There are several key steps involved in renting your home, and with rules and regulations being frequently updated, our simple checklist will help you keep up-to-date with the process.

Click each point in the checklist to learn more.

The first step on the road to renting your own home is to register with us here at Prospect.

You can do this by entering your details here on our website; you can call one of our 6 branches and register over the phone; or alternatively feel free to pop into one of our branches - we would be delighted to register you in person and discuss your requirements over coffee.

Consider carefully what are important factors to you, for example:

• Do you need to be near work or family?
• Does the property need good transport links?
• What about local shops, gyms etc.?
• Will you require a parking space, would like to have a garden?
• Are you a smoker?
• Do you have pets?

Once we have established your property requirements we will be able offer you a choice of properties that should be suitable and match you requirements. It is worth bearing in mind at this point that most properties will not be available for you to move in to straight away, so plan ahead.

It is worth being prepared at this early stage as good properties will always let quickly. Make sure everything is in order so you can proceed quickly when you find that perfect home.

• Have you got your cash reservation fee and deposit ready?
• Do you require a guarantor?
• Have you checked with your intended referees if they will be happy to provide references on your behalf?

Most people prefer to view a property with an Estate Agent rather than meeting the landlord themselves and we are more than happy to meet you at the property and show you around personally.

You will have plenty of time to look around, make sure you are happy with the space, appliances, decor etc. You should feel free to ask any questions you may have about the property and its location. If there is something we can't answer there and then, we will endeavour to find out on your behalf and call you back with the answer.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is part of European law to make consumers more aware of how 'green' a building is.

• From the 1st October 2008 all properties for let require an EPC by law in England and Wales. An EPC has two ratings: the Energy Efficiency rating measures how efficient a building is;
• the Environmental Impact rating represents its carbon footprint.

As a tenant, the EPC will give you a good idea of the possible energy costs involved in running the property.

For more information, click here.

Once you have found the perfect home to rent you can now put forward an offer. We will liaise between yourselves and the landlord until both parties are happy with the arrangement.

With the high quality of rental properties and strong demand from tenants you may well have to offer the asking price in order to secure that perfect home.

Once you have had your offer accepted, congratulations! - you will soon be renting your new home.

We employ a specialist referencing agency to obtain references on our behalf. They will contact your employer and current/previous landlord (if applicable). Each person over the age of 18 who will be living in the property will need to be referenced.

Should the references prove to be unsatisfactory it will not be possible to proceed further with the let.

All persons over the age of 18 who will reside in the property must sign a Tenancy Agreement at the Lettings Administration Department based in our Wokingham Branch. We will also require you to sign a standing order to be forwarded to your bank for future rent collection.

Prior to the commencement of your tenancy the landlord will be required by law to obtain safety certificates for the gas appliances and will also have safety checks done on any electrical items as well as smoke alarms.

It is standard procedure for either the landlord or the letting agent to hold a deposit for the property. This is normally equivalent to 1.5 months' rent and providing the property is returned at the end of the tenancy in the same condition in which it was received, the deposit will be refunded in full.

As required by law, all deposits held are protected under the government's Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) for peace of mind for landlord and tenant alike.

See: www.direct.gov.uk/en/tenancydeposit/DG_066385

Great, you are ready to move in! Here are some tips to make moving day go as smoothly as possible:

• Make lists, write everything down! you'll thank yourself later.
• You could save money by doing your packing yourself, if so pack ahead, this will save you time on moving day.
• Arrange to have more boxes and sticky tape than you think you need as there are always last minute bits that need packing.
• There will be lots of people and organisations who you will need to notify of your new address as well as redirecting your mail via the post office.
• Don't forget to arrange your home contents insurance as your possessions will not be covered under the landlord's own insurance.

When you move in you will find a welcome brochure containing contact numbers for services and utilities to your property and those all-important numbers in the event of an emergency.

Should you experience any problems at all, or require any advice during your time in the property we are here to help.

You can telephone or, if you'd rather, pop in and see us. We will ensure your landlord maintains the property on your behalf and undertakes any major repairs that are deemed necessary.

It is in everyone's interest that you keep the property you are renting as clean and tidy as possible during your tenancy, including any garden or outside space (if applicable).

When your tenancy comes to an end you will want to have your full deposit returned without any deductions deemed necessary to tidy or repair the property back to its condition upon your arrival.