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Everything You Need to Know About Renting in Worthing

Date Published 07 May 2024

As one of the busiest estate agents in Worthing we've built up a big reputation for helping people buy and sell homes. Today the rental sector is just as important to us and is a significant part of our day to day work.

Worthing is such a popular and attractive place to live that it's no surprise so many people want to rent a home here. The upshot of that is it can be quite competitive for tenants to secure the right property.

With one in five households across the country now renting their home from private landlords it means that there are more potential tenants than there are properties for them to live in.

So with all this in mind, you really need to make sure you have all the information you need if you're looking to rent in Worthing. Luckily, we're here to help!

Preparation

As with most things in life, there's always paperwork to deal with when you're looking for a rental property. This is really the first thing you need to get right to help make you stand out as a good prospective tenant.

Having references from previous landlords or letting agents are a great place to start. These can show you have a proven record of paying rent on time and keeping the property in a good condition.

Bank details and proof of income are other obvious documentation you'll need, but did you know you also have to show you have the 'right to rent'?

Right to rent

Landlords in the UK are now legally required to check that a potential tenant has 'the right to rent'.

This has to happen before a new tenant can move in and a landlord can face fines if they don't comply with the law, although they can have a Lettings Agent like us do this for them.

Everyone over the age of 18 who will be living in the premises must be able to prove that they have the legal right to live in the UK. This applies to everyone, not just those born in a different country.

In most cases it really is just another formality and an easy hoop to jump through. If you have the right to live in the UK you automatically have the 'right to rent' too. So anyone with British or Irish citizenship, settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, indefinite leave to remain (ILR), permission to be in the UK for example on a work or student visa, or official refugee status will all be covered.

Documents accepted as proof range from a current or expired passport through to a certificate of registration or naturalisation, a UK birth certificate and driving licence.

Finding a home

The best way to maximise your chances of finding the right rental and getting in ahead of the pack is by registering with an estate agent.

We'll help you to make sure all the paperwork you'll need is ready and in place, and then give you advance notice of suitable new rental homes even before they go live online.

When there is so much competition for each available property this can really make a difference.

Of course there is a lot more to know about too, such as how deposits are managed securely and even what your rental rights are if you have pets!

We've made a handy online guide that covers everything in greater details - read it here


The big thing to remember is that we've helped so many people find their perfect rental home in and around Worthing and we're here for you too.

Talk to us on 01903 608080, email us or pop into the office for a chat at Worthing House, 6 South Street, Worthing BN11 3AA just around the corner from the pier.