Finding a property to rent

If you wish to rent a home in West London you've come to just the right site. Apricot Estates rents out property in a large area of West and North West London ranging from studio apartments to large family houses. 
As you can imagine, property in the West London area is in high demand. This means that some properties can be let within 24 hrs, so that it is difficult to rely on printed adverts, which can be already out of date by the time you read them. So, if you’re looking for property within the area, and have not already registered with Apricot, you may wish to do so. Even this web site can only include those properties that we have been instructed on, not those that may be coming up.

However, You can register online to receive automatic email updates. Applicants are encouraged to register with Apricot as soon as you have a general idea of what you’re looking for in a property, and are sure of some of your basic requirements. This can give you a head start in the market, but more importantly, help you to get a general idea of what’s available within your budget to match your requirements. It’s important to be realistic and plan ahead so you are less likely to be disappointed when you start looking.

Apricot aim to match your requirements with available properties so as not to waste your time showing you properties which are unsuitable. More often than not, a property which may appear suitable, judging by an advert or information available, may not be the right one. For example, it may well be unavailable until a later date or the landlord might not accept pets. By asking for all your details we can successfully match your requirements with the appropriate property. We give applicants ample time to view properties and further appointments can always be arranged.

Finding a property to rent through Apricot Estates. When registering with Apricot estates for rentals we will require:

Name, address, and contact telephone number, preferably both daytime and evening.  
The price, area and type of property required, such as 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms.  
Special requirements, such as a garden or public transport requirement i.e. Central Line tube.  
The timescale for finding a property, in a month or by tomorrow. The length of the tenancy.  
The type of tenants i.e. family, sharers, and students.

Setting an appointment to view a rental property 
If there is a property that you think is suitable, the sooner you come and see it the better, to avoid disappointment. We would prefer it if applicants came to the office before viewing a property as this way we know that you are going to make the appointment. Taking time off work is a good way of getting ahead of the crowd. If we do not have anything suitable when you register then we will call you when we have something that may be of interest. If you receive a call from Apricot, it may well be because we have a suitable property for you. So please call us back.

Viewing rental Properties 
Once you’ve come across a property which matches your criteria, we will need to discuss your more specific requirements. For example, the exact date that you would like to move in, and items of furniture that may or may not be required. Although we will normally point out major items which go with the property and those which don’t, it is important at this early stage, when your offer is being made, that you discuss any concerns you may have. We give applicants ample time to view properties, and will always arrange further appointments to view the same property if required. We will also give guidance as to whether an offer you want to make on a property would be acceptable to the Landlord or not. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for Apricot will require certain things from you to secure the property. Below outlines these basic requirements.

Information and funds required from prospective tenants before a Tenancy can commence. 
Firstly we will require a holding deposit of £200. This removes the property from the market and means that the property is yours, subject to references and contract. This deposit is deducted from the remaining funds that need to be paid before the tenancy commences.

Information Required 

1. Employers reference or guarantor (if a student). 

2. Landlords reference. 

3. Character reference.  

4. Proof of I.D and signature. Additional information may be requested.

Finances required  

1.1 Months deposit or Six weeks deposit.  All deposits must be held in a government approved scheme.

2.1 Months Rent in advance

3.Administration fee £120 (including VAT).  One tenant on the contract.

4.Adminstration fee £145 (including VAT) Two or more tenants on the contract.

5.This is a one off and single fee between all tenants