivalent of one week's rent.
The usual deadline for entering into a tenancy agreement following receipt of a holding deposit is 15 days, although a different period can be agreed in writing.
The holding deposit will ordinarily be returned or, with your agreement, applied towards the first rent payment or tenancy deposit once the tenancy agreement has been signed.
There are circumstances in which it may be retained, so it is important to provide accurate information and respond promptly to requests during the application process.
Referencing and supporting documents
Referencing is a standard part of the rental process and helps establish whether an applicant can meet the financial commitments of the tenancy.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide:
Proof of identity.
Evidence of employment or income.
Details of previous addresses.
A reference from your current or previous landlord.
Information about a guarantor, where appropriate.
Different arrangements may be needed if you are self-employed, relocating from overseas or have recently started a new job.
If your circumstances are unusual, it is generally best to explain them at the beginning of the application rather than waiting until referencing is underway.
This allows us to discuss any practical requirements with you.
Right to Rent checks
Before a tenancy begins in England, landlords and letting agents must check that relevant adult occupiers have the legal right to rent.
The way this is demonstrated depends on your nationality and immigration status.
British and Irish citizens may be able to provide an eligible passport or other accepted documentation. Other applicants may be able to use the government's online share-code service or appropriate immigration documents.
We will explain which process applies to you and what is needed to complete the checks.
It is worth dealing with this promptly, particularly if your intended move date is approaching.
Signing the tenancy agreement and paying your deposit
Before moving in, you will be provided with the tenancy agreement or other required written tenancy information.
For most private residential tenancies in England, assured periodic tenancy arrangements now apply.
These run on a continuing basis rather than having a fixed contractual end date.
Read the documentation carefully and make sure you understand the rent, payment dates, notice arrangements and your responsibilities as a tenant.
For most tenancies covered by the Tenant Fees Act, the security deposit is capped at five weeks' rent where the annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks' rent where the higher deposit cap applies.
The deposit must be protected in an approved tenancy deposit scheme, and the required information must be provided to you.
For assured periodic tenancies, rent cannot be requested or accepted before the tenancy agreement has been signed. After signing, the initial payment is generally limited to one month's rent in advance.
You can find further information about permitted payments on our Tenant Fees page.
Preparing for moving day
Once the agreement has been signed, the necessary checks completed and the required payments made, attention turns to the practical arrangements for moving in.
Before collecting your keys, it is worth confirming:
The agreed tenancy start date and key collection arrangements.
Whether the property will be furnished or unfurnished.
The arrangements for electricity, gas, water and other utilities.
Any requirements for arranging broadband or television services.
Access arrangements for the building, including entry fobs and communal doors.
An inventory or check-in report will usually record the property's condition and contents at the start of the tenancy.
Take time to review it and raise any discrepancies promptly.
It is also sensible to photograph meter readings, check the location of important equipment and familiarise yourself with how to report maintenance issues.
Settling into your new home
Once you have moved in, it is worth establishing who your main point of contact will be during the tenancy.
For fully managed properties, our management team will generally assist with day-to-day maintenance and tenancy enquiries.
For other properties, responsibility may rest directly with the landlord or another appointed representative.
We will explain the arrangements applicable to your tenancy so that you know who to contact when assistance is needed.
Looking for a property to rent?
With our office on Moreton Street in the heart of Pimlico, we have a detailed understanding of the local rental market and the different properties available across Westminster and central London.
Whether you are looking for your first London flat or planning your next move, our team would be pleased to help you find somewhere that suits your requirements.
View our available rental properties or get in touch to discuss what you are looking for.