Tenant FAQ
Booking a property viewing with Northwood Beverley and Hull, your local estate and letting agent in Hull and Beverley, is quick and easy.
Online via our website:
Visit our website, find the property you wish to view, and click “Book a Viewing”. Complete the short enquiry form and submit your details.
Via property portals:
You can also request a viewing through major property portals by selecting “Email Agent” on the property listing.
Once we receive your enquiry, one of our professional Lettings Negotiators in Hull and Beverley will contact you promptly to confirm availability and arrange a convenient viewing time.
As an experienced estate and letting agent covering Hull and Beverley, Northwood is committed to providing a reliable, friendly, and efficient service. Whether you are looking to rent or buy a property in Hull or Beverley, we’re here to help you find your next home.
Applying to rent a property with Northwood Beverley and Hull, your local letting agent in Hull and Beverley, is straightforward and transparent.
Before applying, you must usually have viewed the property in person. If you are unable to attend, a friend or colleague can view the property on your behalf.
After your viewing, we will email you a viewing invitation which includes a secure link to submit a “Note of Interest” form. This form allows you to provide your details and confirm your interest in the rental property.
Once submitted, your Note of Interest is reviewed by our experienced Lettings Negotiator in Hull and Beverley, who will discuss all applications with the landlord. The landlord makes the final decision on the most suitable applicant.
If your application is successful, our Lettings Negotiator will formally offer the tenancy subject to contract and request a holding deposit before starting the tenant referencing process.
As a trusted estate and letting agent covering Hull and Beverley, Northwood is committed to making the rental application process clear, fair, and efficient for all tenants.
A holding deposit is a payment made to reserve a rental property with Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting agent in Hull and Beverley. It temporarily removes the property from the market while essential tenant checks, such as referencing, credit checks, and Right to Rent checks, are completed.
We are legally permitted to take only one holding deposit per property, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all applicants.
Key Information for Tenants
- A holding deposit agreement must be completed, setting out the terms under which the payment is held.
- The holding deposit is capped at one week’s rent.
- If the tenancy goes ahead, the holding deposit is refunded or deducted from your full tenancy deposit.
When a Holding Deposit May Be Retained
Part or all of the holding deposit may be retained if the tenant:
- Withdraws from the application.
- Provides false or misleading information.
- Fails a Right to Rent check.
- Does not take reasonable steps to sign the tenancy agreement within the agreed timeframe.
When Your Holding Deposit Will Be Returned
Your holding deposit will be returned if:
- The landlord decides not to proceed.
- You fail referencing checks due to honest and accurate information.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull Estate and Letting Agent, we are committed to clear, compliant, and professional rental processes for tenants across Hull and Beverley.
Tenant referencing is a process carried out by Northwood Beverley and Hull, your local letting agent in Hull and Beverley, to verify information about prospective tenants.
Referencing helps us make an informed decision about renting a property and ensures that tenants are reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. It provides reassurance that a tenant will:
- Pay rent on time.
- Treat the property with care.
- Respect neighbours and the local community.
As a professional estate and letting agent in Hull and Beverley, Northwood uses tenant referencing to create a safe and secure rental process for both landlords and tenants.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, the rental deposit is usually the equivalent of five weeks’ rent.
The deposit must be paid before the tenancy begins and is protected by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) for the full duration of your tenancy. Tenants will receive a TDS certificate of protection, giving peace of mind that their money is secure.
At the end of your tenancy, the deposit is returned in full, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, in accordance with TDS guidelines.
Renting with Northwood Beverley and Hull ensures a transparent, safe, and professional tenancy process for tenants and landlords alike.
Your first rent payment is due before you move into the property, prior to key collection on the tenancy start date.
The initial payment will typically include:
- First month’s rent (or rent up to the first rent due date)
- Any other agreed charges outlined in your tenancy agreement.
Your rent due date will be clearly confirmed before move-in and is normally the same date each month throughout the tenancy.
If you have any questions about payment amounts, dates, or methods, our lettings team in Hull and Beverley will be happy to confirm the details before your tenancy begins.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, rental prices are usually set by the landlord and are generally fixed.
With the introduction of the Renters’ Reform Act (RRA) 2025, bidding wars on rental properties are no longer permitted. This means landlords cannot ask multiple tenants to compete on price, ensuring a fairer and more transparent rental process.
