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Renting a property

Why Smeaton Homes are a top choice for your renting needs

  • We’ve got your back

    As a Smeaton Homes tenant, you can rest assured that your rental property will meet high standards. We ensure that lets are safety, secure and comfortable. And maintenance issues are dealt with easily through our reporting system – getting things sorted fast and without fuss.

  • Friendly, expert guidance

    We like to think of ourselves as a crack team of Plymouth rental property pros. So, you can call on us for guidance on anything you need to know, from choosing the ideal home, to the all-important paperwork, such as securing referencing and signing tenancy agreements.

  • You can expect a fair deal

    Renting can be a minefield, especially for the uninitiated. With Smeaton Homes, you’ll get great service with friendly, honest dialogue throughout. In everything from tenancy agreements to deposits and rental fees, we pride ourselves on being fair and transparent.

Our guides

Handy info and advice to steer you in the right direction when renting a home

  • A highly recommendable Estate agent. I have found a lovely new home and have had a great experience with Smeaton Homes. It’s refreshing to be supported by such friendly staff and have good communication.

    Hannah

    Smeaton Homes Tenant

  • The Smeaton Homes team have been super helpful in our search for a rental property. I would highly recommend them and they will absolutely be my first choice in the future should the need ever arise to find another rental or to purchase a property in the future.

    Katie

    Smeaton Homes Tenant

  • Smeaton Homes has been attentive, supportive, answered every query, and solved every problem professional and in great time. The app used by the company is simple and makes communication really easy. I would 100% recommend Smeaton Homes.

    Victoria

    Smeaton Homes Tenant

  • Great experience! It’s my first time renting on my own and the process was so easy, they were on hand throughout to answer questions and help. Can’t fault Smeaton Homes! Even the little touches on my move in day, where they had written a lovely card and given a goody bag – just so thoughtful!

    Kat

    Smeaton Homes Tenant

  • We recently used Smeaton Homes for our move from London to Plymouth. They offer an excellent service, and the staff were super helpful. To top it off, we even got a welcome gift which was a nice gesture. We highly recommend Smeaton Homes.

    Khadija

    Smeaton Homes Tenant

Frequently asked questions

  • How much rent can I afford?

    Before you start renting, you will need to work out your budget. To do this, you will need to calculate your monthly income and outgoings and how much you have left over each month. As well as rent, you will need to consider the costs involved in moving, such as storage and removal companies, deposits and internet set-up, etc.

  • What happens when I have been accepted for a property?

    At Smeaton Homes, once you are accepted for a property, we will ask you to pay a holding deposit of one week’s worth of rent, which will secure the property for you. We will then ask you to sign a consent to reference form and an offer form. Once we have these back, you will need to complete your referencing. Once references have been completed and passed, we can then pick a move-in date. We will create your tenancy documents and they will need to be signed before the tenancy start date. You will need to pay your holding deposit and first month’s rent at least 48 hours before your tenancy start date. Your holding deposit will be deducted from your first month’s rent.

  • What ID do I need to provide?

    As part of the referencing process and in order to satisfy Right to Rent legislation, we will need to check your identification to confirm that you are who you say you are. We will require a proof of residency and proof of identity for all applicants over the age of 18. We will also need some photo identification from your guarantor if you have one.

  • Do I need a guarantor?

    You will need a guarantor if you are in receipt of benefits, are unemployed, do not pass the affordability criteria or fail your credit check. You may also need a guarantor if you have never rented before. For more information, please check our Guide to Being a Guarantor information brochure.

  • What will happen to my deposit?

    Landlords and letting agents are required to register your deposit with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. You will receive details of the scheme, explaining where your deposit is held. Here at Smeaton Homes, we use the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).

  • What if I am unable to pay my rent?

    It is always your responsibility as a tenant to ensure that rent is paid on time every month. It is important to ensure that rent arrears do not build up and become unmanageable. Speak to your landlord or agent and see if you can come to an agreement or set up a payment plan as soon as possible. There are insurance policies that you can get as a tenant that will cover you against sickness and unemployment.

  • Can my landlord or agent let themselves into my rental property?

    A landlord or agent must give tenants notice before entering a property, unless it is an emergency.

  • Who is responsible for notifying the council and utility providers that I have moved in?

    Although Smeaton Homes initially notify the council and utility providers of a new tenant, it is your responsibility to set up your accounts with them and ensure your bills are paid. Meter readings are taken on the inventory and check-out but it is a good idea for you to take some too.

  • How much notice do I or my landlord need to give when leaving a property?

    This will depend on your contract. If you are in a fixed term tenancy, you are tied in for the duration of the tenancy unless there has been an agreement between the landlord and tenant. Standard notice for an AST contract after a fixed term has ended is 1 month’s notice for a tenant and 2 months’ notice for a landlord.

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