Renting a flat with The CRIBS Estate Agency is a straightforward and transparent process. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Express Interest & Pay Holding Fee
Once you find a flat you like, confirm your interest by paying a holding fee (equivalent to one week’s rent). This secures the property and takes it off the market while we start your application.

2. Tenant Referencing & Guarantor Checks
After receiving your holding fee, we carry out tenant referencing and guarantor checks via Letssafe. Usually, one guarantor per tenant is required, but this may vary depending on your situation.

3. Tenancy Agreement Preparation
Once referencing is approved, we prepare your tenancy agreement using a standard NRLA template and send it to you electronically for signature via DocuSign. At the same time, the House Rules contract will also be sent for your review and electronic signature to ensure you’re fully informed of your responsibilities during the tenancy.

4. Move-In Payment Collection
You’ll then pay the remaining move-in costs, including the security deposit (typically equivalent to 1 month’s rent for single rooms or 5 weeks’ rent for whole properties) plus any pro-rata rent if applicable. Note: the holding fee is deducted from these payments.

5. Pre-Move Documentation
Before your move-in, you’ll receive the House Rules contract to review and sign electronically. Once we have your signed House Rules contract, we’ll email you a complete set of important documents, including:
- How to Rent Guide (no signature required
- Tenant Move-In Letter (no signature required)
- Signed House Rules Contract
- Signed NRLA Tenancy Agreement
- Information for Tenants Leaflet
- Tenant Welcome Pack

6. Property Readiness & Inventory
Inventories are usually conducted one to two days before your move-in date to ensure an accurate record of the property’s condition. These checks are carried out by a trusted third-party provider, and all data is securely stored and accessible via the Mobile Inventory platform, , ensuring transparency for both tenants and landlords.

7. Move-In Coordination
We confirm your move-in date and time, arrange key handover (in person or via key safe), and provide you with all necessary access details. You’ll also receive a small welcome gift from us!

8.Post Move-In Support
After you’ve settled in, we follow up to confirm everything went smoothly and provide ongoing support, including reminders about rent payments and maintenance procedures.

For our rentals, a guarantor is typically required. However, if you can pay rent in advance, we may be willing to waive this requirement. The amount of advance rent needed is negotiable based on your circumstances.

Your deposit is fully protected through the government-approved MyDeposits scheme. When you pay your deposit, it is securely held by MyDeposits for the duration of your tenancy. This independent scheme ensures your money is safe and can only be returned once your tenancy ends, subject to the property being left in good condition as per the inventory report conducted at move-in. If both you and the landlord agree on any deductions, the remaining deposit will be returned promptly. In case of disputes, MyDeposits provides a free, impartial dispute resolution service to help resolve issues fairly and quickly.

There’s no fixed rental price for flats in Bristol, as costs vary based on the property’s size, location, condition, and included amenities. However, to give you a general idea, premium areas like Clifton, Redland, and Bristol Harbourside tend to command higher prices, while more budget-friendly options are available in areas such as Easton, Bedminster, and Southmead.

At The CRIBS Estate Agency, we aim to make rentals across Bristol more accessible and affordable and we’re always happy to help you find a flat that suits your needs and budget.

‍

An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a property rented by three or more people from different households who share facilities like the kitchen or bathroom.

‍

Yes. Large HMOs with 5+ tenants need a mandatory licence, and since August 2024, many smaller HMOs with 3–4 tenants also require an additional licence.

‍

Apply online via the Bristol City Council website with floorplans, certificates (Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, Fire Safety), and the licence fee.

‍

You risk unlimited fines, being listed on the Rogue Landlord Register, and losing the ability to use Section 21 to evict tenants.

‍

Licences usually last for five years, though the council may issue shorter licences if they have concerns.

‍

Fees depend on the property size and type, and are set by Bristol City Council.

‍

The Cribs Group works with landlords across Bristol to handle licence applications and property management, making sure you stay fully compliant.

‍