While you are welcome to enquire about rent, any discussions must comply with RRA 25 regulations, and our team of lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley will guide you throughout the process.
We are committed to helping tenants find the right property safely, fairly, and professionally, in line with current legislation.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, what is included in the rent depends on the property.
Key factors that affect inclusions:
- Property type: single residential let or House of Multiple Occupation (HMO)
- Furnished or unfurnished
- Utilities and services: some properties include gas, electricity, water, or internet, while others do not.
Most property listings will provide this essential information. If you are unsure, always ask our Lettings Negotiators in Hull and Beverley before applying or signing a tenancy agreement.
We aim to make renting transparent, fair, and straightforward, so tenants know exactly what is included in their rent.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, we strongly recommend tenants take out tenant insurance to protect their personal belongings while renting a property.
Why tenant insurance is important:
- Protection for personal belongings: Covers items in the property against theft, fire, water damage, or accidental damage.
- Peace of mind: Tenant insurance ensures that you are financially protected if unexpected events occur.
- Supplementary to landlord insurance: While the landlord’s insurance covers the property structure, it does not cover your personal possessions.
Having tenant insurance is a simple way to avoid potential financial loss and ensures a safer, worry-free rental experience. Our lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley can provide guidance on insurance requirements and recommendations for tenants.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, standard tenancy agreements are usually 6 months. After this period, many tenancies continue monthly on a rolling periodic basis.
With the introduction of the Renter’s Reform Act 2025 (effective 1 May 2026), all new tenancies will automatically be rolling periodic agreements. This ensures a fairer and more flexible rental process for tenants and landlords alike.
Our team of experienced lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley can guide you through tenancy terms, helping you understand your rights and responsibilities under the new legislation.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, we understand that making a rental property feel like home is important. Tenants often ask about redecorating, but there are guidelines to follow.
Most landlords prefer to maintain a neutral décor to suit all tenants, and your tenancy agreement typically prohibits dramatic changes, such as painting walls in bold or bright colours.
If you want to freshen up a room without significantly altering the colour palette, some landlords may be open to it. It’s always best to ask before moving in to understand their preferences.
If permission is granted, we will formalise this with a tenancy addendum, a side agreement to the main tenancy agreement. The addendum clearly sets out what changes are allowed and is signed by both the landlord and tenant, ensuring clarity and protection for all parties.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, we aim to make the tenancy process transparent and professional, helping tenants personalise their home within the rules.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, responsibilities for repairs and maintenance are clearly defined:
- Landlords are generally responsible for major repairs and ensuring the property remains safe, secure, and habitable, including structural issues, plumbing, heating systems, and electrical safety.
- Tenants are usually responsible for minor maintenance, keeping the property clean and tidy, and reporting repairs promptly. Early reporting ensures issues are resolved quickly and prevents further damage.
Understanding these responsibilities helps maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship and keeps the property in good condition.
Our team of lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley is available to guide tenants on repair requests, maintenance queries, and reporting procedures, ensuring a smooth and professional rental experience.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, transport links vary depending on the property location.
Hull and Beverley offer good transport connections, including bus routes, train stations, and major road links. While every property is different, asking our Lettings Negotiator about local transport should be a priority if you are a commuter.
Even if you don’t drive or own a car, having easy access to public transport can make daily life simpler and more convenient. Our team can provide detailed guidance on local buses, trains, and nearby amenities for each property.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, parking is an important consideration for all tenants, whether you own a vehicle or not.
Even if you don’t drive, parking affects visitors, delivery drivers, and tradespeople, so it’s essential to understand what’s available before renting.
When viewing a property, ask our Lettings Negotiator:
- Is there designated parking for tenants?
- Is on-street parking the only option, and are there any restrictions?
- Are parking spaces limited to certain times, or is a permit required?
Getting this information upfront ensures your tenancy is convenient, stress-free and helps you plan for guests or deliveries.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, tenants can get their deposit back at the end of the tenancy as long as the property is left in good condition and all terms of the tenancy agreement are met.
To ensure fairness, we carry out a detailed inventory at check-in and a check-out inspection at the end of your tenancy. Any damages are compared against this inventory, helping determine if deductions from your deposit are necessary.
