Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, the time it takes to move into a rental property can vary, but on average, it’s usually 7 to 14 days from the point your application is accepted — though it can be quicker or longer depending on the circumstances.

Once you’ve viewed a property and your application is approved, we’ll carry out referencing checks, which typically take a few working days. This includes verifying your employment, income, credit history, and previous landlord references. After that, you’ll need to sign the tenancy agreement, pay the security deposit (usually equivalent to five weeks’ rent), and your first month’s rent in advance.

We’ll also ensure all legal requirements are met before you move in — including a valid EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, and How to Rent Guide.

If everything moves smoothly and promptly, we’ve helped some tenants move in within a week. Get in touch to discuss available properties and move-in timelines.

Yes, in most UK rental agreements, you will be required to pay a security deposit before moving in. This is standard practice and is designed to protect the landlord against any damage beyond fair wear and tear or unpaid rent.

Under UK law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme if you are renting on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) in England. The three approved schemes are:

•Deposit Protection Service (DPS)

•MyDeposits

•Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

At Churcher Estates, we ensure that all deposits are registered correctly and that tenants are provided with full details of where their deposit is held, along with the relevant documentation.

The deposit is typically capped at no more than five weeks’ rent (or six weeks if the annual rent exceeds £50,000), in line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019. If you have questions about the deposit process, our lettings team will be happy to guide you through it.

Before moving into a rental property, we’re required to carry out a number of standard checks to ensure everything is in place for a smooth and secure tenancy — for both the tenant and the landlord.

At Churcher Estates, we carry out the following rental reference checks:

•Credit Check – We assess your credit history to confirm financial reliability and ensure there are no significant concerns like unpaid debts or CCJs.

•Employment & Income Verification – We’ll ask for proof of income (usually payslips or a contract of employment) to confirm you can comfortably afford the rent.

•Previous Landlord Reference – If you’ve rented before, we may contact your previous landlord to confirm rent was paid on time and the property was looked after.

•Right to Rent Check – In line with UK law, we must verify your legal right to live in the UK by checking your ID and immigration status if applicable.

These checks are carried out quickly and confidentially, usually through a professional referencing agency. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, our team is here to help guide you through it.

Not everyone will need a guarantor, but in some cases, we may request one to support your rental application. Typically, you won’t need a guarantor if you have a good credit history, stable income, and can comfortably afford the rent.

However, a guarantor may be required if:

•You’re a student or first-time renter with limited rental history

•You’re self-employed or have an irregular income

•You’ve had credit issues in the past

•Your income doesn’t quite meet the affordability criteria (usually 2.5–3 times the monthly rent)

A guarantor is someone (usually a close relative) who agrees to cover the rent if you’re unable to pay. They’ll also need to go through reference checks and meet certain income or credit criteria.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll need one, we’ll talk you through your application and let you know early in the process.

The notice period you need to give depends on the type of tenancy agreement you have and its specific terms. Most tenants in the UK are on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), and notice periods typically fall into one of the following:

•If you’re in a rolling or periodic tenancy (month-to-month), you usually need to give at least one month’s notice, in writing.

•If you’re still within a fixed-term tenancy, you may not be able to give notice unless there’s a break clause allowing early termination. Without a break clause, you’ll likely need to wait until the end of the fixed term.

If you’re accepted for a new rental property before your existing tenancy ends, you can move into the new property, but you’ll still be responsible for rent on the old one until your notice period expires.

We always recommend checking your tenancy agreement carefully or seeking advice if you’re unsure — and we’re happy to assist where we can.