Applying for a Rental Home
Take the Next Step Towards Your New Home
Applying for a rental home with Lafford Living is designed to be straightforward, transparent and supportive. This guide explains the enquiry process, application requirements, affordability assessments and referencing checks, helping you understand what to expect at every stage.
Whether you are renting for the first time, relocating or searching for your next long-term home, our team will guide you through each stage of the application journey and keep you informed along the way.
Make an Enquiry
Step 1 – Register Your Interest
Tell Us About Your Requirements
Use our online Rental Enquiry Form to tell us about your household and the type of home you are looking for. This is an enquiry rather than a tenancy application and allows us to understand your requirements before inviting you to proceed further.
If, following a viewing, you decide that a property is right for you, we will guide you through the formal tenancy application process and explain any additional information or supporting documents that may be required.
- Property & Timing: Let us know which home or development interests you, together with your preferred moving timescale.
- Household: Tell us about the adults and children who will be living at the property, any accessibility requirements and whether you would like to request permission for a pet.
Providing accurate information at this stage helps us identify suitable homes, answer any questions you may have and support you throughout the next steps of your rental journey.
What We Will Do After You Enquire
Keeping You Informed Every Step of the Way
Once we receive your enquiry, we will acknowledge it by email, review current and upcoming availability, and contact you to discuss the next steps. Where possible, we aim to respond within one working day and answer any questions you may have about the home, development or rental process.
If a suitable home is available, we will arrange a viewing and explain what happens next should you wish to proceed with an application.
If a home is not yet ready to view, we will keep you informed of anticipated availability, expected viewing dates and future rental opportunities that may match your requirements.
Your information will always be handled securely and in accordance with our Privacy Notice.
Step 2 – Tenancy Application
Providing the Information We Need
If you decide to proceed, we will refer you to our independent referencing provider, who will invite you to complete a secure tenancy application.
As part of the application process, the referencing provider will collect information about each adult who will be living at the property, together with any supporting documentation required to complete affordability, identity and verification checks.
You will also be asked to provide consent for relevant checks, which may include employment, income, landlord and Right to Rent verification where applicable.
The referencing provider may contact you directly if any additional information or supporting documentation is required to complete the assessment.
What We Will Ask For At This Stage
Preparing Your Application
To help progress your tenancy application, our independent referencing provider will collect information and documentation to verify your identity, eligibility and affordability.
The exact information required may vary depending on your circumstances, but you may be asked to provide:
- Photo ID: A valid passport or driving licence together with proof of your current address, such as a recent bank statement or utility bill.
- Proof of Address: Evidence of your current address, such as a recent bank statement, utility bill or other accepted document.
- Proof of Income: Recent payslips, employment information and/or benefits statements where applicable.
- References: Previous landlord references and other supporting information where required.
- Right to Rent: Right to Rent documentation or a Home Office share code in line with current legislation.
As part of the application process, the referencing provider will complete affordability, credit, identity and other relevant verification checks where applicable. They may also contact you directly if additional information or supporting documentation is required to complete their assessment.
Our team will be happy to answer any questions and will keep you informed of the next steps throughout the application process.
Right to Rent
Before a tenancy can begin, we are legally required to complete Right to Rent checks for all adult occupiers. These checks help confirm that applicants have the legal right to rent a property in England.
Please refer to the Government guidance for further information on acceptable documents and verification requirements.
Guidance and acceptable documents.
Need help?
• Phone our team: 01529 308313
Processing & prioritisation
We aim to operate a fair and transparent application process for all prospective residents. Applications are generally prioritised based on when all requested information has been received and verified.
Providing complete documentation promptly can help us progress your application as efficiently as possible.
Availability & viewings
Some homes may not yet be ready to view. Please check availability on our Rental Properties page.
Frequently asked questions
Answers About Rental Applications
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Before completing a tenancy application, you should have information relating to your identity, current address, income and employment ready to provide. Depending on your circumstances, we may also request supporting documents such as payslips, bank statements, benefits information or previous landlord details.
Our team will explain exactly what is required and support you throughout the process.
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Yes. Referencing and verification checks are completed for all adults named on the tenancy agreement.
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We strongly recommend viewing a property before proceeding with an application. A viewing allows you to explore the home, ask questions and determine whether it is suitable for your needs.
If a property is not yet ready for viewing, our team will keep you informed of anticipated availability and viewing opportunities.
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Proof of income may include recent payslips, employment contracts, pension statements, benefits documentation or other evidence of regular income.
If you are self-employed, alternative documentation such as tax returns, accountant references or business accounts may be requested by our independent referencing provider.
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Self-employed applicants are welcome to apply for our homes to rent.
Because income can be structured differently from traditional employment, we may request additional financial information as part of the referencing process. Our team and referencing provider will explain what evidence is required based on your individual circumstances.
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We understand that not every applicant will have rented before. Depending on your housing history, alternative information may be accepted.
For example, owner occupiers may be able to provide a recent mortgage statement instead of a landlord reference. Our team will advise on the most appropriate documentation for your circumstances.
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To ensure a fair and transparent process, applications are generally prioritised based on when all requested information and supporting documents have been received.
Providing complete and accurate information promptly can help us progress your application more efficiently.
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Timescales can vary depending on the speed at which documents are submitted and referencing checks are completed.
Once all required information has been received, applications are typically processed within 10 working days. Our team will keep you informed throughout the process and provide updates on the progress of your application.