Landlords may make deductions from the deposit for:
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Unpaid rent or bills.
- Breach of tenancy terms.
All deposits are protected by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), giving you peace of mind that your money is secure. Tenants receive a TDS certificate confirming protection of the deposit.
To maximise your chances of a full refund:
- Keep the property clean and tidy throughout your tenancy.
- Report maintenance issues promptly to the landlord or letting agent.
- Follow all terms outlined in your tenancy agreement.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, we make the deposit process transparent, fair, and straightforward, giving tenants confidence when renting in Hull and Beverley.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, there are several steps tenants can take to minimise the risk of deposit disputes at the end of a tenancy:
- Document the Property Condition
Take photos or videos of every room, fixtures, and fittings at move-in and move-out. This provides clear evidence and helps prevent disagreements over damage versus normal wear and tear. - Report Repairs Promptly
Use our electronic reporting system to log maintenance issues as soon as they arise. Early reporting ensures problems are addressed promptly and reduces the chance of damage worsening. - Follow Tenancy Agreement Terms
Keep the property clean and tidy and adhere to rules regarding decoration, maintenance, and tenant responsibilities. - Attend Check-In and Check-Out Inspections
We carry out a detailed inventory at check-in and a check-out inspection at the end of your tenancy. Comparing both ensures deductions are fair and transparent. - Deposit Protection
All deposits are held in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). You will receive a TDS certificate confirming protection.
By taking these steps, tenants can avoid disputes, ensure a smooth tenancy, and maximise the chances of a full deposit refund. Our team of lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley is always available to provide guidance.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, tenants have an important role in keeping their rental property safe, well-maintained, and compliant.
Tenant responsibilities for repairs:
- Report repairs promptly: It is your responsibility to bring any repair issues to your landlord’s attention at the earliest possible opportunity.
- Ensure safety and compliance: Prompt reporting helps ensure that the property remains safe, secure, and compliant with relevant regulations.
- Avoid potential liability: If repairs are not reported in a timely manner and the property suffers damage as a result of neglect, the landlord may seek compensation.
All repair requests should be submitted via our electronic reporting system, except in genuine emergencies. This ensures your requests are recorded, time-stamped, and dealt with efficiently. Phone reports for non-emergencies are not accepted, in line with our policy.
By following these guidelines, tenants can help maintain the property in excellent condition, avoid disputes, and ensure a smooth tenancy. Our Property Managers and lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley are always available to guide tenants on how to report repairs correctly.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, tenants are responsible for reporting any issues with their property promptly to ensure safety, compliance, and a smooth tenancy.
How to report a problem:
- Use our electronic reporting system: All maintenance issues must be submitted through our online reporting platform, allowing you to upload photos or videos to help identify the correct contractor.
- Emergencies only by phone: Phone calls should only be made in genuine emergency situations where immediate action is required. Non-emergency issues reported by phone will not be accepted.
- Timely reporting: Reporting issues promptly helps prevent further damage and ensures repairs are carried out efficiently.
Following this process ensures that all repair requests are accurately recorded, tracked, and addressed in a timely manner. Our Property Managers and lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley are available to guide tenants through the reporting system and monitor progress until issues are resolved.
Using the electronic reporting system helps protect both tenants and landlords by providing a clear record of maintenance requests, ensuring accountability and professionalism throughout the tenancy.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, we carry out periodic inspections on behalf of landlords to ensure the property is safe, well-maintained, and meets the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Typical inspection schedule:
- First inspection: approximately three months after your move-in, to confirm you’ve settled in, and the property is in good condition.
- Ongoing inspections: usually every six months throughout the tenancy.
We always provide at least 24 to 48 hours’ notice before any inspection, giving tenants time to prepare.
Tenants should also check their tenancy agreement for any specific inspection terms, as these may vary by property or landlord.
Periodic inspections help maintain the property in good condition, protect tenants’ and landlords’ interests, and ensure a smooth rental experience in Hull and Beverley.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, leaving a rental property before your tenancy ends can be complicated.
If you need to leave early:
- You may be liable for rent until a replacement tenant is found, or until the tenancy officially expires.
- Your tenancy agreement may include a break clause, which sets out the conditions for ending the tenancy early.
