Renting a property with Woodhead & Co

We aim to make renting a property as straightforward, transparent and efficient as possible.

From your first viewing through to moving in, everything is handled clearly and professionally, with a strong focus on compliance and communication.

Finding and securing a property

Once you find a property you would like to proceed with, we will confirm your position and guide you through the next steps.

To reserve the property, a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent is required. Once received, the property will be taken off the market and the application process will begin.

Referencing and checks

All applications are subject to comprehensive referencing and compliance checks.

These include:

• Credit checks and affordability assessment
• Employment and income verification
• Previous landlord references where applicable
• Open Banking checks to verify income and spending patterns
• Right to Rent checks (legal requirement)
• Sanctions checks (legal requirement)

To pass affordability, your household income must typically be at least 2.5x the annual rent. If a guarantor is required, their income must typically be at least 3x the annual rent.

You will be required to provide:

• Proof of ID (passport or official ID)
• Proof of address
• Proof of income
• Share code for Right to Rent checks (if applicable)

All checks are handled digitally to keep the process fast and secure.

Right to Rent checks

We are legally required to verify the immigration status of all occupiers aged 18 or over before a tenancy can begin.

This is completed using official documentation or a government-issued share code.

If a Right to Rent check is not passed, or required information is not provided, the holding deposit may be retained in accordance with legislation.

Holding deposit

The holding deposit is equal to one week’s rent.

This will be allocated towards your first month’s rent once referencing is successfully completed.

The holding deposit may be retained if:

• You withdraw from the tenancy
• You fail a Right to Rent check
• You provide false or misleading information
• You fail to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy within the agreed timeframe (usually 15 days)

Moving forward

Once referencing is complete and approved:

• A tenancy agreement will be issued
• Your deposit and first month’s rent will be requested
• A move-in date will be agreed

Funds are typically collected via secure Open Banking or bank transfer.

Deposit

A tenancy deposit will be required before move-in:

• 5 weeks’ rent (where annual rent is under £50,000)
• 6 weeks’ rent (where annual rent is £50,000 or above)

Your deposit will be registered with an approved tenancy deposit scheme.

At the end of the tenancy, the deposit will be returned subject to the condition of the property, allowing for fair wear and tear.

If there is a dispute, this can be referred to the deposit scheme for independent resolution.

Tenant fees

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, most fees charged to tenants are prohibited.

Permitted payments include:

Holding Deposit (per tenancy)
One week’s rent.

Security Deposit (per tenancy)
Five weeks’ rent (under £50,000 annual rent)
Six weeks’ rent (over £50,000 annual rent)

Unpaid Rent
Interest may be charged at up to 3% above the Bank of England base rate if rent is more than 14 days overdue.

Lost Keys or Security Devices
You are responsible for the actual cost of replacement, including locks if required.

Variation of Contract (Tenant Request)
£50 including VAT per agreed change, or reasonable costs if higher.

Change of Sharer (Tenant Request)
£50 including VAT per replacement tenant, or reasonable costs if higher.

Early Termination (Tenant Request)
You will be liable for the landlord’s costs in re-letting the property and rent due until a replacement tenancy begins.

During your tenancy

Depending on the property and arrangement, we may manage:

• Maintenance and repairs
• Property inspections
• Communication between tenant and landlord

Issues can be reported through our systems, ensuring they are handled efficiently.

End of tenancy

At the end of your tenancy:

• A check-out inspection will be completed
• The property condition will be compared to the original inventory
• Any agreed deductions will be processed
• The remaining deposit will be returned

Our aim is to keep the process clear, fair and efficient for all parties.

All applications are subject to landlord approval following referencing.

Start your search

You can view all available properties using the search on this website.

If you find a property you are interested in, contact us to arrange a viewing and begin the application process.