Professional Tenancies

Here at Oliver Rayns, using the online tenant management platform called Goodlord, we are committed to helping you find your perfect home, and when you have found it, continuing to keep you happy in it. If you are looking for your first flat or seeking a larger home in Leicestershire, we make sure we listen to your requirements and do our very best to find you the ideal property.

Goodlord makes renting a new home easier for you

Complete the entire process online

Step One

You receive the first email including your tenancy offer and pay the holding deposit.

Step Two

You complete the online referencing form and see a guarantor request, if applicable.

Step Three

You can access your tenant portal to view the referencing status, and add or amend any documents, if necessary.

Step Four

You receive the Tenancy Agreement to be signed.

Step Five

You pay your move-in monies and see the option to choose our All Bills Included service.

Step Six

You receive your countersigned tenancy and if your agent would like you to continue paying rent through Goodlord

Step Seven

On your Goodlord homepage, you may now be able to continue paying your rent, and you’ll find all your tenancy documents, as well as offers and extra services, such as insurance, to help you get set up in your new home.

Found the Perfect Property?

There are some things you can prepare for the Goodlord referencing process, so you can quickly sign your tenancy agreement and move into your new home.

Proof of identity (ID): to prove you are who you say you are and, if you’re renting in England, that you have the right to rent

  • In England, your agent or landlord is legally required to view and photocopy a valid form of ID, such as a British passport or national identity card or a letter of attestation and drivers license with a birth certificate.
  • If you are a non-British citizen, you may be able to provide a share code to prove your immigration status, for your landlord to undergo the check online.

You can find more information about this check and how to get a share code on the government’s website. The right to rent check is not applicable in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, but Goodlord will still need to see proof of identity for all tenants.

Proof of income or employment: to prove your funds can cover the rent
You’ll need to earn 2.5 x your annual rent to pass referencing or you may be asked to provide a guarantor.

  • If you’re employed: you’ll need to provide three months’ worth of payslips or written confirmation of your employment from your employer.
  • If you’re self-employed or a company director: you’ll need proof of a submitted tax return from the most recent tax year or professional details for your accountant.
  • If you have savings: you’ll need to provide your most recent bank statement from the past 30 days

You can inform your employer or accountant in advance that they’ll be contacted to get their references back quickly.

Did you know that open banking can simplify your referencing experience?

This means you won’t have to provide proof of income documents – you’ll simply connect with open banking, so the provider can see a snapshot of your income and rent payments as quickly and securely as possible.

Previous landlord’s reference: to comment on your previous tenancy
Let them know in advance that they’ll be contacted, to get a faster response.

Permission for a credit check: to do a ‘soft check’ of your credit history
You’ll simply need to give your written permission for your landlord, agency, or their provider to get an overview of your credit history, using publicly available data. This is a soft check so don’t worry – your credit score won’t be affected. You can even run your own check in advance, to make sure there’ll be no issues.

Guarantor: someone who agrees to pay the rent or any damages if you can’t
Your guarantor will have to go through a similar referencing process and credit check, as they can’t have any adverse credit. You should bear someone in mind and let them know as soon as possible if they’re needed. They’ll traditionally need a salary of 3 x the rent to pass referencing and be living in the UK.

Payments: to secure the property and pay the security deposit
Paying a holding deposit secures the property and you can choose for it to go towards your security deposit (maximum of 5 weeks rent, or 6 weeks’, if your annual rent is more than £50,000), which will be held in a secure deposit protection scheme. You may also need to pay at least a month’s rent in advance, so you’ll always be paying rent for the month ahead.

Once you’ve collected all your documents, organised your finances, and spoken with your referees, you’ll be set for the Goodlord referencing process

You’ve signed your contract and got your move-in date

What’s next?

Two weeks to go...

Notify your gas or electricity supplier of your moving date and research potential suppliers for your new home, to check you’re getting the best deal.

One week to go...
  1. Redirect your mail. Easy to do through the Royal Mail site – but it can take up to 5 days to take effect so it’s best to plan in advance.
  2. Do you drive? Get a temporary parking permit at your new address to tide you over until you have a full resident’s permit, if necessary.
  3. Protect your belongings. Contents insurance can cover your belongings if they get damaged, stolen or lost. You’ll need to work out how much your things are worth, highlighting any high-value items. Liability insurance will also protect you for any damage you (or your friends) make to the property: something worth considering.
  4. Find broadband and media deals. Why not make the most of this fresh start to look for fast WiFi and a wider choice of TV channels?
  5. Book a van or removal company. As soon as you know your move- in date, get it booked – as well as the extra muscle if needed – and consider insurance for your belongings in transit.
Move-in day...
  1. Pack an overnight bag and keep it in sight so you have your toothbrush and phone charger to hand.
  2. Note down your gas, electricity and water meter readings from your old and new properties and let your suppliers know the readings, for setting up your utilities without overpaying. If you’re moving into a property with a pre-pay card or key for energy, make sure you get a new card for your account so you pay the right amount.
  3. Update your address for council tax. Just head over to your local council’s website to find the relevant form to complete.
  4. Head out to meet your neighbours: the friendliest way to find out when bin day is!
... and post move-in
  1. Do you drive: part 2. Avoid a hefty fine from the DVLA by changing the address on your driver’s licence online.
  2. You’ll need to inform your bank, doctor’s surgery, HR department at work, credit card companies, and any memberships you may have of your new address.
  3. Find your local recycling centre and tips.
  4. Check out the offers for cleaning services or meal-kit deliveries. You can save money and hassle in just a few clicks with time-saving options.