Finding Your Next Home
From registering to moving in, in five steps.
Our lettings team handles each stage with you. Here is what to expect and what we will need from you.
Register your requirements
Tell us your budget, preferred areas, move date and must-haves by phone, email or the contact form. We match you to new listings before they reach the portals.
Arrange a viewing
Book through the listing, by phone or email. Viewings are accompanied by our team and available on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Application & referencing
Once your offer is accepted you pay a holding deposit and complete referencing: identity and Right to Rent, credit history, income or employment and a previous landlord reference.
Deposits & agreement
Your tenancy deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme. You review and sign the tenancy agreement, and the holding deposit is put towards your first rent.
Moving in
First month’s rent and deposit are paid before the move date. You collect keys, receive the inventory, meter readings and safety certificates, and know who to contact.
Deposits Explained
Two deposits, both capped by law.
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 there are limits on what can be asked for. Full details are on our Lettings Fees & Permitted Payments page.
Up to 1 week’s rent
Holding deposit
Paid when your offer is accepted to reserve the property while referencing takes place. Once the tenancy is agreed it is put towards your first month’s rent or deposit.
It is refunded if the landlord withdraws or referencing is not completed within the agreed 15-day deadline through no fault of yours. It can be retained if you withdraw, fail a Right to Rent check, or provide false or misleading information.
Up to 5 weeks’ rent
Tenancy deposit
Held as security against damage or unpaid rent for the length of your tenancy. Where the annual rent is £50,000 or more the cap is six weeks’ rent.
Your deposit is registered with a government-approved protection scheme within 30 days and you receive the prescribed information confirming where it is held. At the end of the tenancy it is returned, less any agreed deductions.
Existing Tenants
Already renting with us? Here is how we help.
If Alderwood manages your home, our team is your point of contact throughout the tenancy.
Report a repair
Tell us as soon as you notice a problem, with photos where possible. We log it, contact the landlord and instruct one of our vetted local contractors.
How to report a repairRent & payments
Rent is paid by standing order on the date set in your agreement. If you are having difficulty paying, contact us early so we can talk to the landlord with you.
Email the lettings teamRenewals, notice & moving out
We contact you before your fixed term ends to discuss renewing. If you are leaving, we explain notice periods, the check-out inspection and how your deposit is returned.
Tenant FAQsHow to report a repair
- 1. Is it an emergency? No heating or hot water in winter, a serious leak, loss of power or anything unsafe: call us straight away. Suspect a gas leak? Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 first.
- 2. Report it Email info@alderwood.co.uk or call 0121 709 2232 with your address, a description of the fault and photos or video if you can.
- 3. We instruct a contractor We contact the landlord for approval where needed and arrange a vetted contractor, then confirm the appointment with you.
- 4. Access & follow-up The contractor arranges access at a time that works for you. Let us know if the work has not resolved the problem.
Out of hours emergencies
Our office is open Monday to Friday 9:00–5:30 and Saturday 10:00–2:00.
If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. For a serious leak, loss of power or anything unsafe, take steps to make the property safe and contact us as soon as the office reopens.
Tenant FAQs
Questions tenants ask us.
Do I pay any fees to apply for a property?
No. Tenant application, referencing and administration fees are banned under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. The only payments we can ask for are rent, a refundable holding deposit, a refundable tenancy deposit and the limited default payments set out on our Lettings Fees page.
What documents do I need for referencing?
Photo ID and proof of your Right to Rent in the UK, proof of address, and evidence of income such as recent payslips, an employer reference or accounts if you are self-employed. We will also ask for a reference from your current or previous landlord.
What if I don’t pass referencing?
We will talk to you first. In some cases the landlord may accept a guarantor or rent paid in advance. If the tenancy cannot proceed because you gave false or misleading information, or you withdraw, the holding deposit may be retained.
Can I rent with a pet?
Some landlords accept pets and others do not. Tell us before you view so we only show you suitable homes. Where a pet is agreed it will be written into the tenancy agreement.
How is my deposit protected?
Your tenancy deposit is registered with a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receipt, and you are sent the prescribed information confirming the details. If there is a dispute about deductions at the end of the tenancy, the scheme offers a free resolution service.
How much notice do I need to give?
Notice periods depend on your agreement and whether you are within a fixed term. Contact the lettings team before you make plans and we will confirm the correct notice and date in writing.
Who do I contact if my landlord manages the property?
If your tenancy is Let Only, day-to-day matters and repairs are handled by your landlord directly using the contact details in your tenancy agreement. If you are unsure who manages your home, ask us.
Something we have not covered? Ask the lettings team.
Talk to the lettings team.
Register your requirements, book a viewing or ask a question about your tenancy. We are at 878 Old Lode Lane, Solihull.