🏡 Tips to Help Tenants Boost Their Chances of Getting a Viewing
At Woodstead Sales and Lettings, we understand how competitive the rental market can be. Whether you’re just starting your search or have already enquired about a property without success, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your chances of being invited to a viewing.
Here are our top tips to help make your enquiry stand out:
1. Know Your Budget
Before browsing properties, take time to calculate what you’re comfortable paying each month. Remember to factor in extra costs like utility bills, council tax, internet, and other living expenses.
Some rental properties include certain bills, but many don’t – always check the listing for clarity.
2. Check What You Can Afford
Most landlords and agents use a general affordability guide: your combined annual income should be around 30 times the monthly rent.
So, for a property that’s £800 a month, your household income would typically need to be around £24,000 per year.
If you need a guarantor, it’s best to mention this early on.
3. Make Sure the Property Suits Your Needs
Carefully read the property description to make sure the home fits your requirements – whether that’s location, number of bedrooms, level of furnishing, or pet policies.
Some councils also have rules about how many people can live in a certain sized home, so be sure to consider this before enquiring. If you have specific needs (e.g. two children needing separate bedrooms), mention this in your enquiry.
4. Include a Personal Message
When you enquire through our website or portals, there’s usually an option to write a short message. This is your chance to introduce yourself and help us understand your situation.
You might include:
What you do for work and how long you’ve been in the role
Who will be living in the property
Your rental history or if you’re a first-time renter
Your preferred move-in date
Whether you have any flexibility on your timeline
Any credit issues or if you’ll be using a guarantor
The more we know upfront, the easier it is to match you with the right property – even if the one you’ve enquired about isn’t quite the right fit.
If you’re ever unsure about a term in one of our listings or just need some advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Woodstead team. We're here to help make your move as smooth as possible.