You have found
a home you would
like to rent, what
happens next?
Each letting agent may operate slightly differently, and below we have outlined our application process for renting one of our properties. Following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act on 1 May 2026, the Government has also published guidance for tenants, which is available here.
To enable us to present your application to the landlord, all applicants are required to complete our pre-qualification form. Please note that where multiple applications are recevied, all applications will be presented to the landlord. Subject to the landlord’s agreement in principle, each applicant will then receive an email from our referencing partner, Goodlord, containing a link to complete the full application process and pay the holding deposit online.
Please note that payment of a holding deposit does not guarantee the property. The final decision on all applications rests solely with the landlord and not Archer Bassett.
Refund of Holding Deposit
Your holding deposit will be refunded in the following circumstances:
- The landlord declines your application
- The landlord does not make a decision within 15 days of the holding deposit being paid
- Your application is successful, in which case the holding deposit will be credited towards your initial rent payment
Circumstances Where the Holding Deposit Will Not Be Refunded
The holding deposit will not be refunded if:
- You decide not to proceed with the application
- You fail to complete and submit the application, or do not provide the requested information within 15 days of paying the holding deposit
- You provide false or misleading information during the application process
- You fail the required Right to Rent checks
Once completed application forms have been received from all applicants, the application will be processed by Goodlord. Each applicant will be able to track the progress of their application through the Goodlord platform.
Following satisfactory references for all applicants and confirmation from the landlord to proceed, the tenancy agreement will be issued for electronic signature together with instructions for payment of the move-in funds, which will typically include:
- One month’s rent in advance (less any holding deposit already paid)
- A tenancy deposit equivalent to a maximum of five weeks’ rent
Example based on a
rent of £1000.00 per
calendar month:
- Holding Deposit £230.77
- Rent (less Holding Deposit) £769.23
- Tenancy Deposit £1,153.85
- Total £2,153.85
All move in monies are paid by bank transfer to Goodlord and your tenancy deposit is only refunded at the end of your tenancy as long as the tenancy agreement has been satisfactorily conducted.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your possessions are adequately insured. You (and any guarantors) are also required to provide us with the following:
• You must prove that you have a right to rent a property in the UK. This can be a UK or Irish passport or by providing a share code for us to validate with the Home Office.
• Proof of photo identity (passport or driving licence)
• Proof of current address; acceptable types are: - recent utility/council tax bill / current TV licence / current mortgage statement / tenancy agreement signed and dated within last 6 months / bank or credit card statement dated within last 3 months / letter from your employer on headed paper, signed and dated. This list isn’t exhaustive and our team will review documentation not detailed above.
Your Tenancy Deposit
It is a legal requirement for all letting agents and landlords to protect your tenancy deposit in a government approved scheme. For our managed properties your tenancy deposit will be registered and protected with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for the entire term of your tenancy and you will receive a certificate as proof.
If we do not manage the property you will be advised accordingly before you sign your tenancy agreement as this will differ from landlord to landlord.
Does my holding deposit need to be protected?
No, holding deposits do not have to protected but your holding deposit will be allocated to your first months rent if you are accepted for tenancy by the landlord.
How much tenancy deposit is required?
Your tenancy deposit will be the equivalent of five weeks’ rent and this is calculated by using the below:
For example, for a property with a rent of £650.00 per month your tenancy deposit will be £750.00 (£650.00 x 12 months ÷ 52 weeks x 5 weeks = £750.00)
When will I get my tenancy deposit back?
At the end of your tenancy we will compile a check out report which is then compared to your original check in report to see if there any damages or changes to the condition. Normal wear and tear and your length of tenancy are also taken into consideration. If there are no issues and the landlord approves you will get your tenancy deposit back within 10 days.
What can the landlord deduct from my tenancy deposit?
It is important to remember that it is normally the landlord that requests any deductions from your tenancy deposit and not the letting agent. If there are any issues with the property we will inform you in writing if the landlord requests any deductions along with the costs once we have them. Common types of deductions are:
• Rent arrears
• Unpaid utility bills
• Cleaning
• Property damage beyond wear and tear
• Removing belongings
• Poor maintenance of gardens
• Incorrectly filled bins
If you agree with the landlord’s deductions and have informed us in writing we will organise a prompt refund of the undisputed portion of your tenancy deposit. If you disagree with the deductions then you must put this in writing to our property management team who will then try and negotiate with your landlord. If no agreement can be reached you can raise a dispute with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. You have three months from the end of your tenancy to raise a dispute.
You can also be safe in the knowledge that we are members of ARLA Propertymark and part of their Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme which offers recompense to tenants and landlords of rent, unprotected deposits or other client funds in the event that monies have been misappropriated or fraudulently used by an ARLA Propertymark firm.
To view a table of our Tenants fees click here