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Five tips for finding a rental property

Posted on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

With so many properties on the market and many online listings available to rent, it’s super easy to find the perfect property once you have identified your needs and desires in a home. The key criteria—price, location, and size—remain at the heart of every good decision. But where do you begin? To simplify your search, start by asking yourself these five essential questions:

 

1. Where do I want to live?

Location is important in your decision to rent

Location is everything. A good way to identify where you’d like to live is by exploring different neighbourhoods, either by walking or driving around. Think about your daily commute, local amenities, transport links, and the overall vibe of the area. Do you want somewhere lively and central, or quiet and residential? How far are you willing to travel to work, school, or family? Create a shortlist of areas that feel right and meet your practical needs.

 

2. What’s my budget?

Setting a clear and realistic budget is essential. It’s easy to fall in love with a property that’s outside your price range, so know your financial limits from the outset. Remember to factor in more than just the monthly rent. Budget for upfront costs such as the deposit, application fees, moving expenses, and the setup of utilities and internet.

 

3. When do I need to move?

When do you want to move?

Your timeline matters. Are you looking to move immediately, or are you planning ahead for a specific date? Being clear about your ideal move-in date helps streamline your search and makes it easier for agents or landlords to assist you efficiently. Keep in mind that good rental homes often move quickly, so having your paperwork ready can give you an edge.

 

4. Who can help me?

Working with a local letting agent can make all the difference. They know the market, understand the area, and often have access to properties before they’re publicly listed. An experienced Guild Member can help match you with the right property, offer advice, and navigate the process on your behalf, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or renting for the first time.

 

5. Is this property really right for me?

Are pets allowed in my rental property?

Before signing anything, ask questions to ensure the property suits your lifestyle. For example:

- Are pets allowed?

- Are utilities included?

- What’s the landlord’s approach to maintenance?

- Are there any restrictions in the lease?

Asking the right questions early can help avoid surprises later. A reputable letting agent can guide you through this, improving communication with landlords and making sure you fully understand the terms of your agreement.

 

Contact us

Ready to find your next rental home? Contact your local Guild Member today 

 

 

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Rhiannon Prothero

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Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

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I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

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Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

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I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

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Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

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We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

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I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

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What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

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Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

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Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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