Yes. Applications are considered individually and in line with current legal requirements. We assess affordability, references and the overall application rather than applying a blanket ban based on whether someone receives benefits. In some cases, depending on the referencing results and the landlord’s requirements, a guarantor or other supporting information may be requested.

There is no single rule that applies to every applicant. We usually assess affordability, employment status, income, references and any other relevant supporting information. Some applicants may qualify in their own right, while others may need a guarantor depending on the outcome of the checks and the circumstances of the tenancy.

Rent is usually paid monthly in advance. Under the rules applying from 1 May 2026, a landlord or agent cannot ask for, encourage or accept a payment of rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed. Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, a tenant can usually be asked to pay a maximum of one month’s rent in advance. You should always budget for rent, utility bills, council tax and any other household costs.

For most tenancies, the tenancy deposit is capped at a maximum of five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more. If a deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. The deposit may be returned at the end of the tenancy, subject to the condition of the property, any agreed deductions and any rent or contractual sums properly due.

Right to Rent checks are required by law in England and are used to confirm that an adult occupier has the legal right to rent residential accommodation. These checks are carried out before a tenancy starts, where the rules apply, and may involve checking original documents or using an approved online checking process depending on your status. This is a legal requirement and forms part of the standard tenancy application process.

If you start a new tenancy on or after 1 May 2026, your landlord or agent must give you certain written information setting out the key terms of the tenancy. In many cases this will be included within the tenancy agreement and related tenancy paperwork. Existing private tenants with a written tenancy agreement should also receive the government Information Sheet explaining the changes introduced by the Renters Rights Act.

An inventory and schedule of condition are usually prepared at the start of the tenancy to record the condition of the property and its contents. Further inspections may take place during the tenancy on reasonable notice, and a final check is usually carried out at the end of the tenancy. These records help both landlord and tenant and can be important if there is a dispute about condition or cleaning when the tenancy ends.

In most cases, yes. Unless the tenancy agreement states that bills are included, tenants are usually responsible for arranging accounts for gas, electricity, water, broadband and similar services in their own name for the period of the tenancy. We can provide general guidance on move-in procedures, but tenants should make sure utility suppliers are contacted promptly.

In most standard residential lettings, the tenant is responsible for paying Council Tax directly to the local authority, unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise or a different legal arrangement applies. You should contact the council promptly when you move in so the account can be set up correctly.

Building insurance is normally the responsibility of the landlord or freeholder, not the tenant. Tenants are usually responsible for insuring their own belongings and should consider suitable contents insurance for their personal possessions.

Contents insurance is not always a legal requirement, but it is strongly advisable. It can help protect your furniture, clothing, electronics and other belongings against risks such as theft, fire or accidental damage, depending on the policy chosen. Tenants should review the terms of any policy carefully to make sure it meets their needs.

From 1 May 2026, tenants can ask in writing to keep a pet. Each request must be considered on its own facts and a landlord should not refuse without a fair reason. A written response should normally be given within 28 days. In some cases further information about the pet may be requested before a final decision is made. Tenants should not assume a pet is allowed unless written consent has been given.

Tenants are expected to look after the property in a tenant-like manner. This usually includes keeping the home reasonably clean, ventilated and secure, replacing light bulbs where appropriate, reporting repairs promptly and taking proper care of any garden areas if the tenancy agreement places that responsibility on the tenant. Any damage caused by negligence, misuse or unauthorised actions may become the tenant’s responsibility.

You should not make alterations, redecorate, install fixtures or carry out other changes without written permission from the landlord or managing agent. This includes painting walls, replacing locks, fitting shelves or making structural or cosmetic changes. Unauthorised alterations may lead to charges or deductions at the end of the tenancy.

Please report repairs or maintenance concerns to Cooke & Co as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps prevent damage from becoming worse and allows us to contact the landlord and arrange any necessary action. Emergency issues should be reported immediately using the correct contact route. Tenants should not carry out repairs themselves unless they have been authorised to do so.

Under the current rules, rent increases in the private rented sector in England must follow the formal statutory process. A landlord can normally increase the rent no more than once in any 12 month period and must give the correct written notice. The notice period is generally at least two months. Tenants also have rights to challenge a proposed increase if they believe it is above the market rent.

For assured periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026, tenants can usually end the tenancy by giving at least two months’ notice in writing. This is commonly given by letter, email or text, and should usually expire on the day rent is due or the day before. Rent remains payable during the notice period unless a different written agreement is reached with the landlord.

No. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 no fault evictions no longer apply for private rented tenancies covered by the new rules. If a landlord wants to recover possession, they must use the correct legal ground, the correct notice and, where necessary, the court process. Tenants should seek advice promptly if they receive formal possession paperwork and are unsure what it means.