Tenants
Looking To Rent?
A Tenants Guide - The Rental Process
Are you looking for a property to let?
If you are renting a home for the first time, or have not rented a property through Symonds Taylor before, read our straightforward Tenant Guide to the Rental Process for useful information on every step of the rental journey, from arranging viewings, paying deposits, obtaining references and signing leases.
1. Know the Rental Market in Newcastle
- Jesmond – trendy, great for students and young professionals
- Heaton – more affordable, family-friendly
- Sandyford – close to both universities and the city centre
- Gosforth – a quieter suburb, ideal for families
- City Centre – modern flats, close to work and nightlife
2. Set Your Budget
- Council Tax (Band A–D typical in Newcastle): ~£1,300–£2,000/year (students are exempt)
- Utilities: £100+ per month depending on property size (https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-explained/council-tax-bands
- Internet: ~£25/month
- 5 weeks’ deposit
- First month’s rent
- Holding deposit (usually 1 week’s rent)
3. Where to Search
- OpenRent
- Rightmove / Zoopla (filter by Jesmond, Heaton, etc.)
4. What to Look for in Newcastle Rentals
- Central heating (most places will have gas)
- Double glazing (important in older Victorian homes)
- Parking permits (especially in Jesmond/Sandyford)
- Distance to public transport links – Newcastle has a great Metro system
5. Our Rental Process
Please note that this is a standard process applicable to anyone wishing to rent a property.
- Viewing takes place
- References are sought
- Supply of Proof of ID and Right to Rent
- Pay a Holding deposit
- Review and Sign AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) contract
- Pay Deposit (this will be held in a Client Deposit Protection Scheme)
- Our “How to Rent” guide
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- Gas safety certificate
- Electrical safety report
6. Council Tax in Newcastle
- Check band via: https://www.gov.uk/council-
tax-bands - Students must submit an exemption certificate via their uni portal
7. Repairs & Support
- Local support available:
- Shelter North East
- Newcastle City Council – Private Rented Services (for complaints about housing conditions)
- Citizen’s Advice Newcastle
8. Moving In / Out Tips
- Take time-stamped photos on move-in
- Ask for a copy of the inventory
- On move-out, clean thoroughly and leave the property in the same condition it was when you moved in
Are you looking for a property to let? Read our Tenant Guide to the Rental Process for useful information on every step of the rental journey, from arranging viewings, paying deposits, obtaining references and signing leases.
A Tenants Guide – The Rental Process
If you are renting a home for the first time, or have not rented a property through Symonds Taylor before, this useful guide takes you through the process, from arranging a viewing to organising deposits and references and once your referencing has been approved, signing the lease and going through the inventory.
A Tenants Guide - The Rental Process
If you are renting a home for the first time, or have not rented a property through Symonds Taylor before, this useful guide takes you through the process, from arranging a viewing to organising deposits and references and once your referencing has been approved, signing the lease and going through the inventory.
Arranging a Viewing
Deposits
Once we have found the right property for you, the next stage in the process is to get the owner’s approval and to take a deposit from you in order to secure the property and take it off the market. We will collect a deposit from you and ensure this is transferred to an approved tenancy deposit schemes (Symonds Taylor is required to do this within 30 days of the tenancy starting), where it will be held for the duration of the tenancy. Your deposit will be returned to you following our final inspection of the property when you vacate.
Referencing
We offer our landlords peace of mind by carrying out thorough referencing on all of our tenants before they move in. All our referencing is carried out by a registered referencing agency. The type of references we require depend on your individual circumstances, but our standard referencing procedure involves completing our application form and providing us with:
- One form of photographic identification, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
- Two most recent monthly salary slips, or a letter from your employer confirming your position within the company and your salary.
- Three years proof of address in the form of utility bills, bank statements, etc.
- If you are self employed you will need to provide three years of accounts, or your accountants contact details so that we can contact them directly.
- If you have just relocated to Scotland and you have not secured employment yet, you may be asked to pay 6 months’ rent upfront.
Lease Signing
Inventory
If you have any questions, or would like to find out more about renting a property through Symonds Taylor, please get in touch with your local team today.
Read What Our
Customers Say
Symonds Taylor Made Our Move with a New Baby Stress-Free
You’ve made a stressful period in our lives so much easier. Having a baby and moving at the same time would not have been possible for us without you both and would have likely ended up in murder or divorce!
G Malhotra
Symonds Taylor Helped Us Secure Our First Home
Sofia and I cannot thank you and your team enough for all the work you put in to help us get our first home!
Courteous Team and Fair Pricing Made for a Positive Buying Experience
As a buyer of a property through Symonds Taylor (Rettie at the time) the team were courteous and easy to deal with. They had a reputation for fair pricing, which is how my purchase played out. All in all good experience.
A Houghton
Rob and Claire’s Expertise Secured Our Dream Home Amidst an 8-House Chain
Rob and Claire were excellent throughout our purchase, they helped us secure our dream house in Newcastle. Rob was instrumental in ensuring an 8-house chain successfully completed!
J O
Exceptional Service from Rob and Team Ensured Our Complex Move Succeeded
This is the second time we’ve sold with Rob and the team at Symonds Taylor (as formerly Rettie). We’ve always received a flawless service and felt at ease that we were in safe and experienced hands. Rob was quick at responding to all of our questions and was always available to reassure and guide us. Our recent move was unexpectedly complicated and without Robs proactive approach to keeping all parties up to date and moving things along I’m sure it would have fallen apart.
J Bradfield
You need an experienced team on your side
Thoroughly professional people. Sound advice provided with cool-headedness and patience during the protracted process of getting the buyer to perform
Mr Reed
