Guide to Renting

Step 1: Find Your Ideal Rental Property..

Before you start your search, consider your preferred Bristol location, monthly rental budget, property type and number of bedrooms, transport and commuting requirements, parking and outdoor space if required, pet requirements and the preferred move in date.

Bristol offers a wide choice of rental properties across areas including Clifton, Redland, Bishopston, Southville and Bedminster, as well as surrounding neighbourhoods.

The rental market can move quickly, so being prepared can help you secure the right property.

Property Viewing Tips..

When viewing a rental property, check the storage, condition, natural light, broadband and mobile coverage, parking and local amenities. If you have any questions or notice maintenance issues, speak to our lettings team.

If the property is occupied, please respect the current tenant's privacy and belongings.

Step 2: Secure Your Bristol Rental..

Once you've found the right property, you'll need to be ready to proceed. You may be asked for proof of identity, proof of address, employment and income details, previous landlord information and other financial information, depending on your circumstances.

A holding deposit of up to one week's rent may be required to reserve a property while referencing is completed.

Step 3: Tenant Referencing..

Referencing helps establish that you can meet the financial commitments of the tenancy. This may include checks on your:

• Address and rental history
• Employment and income
• Credit history
• Previous landlord details
• Guarantor, where required

Self-employed, retired and other applicants may need to provide additional evidence of income.

Step 4: Tenancy Deposit..

You may need to pay a tenancy deposit before moving in. In most cases, the maximum deposit is five weeks' rent, increasing to six weeks' rent where annual rent is £50,000 or more.

Where required, deposits are protected through a government approved tenancy deposit protection scheme.

Step 5: Tenancy Agreement..

Since the 1st May 2026, most new private tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies, operating on a rolling basis rather than with a fixed end date.

Your tenancy documentation will explain the rent, responsibilities of the tenant and landlord, property rules, repairs and other important terms. Always read your tenancy documents carefully and ask your letting agent if anything is unclear.

Step 6: Contents Insurance for Tenants..

Your landlord's buildings insurance does not normally cover your personal belongings. Contents insurance can help protect your possessions against insured events, while tenants' liability cover may provide protection against certain accidental damage to the landlord's property, depending on the policy.

We can provide information about the insurance options available to tenants, there is also a sub section of this website which includes details of our recommended insurance broker.

Moving Into Your Bristol Rental..

Before settling into your new home here are our top tips:

• Photograph the property's condition
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Record meter readings
• Locate the stopcock and utility meters
• Check keys and access devices
• Arrange utilities and broadband
• Keep your tenancy and inventory documents safely

From finding a property to rent in Bristol through to moving day, we are here to make the lettings process straightforward and stress free.