Below is our full application process to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with current legislation.

1. Expressing Your Interest
   To apply for a property, please email hello@rhubarbestateagent.co.uk with the following information for each adult applicant:

• Full name
• Contact number and email address
• Employment details (company name, job title, length of employment, salary)
• Current residential status and reason for moving
• Details of any children or pets
• Any adverse credit history
• Details of your guarantor (if applicable)
  Once your application has been reviewed and approved in principle, we will request a holding deposit to reserve the property.

2. Holding Deposits
   In accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, we do not charge application fees. However, a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s rent is required to pause marketing and begin referencing.
   Key points:

• You have 14 calendar days from payment of the holding deposit to enter into a tenancy agreement (the “Deadline for Agreement”).
• The holding deposit is refundable only if:
• You enter into the agreement within 15 calendar days;
• You provide accurate information;
• You pass the Right to Rent check;
• You do not withdraw during the 15-day period.
  If you withdraw at any stage, or fail to take reasonable steps to progress the application (including failure to supply requested information), the deposit will be retained.
  When requested please transfer the holding deposit to the following account:
  Account Name: rhubarb sales & lettings
  Sort Code: 55-70-23
  Account No: 86571486
  Reference: (house number & street name) of the property you are applying for

After we receive the deposit, Let Alliance, our referencing provider, will email an application form to you within 24hrs

Complete the electronic application form online as soon as you receive it. Once submitted, it will be processed automatically

3. Referencing and Financial Verification
   After the holding deposit is received:

• You will be sent a referencing link via email from Let Alliance, our referencing provider.
• You must complete the form promptly and in full.
• In line with industry best practice, we reserve the right to request additional documentation to verify affordability, including:
• Recent bank statements
• Payslips or P60
• Proof of savings or income
• Guarantor details and supporting documents (if applicable)
  This financial verification ensures the property is let responsibly and in line with our legal duty to landlords. Verbal declarations of affordability alone are not sufficient.
  If you're self-employed, your income will need to be verified via your accountant or recent tax returns.

4. Guarantors
   Where income cannot be verified to a satisfactory level or the reference completed indicated then, a UK-based guarantor will be required. The guarantor must:

• Have a stable income (typically 36 times the monthly rent per year)
• Undergo referencing
• Sign a guarantor agreement prior to move-in
  If a guarantor is pre-agreed during the application stage, their details must be supplied without delay.

Important Notes – Please Read Carefully

• The 14-day window is a legal timeframe to enter into a tenancy, not a cooling-off period.
• Failure to sign the agreement, complete referencing, or provide required documents within this period will result in loss of your holding deposit.
• Paying the holding deposit confirms your intent to proceed and acceptance of all terms (including guarantor or rent-in-advance agreements).
• By paying the holding deposit, you also confirm receipt of this document and agree to the terms and conditions within.
• Withdrawing or failing to supply agreed evidence (e.g., guarantor) after this point is treated as a withdrawal.
• If no tenancy agreement is signed within 15 days, the holding deposit is non-refundable unless otherwise agreed.

Tips to Speed Up Your Application

• Complete the Let Alliance form as soon as you receive it
• Check your inbox and spam/junk folders daily
• Ask your employer or accountant to respond promptly
• Notify us immediately of any delays or concerns

Reference Reminders

• Employed applicants/guarantors: Inform your employer Let Alliance will contact them to verify salary. Delays are common—please act quickly.
• Self-employed: Your accountant must confirm income. Be aware that lower declared income for tax may affect your referencing outcome.

Need Help?

• Let Alliance: 01244 886236
• Rhubarb Sales & Lettings: hello@rhubarbestateagent.co.uk

Thank you for applying with Rhubarb Sales & Lettings.
We’re committed to a fair and professional application process for all.