Renting a property offers flexibility, freedom and lower upfront costs compared with buying a home. With around 12.9 million people privately renting across the UK, there are many reasons for different people to rent based on their desired location, personal circumstances and market availability.However, renting also comes with its own rules, responsibilities and costs. Understanding tenant fees, deposits and tenant rights is an important part of the process, whether you're moving into your first home or have rented before.At Gascoines, we help first-time renters and experienced tenants not only find the right property but also navigate the rental process with confidence.
Renting a property through Gascoines
We offer a wide range of properties for those renting in Southwell and the surrounding areas, from cosy countryside bungalows to modern homes in popular urban locations.We begin by understanding your requirements, including your preferred location, number of bedrooms and budget. From there, we'll help you find a property that suits your needs.Our friendly and experienced team will support you throughout the process, from arranging viewings at convenient times to carrying out checks and finalising your tenancy.A typical timeline looks like this:
We'll discuss your requirements and preferences.
Viewings will be arranged for suitable properties.
Once you've found your new home, you'll complete an application form.
We’ll take a holding deposit to secure the property.
We'll carry out employment references, credit checks and Right to Rent checks.
An offer will be agreed with the landlord.
We'll request your deposit and first month's rent.
An inventory check will be completed, and key collection arrangements confirmed.
What you'll need to rent a property
As part of the application process, we'll carry out several checks to confirm affordability and suitability.We'll obtain references from previous landlords or employers and conduct affordability checks. As a general guide, your gross annual income should be at least 2.5 times the annual rent. You may therefore be asked to provide bank statements and proof of employment. A soft credit check will also be carried out.As required by law, we'll conduct a Right to Rent check to confirm that you are a British or Irish citizen or hold the appropriate immigration status to rent in England.In some cases, a guarantor may be required. This is particularly common first-time renters or applicants whose income falls below the affordability threshold.
Tenant fees
Before moving in, many tenants ask, "What fees can a landlord charge a tenant?"Under current tenant fees legislation, you'll be required to pay a holding deposit equivalent to one week's rent. This secures the property while referencing checks are completed. The holding deposit may be retained if false or misleading information is provided during the application process, but it will normally be deducted from your first month's rent once your tenancy proceeds.Before collecting the keys, you'll also need to pay a tenancy deposit. This is capped at a maximum of five weeks' rent and provides protection for landlords against unpaid rent or damage to the property.For added peace of mind, your deposit will be held securely in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.Monthly rent payments are typically paid by standing order directly from your bank account.Read more about the full list of tenant fees here.
Tenant legislation
Our tenancy agreements comply with current legislation and include a comprehensive inventory and check-in report, complete with colour photographs of your new home.It's important that you carefully review this document and notify us of any amendments. The inventory report will form the basis of the checkout report at the end of your tenancy and may affect the return of your deposit.Depending on your landlord's chosen management package, you may also have access to a 24/7 emergency phone line. We also work with a trusted network of local tradespeople who are available to assist with any maintenance issues that arise.
Introduced on 1 May 2026, the Renter’s Rights Act represents one of the biggest reforms to the private rented sector in decades. The legislation strengthens tenant rights, abolishes no-fault evictions and changes how tenancies operate across England.At a glance, the Act provides:
Rolling periodic tenancies instead of fixed-term contracts.
The end of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions.
Greater flexibility for tenants, with the ability to leave with two months' notice.
Longer notice periods for landlords who wish to sell or move into the property.
Limits on rent increases, which can only take place once a year and must reflect market value.
Restrictions on upfront rent payments.
A ban on rental bidding wars above the advertised price.
Stronger rights for pet owners.
Greater protection against discrimination for families and benefit recipients.
Tougher penalties for landlords and agents who fail to comply with the law.
The Renters' Rights Act is designed to provide greater security for tenants and create a fairer rental market. If you'd like to understand more about how these changes affect you, our property experts are here to help.
Speak with our tenant experts today
Whether you're renting in Nottingham for the first time or searching for your next home, our team is here to make the process as straightforward as possible.When renting a property through Gascoines, you can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that your tenancy is supported by property professionals experienced in the Nottingham rental market, as well as compliying with current legislation.To find out more, contact our Southwell office on 01636 813245 or email southwell@gascoines.co.
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will overhaul private renting in England, ending no-fault evictions, converting fixed-term tenancies to periodic tenancies, and introducing stronger tenant protections, please see information below.Click to download
