We will call you to:

1. Ask for your reference details and complete a pre-tenancy assessment to make sure you are suitable for the property.
2. Complete a financial ‘health’ check - you will need to provide bank statements etc.

On approval of both these checks, we will email you our pre-tenancy information pack. If for any reason your application is not approved, we will get in touch and explain why.

To help you settle into your new home and develop the skills required to maintain a successful tenancy you may also be referred for pre-tenancy support

You will be invited to view the property as soon as it is ready to let. 

Once the property is ready to let - and if you want to proceed after your viewing - you will need to:

1. Pay one month’s rent in advance. For more information, see: Rent and service charges
2. On the agreed date and time of sign up, you will need to attend the property to test the smoke alarms - this testing is part of the sign up process.
3. Sign a copy of the tenancy agreement and some other important sign up documents. If you are joint applicants, both of you will need to sign these documents.

The quickest way to do this is signing all the forms electronically on your computer or mobile device. We will send you more details about this nearer the time.

Although this is our preferred way for you to sign up, there are other options if neither you or your family or friends have online access. Please ask us.

Once you have tested your smoke alarm and we have received your signed documents, we will give you the keys to your new home. This will either be done in person, or we will fit a key safe at your new home, put the keys in this and give you the code so you can access them.

We will also email you a copy of the completed tenancy documents. Please keep these in a safe place.

If you are in rented accommodation, it is your responsibility to give your current landlord notice. If you are already a Cottsway tenant, you must give us one month’s written notice – even if you are moving to another of our properties.