Business
Long-term renting: The essential checklist
Renting somewhere long-term means doing all you can to find the right place and avoid getting a UK landlord eviction form. In this post, we’ll show you the ten steps you must follow to secure a long-lasting let that suits all your needs.
1. Set a budget
With an ongoing cost of living crisis, you need to be sure that you can keep up with rent. Ideally, you won’t spend more than 30% of your income on rent – but this rule is slowly becoming nearly impossible to follow.
Plan out how much you can spend on rent while still comfortably making ends meet. You cannot go beyond the amount you set, even for a place you really love – your stability has to come first.
2. Identify must-haves
You’ll likely already know plenty of non-negotiables for your next place. The particulars here are all up to you, but higher-budget places will always have more to offer.
Here are some common renter must-haves:
- Proximity to schools
- Nearby parking
- Allowed to own a pet
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Low local crime rate
- Ample outdoor space
Lacking any of these could be enough to turn you away from otherwise great homes. If you own a pet, for example, you need a pet-friendly place. However, you should still ask yourself if your list of non-negotiables is suitable for your budget.
3. Check listings
Look at properties on many sites, including Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. The home for you might be on just one platform; you can’t afford to limit your search just to one site.
When checking listings, always compare their prices and get a vague idea of the market rate – this will help you identify places with outrageously high rent.
4. Prepare a rental application
Once you find the perfect place, it’s time to send in an application. These are typically available on the listing, but you may have to use your own. Look online for an affordable rental application template – this will already include everything you need.
Any UK-ready rental application you fill in and submit should include:
- Your personal information
- Your rental history
- Your employment history
- References (personal, professional, and landlord)
- Permission to carry out a background check
5. View the property
You should always inspect a potential new home before signing anything – ideally, you’ll be able to view it before you even send in your application.
If you spot any damages, bring this up to the landlord or letting agent. You must visit rooms that weren’t on the listing’s photos; the agency might be trying to hide something.
6. Check the agreement
Assuming all goes well, the landlord will give you a tenancy agreement. However, you must look it over first to ensure it’s fair. These agreements must have the following:
- Names of all parties
- The rental amount
- The rent’s due date
- The tenancy’s start/end dates
- Tenant and landlord obligations
- Repair procedures
- Deposit protection scheme details
If you previously discussed any extra clauses with the landlord, check they’re in the lease – don’t leave anything to a verbal agreement.
7. Conduct a move-in inspection
Once you sign the lease and move in, inspect the property in full, even if you already attended a viewing. Take photos of anything that’s off, or the landlord might accuse you of being the culprit.
Your landlord may carry out the inspection with you – and possibly provide their own checklist of every appliance and fixture.
8. Change your address
Before you settle in, you have to go through the hassle of updating your address everywhere, or you won’t get your post.
You need to tell HMRC about your new address, as this will likely affect your tax. You must also inform the DVLA and re-register to vote.
9. Follow the lease
With your tenancy now in effect, all that’s left to do is follow the lease’s rules and make sure you stay on your landlord’s good side. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Pay your rent on time
- Explain any late payments
- Report maintenance issues
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Make sure guests follow the rules
- Don’t secretly get a pet
- Keep the property in good condition
10. Renewing or moving out
As the lease draws to a close, you’ll need to decide whether to renew it or move out.
You should talk to your landlord about this at least a few months before the lease ends – this will give you time to negotiate and them time to find a replacement if necessary.
If you’re moving out, make sure you have enough time to conduct a move-out inspection before you go, preferably with the landlord present.
Final thoughts
How you conduct yourself throughout the rental process massively affects your chance of getting a great property. By following the steps above, you’ll stand out as a model tenant and find a home that fits your needs.
Business
Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call
A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.
Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.
A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”
Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.
“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”
It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.
“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.
“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”
The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.
Business
Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused
A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”
A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”
It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”
It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.
“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”
The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.
Business
The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot
SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.
On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.
“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”
While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.
It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.
It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”
Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.
If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.
After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.
“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”
For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.
“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”
The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.
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