How Renting Works
Your new home could be just a few steps away. Here is our clear process for how renting works with Lafford Homes.
Make an Enquiry
Typical Upfront Costs
If you reserve, we may take a holding deposit of up to one week’s rent to take the home off the market while referencing is completed.
Before signing your tenancy agreement, you will be required to pay one month’s rent and a refundable tenancy deposit equal to one month’s rent. Your deposit is protected in a government approved scheme.
We are an NRLA member and follow National Residential Landlords Association best practice throughout your journey
NRLA – The Home for LandlordsStep by Step
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Listings include maps, photos, floor plans and development overview.
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Receive confirmation and a reference number; enquiries are reviewed in the order received.
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Meet a member of our housing team and ask questions.
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We handle your application in line with NRLA best practice so requirements are transparent and fair.
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Proof of age (18+), Right to Rent, proof of current address (e.g., bank statement/utility bill), and affordability evidence (e.g., recent payslips or benefits statements). References may be requested where applicable.
We prioritise applications based on when all documents are received. Sometimes, we process more than one application at the same time, in line with our Lettings Statement. -
We may contact a previous landlord/employer. Homeowners can provide a recent mortgage statement.
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Approval can take up to 10 working days; we’ll offer a provisional start date.
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Sign your tenancy agreement and receive your Tenants’ Handbook.
Affordability Guidance
Details of your income are necessary because we carry out an affordability assessment to ensure applicants can comfortably afford the rent. If affordability is tight, talk to us about options such as a guarantor or rent in advance.
Apply for a Rental Property
Tenancy Details
Tenancy Type: Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). From May 2026, new tenancies will be Assured Periodic Tenancies (APT), which are rolling rather than fixed.
Rent: Listed in the property advert. Payable monthly in advance on the 1st of each month by standing order. One month’s rent and the deposit are payable before signing the tenancy agreement.
Fees: We do not charge any application or processing fees.
NRLA aligned tenancy: PlainEnglish agreements aligned with NRLA best practice.
Deposit protection: We protect deposits in a governmentapproved scheme and provide all prescribed information within 30 days.
Pets: Considered at most properties. Please request permission during your application. For some pets, we may increase the deposit amount. Some homes may not be suitable for cats or dogs.
Notice Period: One full calendar month in writing (check your tenancy agreement). This will change to two months after May 2026.