- Always check your tenancy agreement and discuss your situation with our lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps avoid unnecessary charges and ensures a smooth process if you need to move out before the tenancy ends.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, tenants usually do not need to set up utilities for gas, electricity, water, or council tax. We will set up accounts on your behalf to ensure a smooth move-in process.
The only exception is broadband or internet, which tenants typically need to arrange themselves unless they wish to use a provider already set up by the landlord.
Before moving in, it’s important to check with our Lettings Negotiator which services are included in your rent and confirm any utilities you may need to arrange yourself. This helps avoid unexpected bills and ensures a hassle-free start to your tenancy.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, we aim to make the move-in process simple, transparent, and professional, supporting tenants throughout their rental journey in Hull and Beverley.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, tenants are usually responsible for paying council tax.
However, the exact arrangement can vary depending on the property. Some landlords include council tax as part of the rent, so it’s important to check your tenancy agreement to confirm your obligations.
If you’re unsure about council tax payments for your property, our team of lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley can provide clear guidance, ensuring you understand all your financial responsibilities before moving in.
By clarifying council tax obligations early, tenants can avoid unexpected bills and maintain a smooth, hassle-free tenancy.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, we review rental prices annually to ensure they reflect current market conditions and provide recommendations to landlords for consideration.
Rent increases depend on your tenancy type:
- Fixed-Term Tenancy (until 01 May 2026)
- Rent can only be increased if your tenancy agreement allows it or if you agree to the increase.
- Once the Renters’ Reform Act 2025 comes into effect on 01 May 2026, fixed-term agreements will be replaced by rolling periodic tenancies, changing how rent increases are applied.
- Periodic Tenancy
- Rent usually increases once per year, either by mutual agreement with the landlord or by issuing a Section 13 Notice.
- After 01 May 2026, all rent increases must follow Section 13 Notice procedures. It will be an offence to increase rent outside this process, ensuring fairness and compliance with the new legislation.
Our team of lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley will guide tenants through any proposed rent changes, ensuring the process is transparent, fair, and fully compliant with current laws.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, whether pets are allowed depends on the individual property and landlord’s preferences.
Key points for tenants:
- Some properties allow pets, while others do not.
- Always check your tenancy agreement before bringing a pet into the property to avoid breaches of your contract.
- Tenants may need landlord permission even in properties where pets are allowed, and conditions may apply, such as size, breed, or number of pets.
Renter’s Reform Act 2025 Changes:
- From 01 May 2026, all new tenancies will be on rolling periodic agreements, and landlords cannot include blanket bans on pets.
- Tenants will have the right to request permission for pets, and landlords must provide a clear response.
- This ensures a fairer and more flexible rental process for pet-owning tenants in Hull and Beverley.
Our team of lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley can advise tenants on which properties allow pets and the conditions that apply, helping you make an informed decision before signing your tenancy agreement.
At Northwood Beverley and Hull, your trusted letting and estate agent in Hull and Beverley, the end of your tenancy is a structured and transparent process designed to protect both tenants and landlords.
End-of-tenancy process:
- Pre-Exit Inspection: after the tenant has served notice, we will arrange a Pre-Exit Inspection conducted by your Property Manager, usually around three weeks prior to your tenancy end date.
- Final Inspection: the Property Manager will conduct the final inspection on behalf of the landlord, comparing the check-in inventory with the current condition of the property.
- Returning Keys and Deposit: keys must be returned on the final day. If keys are not returned on time, tenants will be accountable for rent and utilities until keys are received. Once inspected and keys returned, any agreed deductions are settled and the deposit is returned under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
Tenant Responsibilities
- Leave the property clean and tidy.
- Report maintenance issues promptly during the tenancy to avoid disputes at check-out.
- Follow the tenancy agreement to maximise the chance of a full deposit refund.
Our team of Property Managers and lettings negotiators in Hull and Beverley are available to guide tenants through the Pre-Exit and Final Inspection process and answer any questions about deposit returns or key handover.
Tips to minimise deposit disputes
- Report repairs promptly using the electronic reporting system.
- Keep the property clean and tidy and follow tenancy terms.
- Review your check-in report within seven days and document any issues with photos or comments.
- All deposits are held in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).