Tenants - FAQs

The REA team have created a guide which gives you clear support on what is involved when you are living as a tenant. The guide gives you clear indication on how to tackle each element of the letting process.



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How can I find a property to rent?

We have a broad range of properties to let whether you are looking for a city apartment or a family home we can help you find somewhere to rent. The REA Lettings will do their utmost to ensure you find the property that is right for you.

How do I arrange to view a property?

If you are not already registered with us we will take your particulars and note your property requirements. We will then arrange a mutually convenient time to accompany you to the property with our REA Lettings expert.

What’s the application procedure?

Firstly you will need to complete our application form and pay the application fee. Check you meet the referencing criteria:
  • Be in full time employment
  • Have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years
  • Be earning 2.5 times the monthly rental
  • Provide either your driving licence (photo edition) or Passport and a current utility bill

Who is responsible for contacting the utility companies after I move in?

The utility firms will need you as a tenant to setup your account with them directly and to contact them again when you leave, taking care to provide meter readings.

When will the rent leave my account?

Generally rent is paid by a standing order mandate and will leave your account 3 days prior to the rental due date in order to be in the recipients account on the due date (The due date is typically although not always the date on which you moved in).

What happens if my rent is paid late?

Any problems with late rental payments should be conveyed to Reading Estate Agent. Arrears letters will be issued if rent remains outstanding beyond 5 days after it was due. Interest will be charged until payment is met.

What expenditure should I expect at the end of the tenancy?

As an outgoing tenant typically your costs will be associated with professional cleaning and the inventory check out. It is customary for the landlord to cover the cost of these at the outset of the tenancy and the tenant to pay at the end.

When is my deposit returned to me?

The deposit will be held by REA in our own client’s account, the deposit and the tenancy details will be registered with The Dispute Service under a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) and a certificate/unique number will be issued to show registration to the scheme, this will then be provided to both Landlord and Tenant.

Once the check-out has been conducted, the property has been cleaned to a satisfactory standard and REA has received instructions regarding the deposit from the Landlord, the money will be returned to your account.

This usually takes no more than 28 days.