Looking to rent?
Find your next home with Critchlow Estate Agents
Whether you’re renting for the first time or looking for your next move, our lettings team is here to guide you through finding a property, applying and moving in.
We help tenants across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the surrounding Staffordshire area, with clear information and practical support throughout the process.
View available properties
1. Plan Your Budget
Before applying, consider the monthly rent alongside Council Tax, utilities, broadband and any other household costs. Check the property listing for details of bills included in the rent.
You should also budget for the tenancy deposit and any holding deposit requested.
Deposits and payments
For tenancies covered by the Tenant Fees Act 2019:
A holding deposit cannot exceed one week’s rent.
A tenancy deposit cannot exceed five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where it is £50,000 or more.
You cannot be charged application, referencing, inventory or tenancy set-up fees.
Other payments are only permitted in specific circumstances under the Act, including certain tenant-requested changes, qualifying late rent or lost-key charges, and relevant household bills. Any applicable payment must meet the legal requirements and limits.
We’ll explain the payments relevant to your application before you proceed.
Read about tenant fees and permitted payments
2. Find a Property and Apply
Browse our available properties and contact us to arrange a viewing.
At the viewing, consider the space, location, condition and features that matter to you. Ask our team about anything you would like clarified before applying.
If you would like to proceed, we’ll explain the application process and the information required. Referencing may include identity, credit, affordability, income and previous landlord checks, together with guarantor checks where applicable.
Applications are assessed fairly. Applicants must not be excluded simply because they receive benefits or have children. Landlords and agents cannot encourage or accept rent offers above the advertised amount.
Right to Rent
Before the tenancy begins, we must complete the required Right to Rent checks for adult occupiers. We’ll explain which documents or online share codes are suitable for your circumstances.
Holding deposits
Where a holding deposit is requested, we’ll explain its amount and the terms in writing.
The usual deadline for entering into the tenancy agreement is 15 days after receipt of the holding deposit, unless a different deadline is agreed in writing.
Holding deposits are handled in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act. Failed referencing alone does not justify retaining one. If a holding deposit is lawfully retained, the required written explanation will be provided.
3. Understand Your Tenancy
Most private assured tenancies in England now operate as assured periodic tenancies following the Renters’ Rights Act reforms introduced on 1 May 2026.
These tenancies run on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed end date.
Read your tenancy agreement carefully before signing. It should explain the rent, payment arrangements, deposit, start date and the responsibilities of both you and your landlord. We’ll provide the required written tenancy information and explain the move-in arrangements.
Rent before moving in
For a new assured periodic tenancy, rent cannot be requested, encouraged or accepted before both parties have signed the tenancy agreement. Once it is signed, no more than one month’s rent can be required in advance before the tenancy begins.
Pets
You can request permission to keep a pet. Your landlord must consider the request and must not unreasonably refuse it. Contact us with details so we can put your request to the landlord.
Rent increases
For assured periodic tenancies, rent increases must follow the statutory Section 13 process. They cannot take effect more than once a year or during the first twelve months of a new tenancy, and at least two months’ notice is required.
Tenants can challenge a proposed increase above the open market rent through the applicable statutory process.
Read the government guide to assured periodic tenancies
4. Moving Into Your Home
Before moving in, we’ll confirm the agreed arrangements and provide the relevant documents, including:
Your tenancy agreement and required written information.
An EPC, where required.
A gas safety record, where applicable.
The electrical safety report, where required.
The inventory and schedule of condition.
Check the inventory carefully and report any discrepancies promptly. Taking dated photographs when you move in can help record the property’s condition.
Where a tenancy deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government-authorised scheme and the required prescribed information provided within 30 days of receipt.
Required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be working at the start of the tenancy.
5. Living in Your Property
During your tenancy, you should:
Pay rent and any bills you are responsible for on time.
Look after the property and keep it reasonably clean.
Report repairs, leaks, faults and safety concerns promptly.
Follow your tenancy agreement and avoid causing a nuisance.
Cooperate with reasonable access arrangements for inspections, repairs and safety checks.
Your landlord remains responsible for repairs and safety obligations imposed by law. Contact us if you are unsure who should deal with a particular issue.
You may wish to arrange contents insurance for your belongings, as the landlord’s buildings insurance will not normally cover them.
Reporting a repair
Please use our repair-reporting service and include a clear description, photographs where helpful and your contact details.
For urgent problems, follow the emergency instructions supplied with your tenancy. If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999.
Report a repair
6. Ending Your Tenancy
For an assured periodic tenancy, tenants normally need to give at least two months’ written notice, with the tenancy ending on the rent due date or the day before. A shorter notice period or earlier end date can be agreed with the landlord in writing.
Contact our lettings team before submitting notice if you need help confirming the correct dates. Rent remains payable until the tenancy legally ends.
If your landlord seeks possession, they must use an applicable legal ground and follow the required notice and court procedure. Section 21 notices are no longer available for assured periodic tenancies.
Preparing to move out
Return the property reasonably clean and in the condition required by your tenancy agreement, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Remove your belongings and rubbish, return all keys and provide your forwarding address. We’ll explain the check-out arrangements and the process for discussing any proposed deposit deductions.
Your deposit must be returned within ten days of agreement on the amount to be repaid. If deductions remain disputed, the deposit scheme can explain its dispute-resolution process.
Questions or Concerns?
Our lettings team can help with applications, tenancy documents, repairs and moving arrangements.
Email: lettings@critchlowestateagents.co.uk
Telephone: 01782 962425
Critchlow Estate Agents Ltd is a member of the Property Redress Scheme. Our client money is protected through Client Money Protect.
View our complaints procedure
View available properties
This guide covers typical private assured tenancies in England. Different rules may apply to other tenancy types.
