Tenant Letting Process

Every letting agent works a little differently, so we’ve outlined below the process for applying for one of our properties. Following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act on 1 May 2026, the Government has also published guidance for tenants.

To get started, each applicant will need to complete our pre-qualification form. Once the landlord has agreed to proceed in principle, you’ll receive an email from our referencing partner, Goodlord, with a link to complete your application and pay the holding deposit online.

Please note that paying a holding deposit does not guarantee the property. The final decision on all applications is made by the landlord, not Benburys.

When Your Holding Deposit Will Be Refunded

Your holding deposit will be refunded if:

• The landlord decides not to proceed with your application

• A decision is not made within 15 days of the holding deposit being paid

• Your application is successful, in which case the holding deposit will be put towards your first rent payment

When Your Holding Deposit Will Not Be Refunded

Unfortunately, the holding deposit cannot be refunded if:

• You decide not to continue with the application

• You do not complete the application or provide the requested information within 15 days of paying the holding deposit

• False or misleading information is provided during the application process

• You do not pass the required Right to Rent checks

Once all applicants have completed their forms, the application will be processed by Goodlord. You’ll also be able to track the progress of your application through the Goodlord platform.

If all references are satisfactory and the landlord confirms they’re happy to proceed, the tenancy agreement will then be sent to you for online signature, along with details of the move-in payments required, which are typically:

• One month’s rent in advance (minus any holding deposit already paid)

• A tenancy deposit of up to five weeks’ rent

All move-in monies are paid securely by bank transfer through Goodlord. Your tenancy deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the terms of the tenancy agreement have been met and the property has been left in a satisfactory condition.

We also recommend arranging contents insurance for your personal belongings, as these are not covered by the landlord or managing agent.

To help us complete your application, you (and any guarantors, if applicable) will need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of your Right to Rent in the UK — this can usually be a valid UK or Irish passport, or a share code which allows us to carry out a check with the Home Office

• Proof of photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence

• Proof of your current address

Examples of acceptable proof of address include:

• A recent utility bill or council tax bill

• A current TV licence

• A current mortgage statement

• A tenancy agreement signed within the last 6 months

• A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 3 months

• A signed and dated letter from your employer on headed paper

This list is only a guide, so if you have other documents available, our team will be happy to review them and advise whether they are suitable.