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How Renting Works

Your Guide to Applying for a Lafford Living Home

How renting works with Lafford Living is designed to be clear, transparent and straightforward. From your first enquiry through to move-in day, our team will guide you through each stage of the journey and keep you informed along the way.

 

Whether you are renting for the first time, relocating or searching for your next long-term home, this guide explains the application process, affordability checks, referencing requirements and tenancy information for our professionally managed homes to rent.

 

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Contemporary homes with driveways – Orford Avenue, Lincolnshire. How renting works with Lafford Homes

Typical Upfront Costs

Understanding the Costs of Renting

We believe renting should be straightforward, transparent and free from unexpected costs. Before moving into your new home, there are a number of payments and requirements that applicants should be aware of as part of the application and tenancy process.

 

A refundable tenancy deposit equivalent to one month’s rent is required and is typically payable up to 30 days before your tenancy start date. Once your tenancy agreement has been signed, you will be required to pay your first month’s rent in advance before moving into your new home.

 

Your tenancy deposit will be protected within a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme, providing additional security and peace of mind throughout your tenancy.

 

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Step by Step

Your Detailed Application Journey

Applying for a home with Lafford Living is designed to be clear, transparent and straightforward. The guide below explains what you can expect at each stage of the application process, from your initial enquiry through to moving into your new home.

  • Browse our available homes to rent, reviewing property descriptions, photographs, floor plans, key features and local area information to identify the home that best suits your needs.

  • Once you have found a suitable property, submit an enquiry online. You will receive a confirmation email and reference number, and our team will review your enquiry as quickly as possible.

  • Attend a viewing with a member of our housing team. This is your opportunity to explore the property, ask questions and ensure the home is right for you.

  • If you decide to proceed, we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire and provide some initial information about your household and housing requirements. This helps us understand your circumstances, answer any questions and confirm that the home appears suitable before moving to the next stage.

    Applications are reviewed in accordance with our Lettings Statement. To ensure a fair and transparent process, we may consider more than one prospective resident at the same time.

  • If your enquiry progresses, you will be invited to complete a formal tenancy application directly with our independent referencing provider.

     

    As part of this process, affordability, credit and identity checks will be completed, together with employment, income and landlord verification where applicable. Right to Rent checks will also be carried out in accordance with current legislation.

     

    The referencing provider may contact you directly if additional information or supporting documentation is required to complete the assessment. Once the process has been completed, the outcome will be shared with Lafford Living and we will contact you regarding the next steps.

  • Once referencing has been successfully completed, we will confirm approval, agree a provisional tenancy start date and guide you through the final stages before move-in.

     

  • On move-in day, you will sign your tenancy agreement, receive the keys to your new home and be provided with your Tenant’s Handbook and important tenancy information.

    From day one, our team will remain available to support you throughout your tenancy.

Front elevation of Plot 7 The Long Sutton at Beacon Hollow, Washingborough.

Application Guidance

Preparing for a Successful Application

 

To help ensure your application progresses as smoothly as possible, we recommend gathering the required documents before applying and responding promptly to any requests for additional information.

 

Applications are assessed fairly and consistently, taking into account affordability, referencing results, Right to Rent requirements and any other information relevant to the tenancy.

 

Providing complete and accurate information at the outset can help reduce delays and support a quicker decision on your application.

 

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements or would like to discuss your circumstances before applying, our team will be happy to help and provide guidance on the options available.

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Ready to Apply?

Start Your Rental Journey

If you have found a home that meets your requirements and would like to begin the application process, our team will be happy to help.

 

Complete the form below and a member of the Lafford Living team will review your enquiry and guide you through the next steps.

Street scene within a completed Lafford Living development.

Affordability Guidance

Helping You Understand the Financial Requirements

Before a tenancy can be approved, we need to be satisfied that applicants can comfortably afford the rent and sustain the tenancy over the longer term. As part of the application process, our independent referencing provider will carry out affordability assessments alongside income, credit and identity checks where applicable.

 

Affordability assessments help ensure that a tenancy is sustainable and suitable for both the applicant and the property. In some circumstances, additional information may be requested to support an application.

 

If affordability is likely to be challenging, please speak to our team before applying. Depending on your circumstances, options such as a guarantor may be available. Our team will be happy to explain the available options and guide you through the next steps.

 

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Frequently asked questions

Answers About Applying for a Rental Home
  • As part of the application process, our independent referencing provider will assess whether the rent is affordable based on your circumstances. This may include reviewing income, employment details, credit history and other relevant financial information.

    The purpose of these checks is to help ensure that the tenancy is sustainable and suitable for both the applicant and the property.

  • Yes. Self-employed applicants are welcome to apply for our homes to rent.

    As part of the referencing process, you may be asked to provide additional evidence of income, such as tax returns, accountant references or recent business accounts. Our team and referencing provider will explain exactly what information is required based on your circumstances.

  • In some circumstances, a guarantor may be accepted to support an application where affordability or referencing criteria are not fully met.

    If a guarantor is required, they will usually need to meet affordability and referencing requirements themselves. Please speak to our team before applying if you believe a guarantor may be needed.

  • Every application is assessed individually. If referencing identifies concerns, we will review the outcome and consider whether alternative options may be available.

    Depending on the circumstances, solutions such as a guarantor may be considered. Our team will explain the available options and guide you through the next steps.

  • Yes. Applications are assessed based on individual circumstances rather than a single source of income.

    Affordability assessments take into account overall income and financial commitments, helping us determine whether the tenancy is suitable and sustainable.

  • We strongly recommend attending a viewing before proceeding with an application. Viewing a property gives you the opportunity to explore the home, ask questions and ensure it meets your requirements before making a commitment.

    In some circumstances, alternative arrangements may be considered. Please contact our team to discuss your individual situation.

  • Timescales vary depending on the property, the completion of referencing checks and the availability of all required documentation.

    Once an application has been approved, we will work with you to agree a suitable tenancy start date and explain any remaining steps before move-in.

  • Once your application is approved, we will confirm your tenancy offer, provisional move-in date and any outstanding requirements.

    Before moving in, you will be provided with the tenancy documentation, details of any payments required and important information about your new home. On move-in day, you will receive your keys and Tenant’s Handbook, enabling you to begin your tenancy with confidence.