Step 1: Start Your Property Search

You can view our available rental properties on our website and across major property portals including Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket.

Each listing will include key details such as rent, location, property type, number of bedrooms, availability, deposit information and important features.

If you see a property you like, contact our lettings team to arrange a viewing.

Step 2: Arrange a Viewing

Once you have found a property you are interested in, we will arrange a viewing where possible.

During the viewing, you can look around the property, ask questions and check whether it suits your needs, budget and lifestyle.

We recommend checking things such as travel routes, parking, local amenities, room sizes, garden space and whether the property is offered furnished or unfurnished.

Step 3: Making an Application

If you would like to apply for a property, our team will explain the next steps clearly.

You may be asked to provide details such as your full name, contact information, employment status, income, current address, previous landlord details and proposed move-in date.

The landlord will review applications before deciding whether to proceed.

Step 4: Holding Deposit

If your application is accepted subject to referencing, you may be asked to pay a holding deposit.

A holding deposit is used to reserve the property while referencing and pre-tenancy checks are carried out. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, holding deposits are capped and can usually be no more than one week’s rent.

Before paying a holding deposit, we will explain what it is for, what happens next and the circumstances in which it may or may not be refunded.

Step 5: Referencing and Right to Rent Checks

Referencing helps assess whether the tenancy is affordable and suitable.

This may include employment checks, income checks, credit checks, previous landlord references and identification checks.

All adult occupiers must also complete Right to Rent checks before the tenancy starts. If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you may be asked to provide a Home Office share code so your right to rent can be checked online.

Step 6: Signing the Tenancy Agreement

Once referencing has been completed and approved, we will prepare the tenancy documents.

You will be given the opportunity to review the tenancy agreement before signing. This document sets out important information such as rent, deposit, responsibilities, property address, start date and tenancy terms.

Please read the agreement carefully and ask us if anything is unclear.

Step 7: Paying Move-In Monies

Before moving in, you will usually need to pay:

• The first month’s rent in advance

• The tenancy deposit

• Any other permitted payments agreed in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019

For most assured tenancies in England, tenancy deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more.

We will confirm the exact amount payable before your tenancy begins.

Step 8: Deposit Protection

If you pay a tenancy deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.

You will be given the required deposit information after the deposit has been registered.

At the end of the tenancy, the deposit is usually returned subject to the property being left in the correct condition, rent being paid, keys returned and any agreed deductions being resolved.

Step 9: Moving In

Before or on your move-in date, you will receive key tenancy documents and move-in information.

This may include your tenancy agreement, deposit information, safety certificates, inventory, meter readings, contact details and instructions for reporting maintenance.

We will also arrange key collection once all required payments, documents and checks are complete.

Step 10: During Your Tenancy

During your tenancy, you are responsible for looking after the property, paying rent on time, reporting maintenance issues promptly and following the terms of your tenancy agreement.

If Signature Lettings manages the property, you can contact our property management team for repairs and tenancy support.

If the landlord manages the property directly, we will confirm who you should contact after move-in.

Reporting Repairs

If your property is managed by Signature Lettings, please report repairs as soon as possible.

When reporting an issue, include clear details, photographs or videos where helpful, and let us know whether access is available.

Emergency repairs should be reported immediately so the correct action can be taken.

Routine Visits

During the tenancy, routine visits may be arranged to check the general condition of the property and identify any visible maintenance issues.

These visits are not designed to intrude on your home but help make sure the property is being looked after and any issues are dealt with early.

You will be given notice before a routine visit takes place.

Rent Payments

Rent must be paid in full and on time in accordance with your tenancy agreement.

If you are struggling to pay rent, contact us as early as possible. It is always better to communicate quickly so the matter can be discussed before arrears increase.

Utilities and Council Tax

Unless otherwise stated in your tenancy agreement, tenants are usually responsible for arranging and paying utilities, broadband, TV licence and council tax during the tenancy.

You should contact the relevant providers and local council after moving in to set up your accounts.

Meter readings should be taken at the start and end of the tenancy where applicable.

Ending Your Tenancy

If you wish to leave the property, you must give notice in line with your tenancy agreement and current legislation.

Before moving out, you should remove your belongings, clean the property, settle rent and bills, return all keys and follow the check-out instructions provided.

A check-out report may be carried out and compared against the original inventory.

Renting Is Changing

The private rental sector in England changed from 1 May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The previous How to Rent guide has been withdrawn for most new tenancies from 1 May 2026 and has been replaced by updated private renting guidance. GOV.UK has published new guidance for tenants explaining rights and responsibilities when renting privately in England.
At Signature Lettings, we aim to keep tenants informed and supported throughout their tenancy.

Tenant Responsibilities

As a tenant, you should:

• Pay rent on time

• Look after the property

• Report repairs promptly

• Avoid causing damage

• Keep the property clean and ventilated

• Be considerate to neighbours

• Follow the tenancy agreement

• Allow reasonable access for agreed repairs and routine visits

• Keep utilities and council tax accounts up to date where applicable

• Return the property and keys correctly at the end of the tenancy

Why Rent with Signature Lettings?

• Friendly and professional lettings team

• Clear guidance from viewing to move-in

• Well-presented rental properties

• Straightforward application process

• Support with referencing and move-in documents

• Professional property management where instructed

• Clear communication throughout your tenancy

• Local Leicester-based team

Looking for Your Next Home?

Whether you are ready to move now or just starting your search, Signature Lettings is here to help.

View our latest rental properties or contact our team to discuss what you are looking for.

Signature Lettings
40 The Parade, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5BF
Telephone: 0116 482 1359
Email: lettings@signaturelettings.co.uk