Tenant Guide to Renting

Good rental homes in South Devon move quickly, so it pays to be organised and ready.

• Register with us and set up property alerts so you hear about new listings the moment they go live.
• Be clear on your must-haves, such as the number of bedrooms, parking, whether pets are allowed and your ideal area.
• Have your paperwork ready so you can move fast when the right property appears.

A viewing is your chance to picture daily life in the property, so take your time and ask plenty of questions.

• Check water pressure, signs of damp or mould, storage space and mobile signal.
• Ask what is included, such as white goods, furniture and any gardening or window cleaning.
• Confirm parking arrangements, the EPC rating and the likely running costs.
• Ask about the length of tenancy on offer and the landlord's position on pets, if relevant.

When you have found the right home, you make a formal application to rent it. To reserve the property while referencing takes place, you will usually pay a holding deposit.

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, a holding deposit cannot be more than one week's rent. It is normally put towards your first month's rent or the tenancy deposit once you move in, and it can only be kept by the landlord in limited circumstances, such as if you provide false information or pull out.

Once your application is accepted, a referencing agency will carry out a few standard checks. The smoother your paperwork, the quicker this goes.

• A credit check to confirm your financial history.
• Confirmation of your income, usually from your employer or, if self-employed, from an accountant or recent accounts.
• A reference from your current or previous landlord, where applicable.
• A Right to Rent check, which all tenants in England must pass before a tenancy can begin.

A guarantor may be required if you are a student, new to renting, or if your income does not quite meet the affordability threshold on its own.

A guarantor agrees to cover the rent if you are unable to pay. They are usually a UK based homeowner, will be referenced in the same way as you, and will sign a guarantee agreement as part of the tenancy.

The tenancy agreement is the contract between you and your landlord. It sets out the rent, the length of the tenancy, who is responsible for what, and the rules you both agree to follow.

Read it carefully before you sign and ask us about anything that is not clear. The way tenancies work is changing under the Renters' Rights Act, so check the section below and our dedicated page for the latest position.

Most tenancies require a security deposit, held against any damage or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy. Where the annual rent is under £50,000, the deposit is capped at five weeks' rent.

By law, your deposit must be protected in a government approved scheme within 30 days, and you must be given the scheme's prescribed information. The three schemes are the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Protection means your money is safe and there is an independent service to resolve any dispute at the end.

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 banned most letting fees for tenants. It is worth knowing what can and cannot be charged.

• You may be asked to pay: rent, a refundable tenancy deposit, a refundable holding deposit, and charges for utilities, council tax, broadband and TV licence where these are your responsibility.
• You cannot be charged for: referencing, administration, inventory checks, renewing your tenancy or checking out.
• Reasonable charges can apply for things like a lost key, a late rent default, or if you ask to change or end the tenancy early.

If you are ever unsure about a charge, just ask us and we will explain exactly what, if anything, applies.

At the start of the tenancy you will be given an inventory, a detailed schedule of the property's condition and contents, usually with photographs.

Check it carefully, note anything you disagree with, and return it signed within the agreed time. The inventory is the agreed starting point, so it is the document used to assess any deductions from your deposit when you leave. Taking your own dated photos on move-in day is a sensible extra step.

A few simple jobs on or around moving day will save you trouble later.

• Take meter readings for gas, electricity and water, and note the date.
• Set up accounts with the utility suppliers and arrange broadband.
• Tell the local council you have moved in, so council tax is in your name from the right date.
• Arrange contents insurance, register with a local GP and update the electoral roll and your driving licence.

Rent is normally paid monthly in advance, most easily by standing order so it is never missed. Always pay on time, as a clear payment record helps when you come to rent again or need a reference.

If you ever think you may struggle to pay, talk to us as early as possible. It is far easier to find a sensible way forward together than to let arrears build up.

Your landlord is responsible for keeping the structure and exterior in good repair, along with the heating, hot water, gas, electrics, and the basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings.

• Report any repair as soon as you notice it, so a small issue does not become a big one.
• Where we manage the property, send your request to us and we will arrange the work.
• For genuine emergencies such as a major leak, total loss of heating in winter or a gas smell, follow the emergency contact details in your tenancy pack.

Looking after the property well makes for a happy tenancy and a smooth deposit return.

• Keep the property clean and reasonably ventilated to prevent condensation and mould.
• Maintain any garden to the standard it was in when you moved in.
• Do not make alterations, redecorate or keep pets without written permission.
• Allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs, where at least 24 hours' written notice has been given.
• Report problems promptly and treat the home as if it were your own.

As a tenant you have important legal protections. You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your home, which means your landlord cannot enter without giving proper notice, normally at least 24 hours in writing, except in a genuine emergency. You are also entitled to a safe, well maintained home and to have your deposit protected.

The Renters' Rights Act is the biggest reform of the private rented sector in a generation, with most changes taking effect from 2026. It strengthens tenants' rights in several ways, including the move to periodic tenancies and limits on how rent can be increased.

The detail is significant, so please see our dedicated Renters' Rights Act page for a full, up to date explanation.

When you wish to move on, you must give notice in the way set out in your tenancy agreement and in line with current legislation. Let us know your plans in good time so we can guide you through the process.

If you would like to stay, just tell us, as we are usually happy to continue the tenancy. Towards the end we will arrange a check-out appointment and explain exactly what is expected before you hand back the keys.

Most deposits are returned in full. To give yourself the best chance, prepare the property carefully before you leave.

• Clean the property thoroughly, including the oven, and return it to the condition shown in the inventory.
• Clear all your belongings and rubbish, and settle final bills and rent.
• Return all keys by the agreed date.

The landlord can only make deductions for genuine damage, unpaid rent or cleaning, not for fair wear and tear. If there is any disagreement, the deposit scheme provides a free, independent dispute resolution service.