Tenants Guide
Renting a home in Slough
A clear, step-by-step guide from your first viewing to moving in.
Your tenants guide
Renting with confidence
Finding the right home to rent can move quickly in Slough, so it helps to know what to expect. We’ll guide you through every stage, from your first viewing to collecting the keys, with honest advice and clear costs.
Have a question at any point? Call us on 01753 336 444.
Why rent with Apex?
Your local letting agent in Slough
Quick viewings
We arrange viewings at times that suit you, including evenings where we can.
Clear costs upfront
You’ll know exactly what you need to pay before you commit, with no admin fees.
A local team
We know Slough and the surrounding areas, from transport links to schools.
Support when you move in
We’re on hand with help and advice throughout your tenancy.
Step by step
The 8 steps to renting your home
From starting your search to collecting the keys, here’s how renting with us usually works.
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1
Start your search
Start looking around 5 to 6 weeks before you’d like to move. Browse our listings or register so we can tell you about new homes first.
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2
Tell us about you
Your move-in date, who’ll be living with you, your monthly budget and whether you’ll need a guarantor. It helps us find the right homes and avoid delays later.
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3
Viewings
We’ll arrange viewings at times that suit you. Ask us anything about the property, the area or transport links.
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4
Reserve the property
When you find the right home, a holding deposit of up to one week’s rent reserves it while we carry out checks. It normally goes towards your first month’s rent.
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5
Referencing and Right to Rent
We check every adult who’ll live in the property, including ID, Right to Rent, income and previous landlord references. See what to have ready.
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6
Your tenancy agreement
Once referencing is approved, we prepare your tenancy agreement for you to read and sign. Tenancies now run month to month, with no fixed end date.
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7
Inventory and move-in costs
An inventory records the property’s condition and contents, which protects your deposit. Before you move in, you’ll pay your first month’s rent and security deposit.
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8
Move-in day
Collect your keys from our office or at the property. Your tenancy agreement tells you who to contact for repairs during your tenancy.
Be ready to move quickly
What to have ready
Good homes can let quickly. Having your documents ready means we can start your referencing straight away and secure the property sooner.
By law, we must check that every adult tenant has the Right to Rent in England before the tenancy starts.
Your checklist
- Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
- Right to Rent proof, such as a British or Irish passport or a Home Office share code
- Proof of your current address
- Your address and employment history for the last 3 years
- Recent payslips or bank statements
- Contact details for your current or previous landlord
- Guarantor details, if you need one
Plan your budget
What it costs to move in
These are the payments to plan for. You’ll know the exact amounts before you commit.
- Holding depositUp to one week’s rent, normally put towards your first month’s rent.
- First month’s rentYou can’t be asked for more than one month’s rent in advance.
- Security depositUp to five weeks’ rent, protected in a government-backed scheme.
- Contents insuranceRecommended to cover your own belongings.
- BillsCouncil tax, energy, water and broadband, unless included.
- TV licenceIf you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
No hidden extras
No admin fees, by law
Letting agents and landlords can’t charge you fees for viewings, referencing or setting up your tenancy.
See every permitted payment on our tenant fees page.
The Renters’ Rights Act
Your rights as a tenant
New rules for private renting came into force on 1 May 2026. Here’s what they mean for you.
Rolling tenancies
Tenancies run month to month with no fixed end date. You can leave by giving two months’ notice in writing.
Landlords can only end a tenancy for a valid legal reason, such as selling or moving back in.
Fair rent increases
Rent can only go up once a year, with at least two months’ written notice.
If you think an increase is above the market rate, you can challenge it at a tribunal.
A fair chance for everyone
- No bidding wars: landlords can’t accept more than the advertised rent.
- You can’t be turned away because you have children or receive benefits.
- You can ask to keep a pet, and landlords can’t unreasonably refuse.
What our clients say
Trusted by tenants across Slough
Tenant FAQs
Your questions answered
How much is the holding deposit, and is it refundable?
The holding deposit is up to one week’s rent and reserves the property while we carry out checks. It’s normally put towards your first month’s rent. You may lose it if you pull out, fail Right to Rent checks or give false or misleading information.
How much rent will I need to pay upfront?
No more than one month’s rent in advance. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords and agents can’t ask for several months’ rent upfront.
What does the security deposit cover?
The security deposit is up to five weeks’ rent and is protected in a government-backed scheme. At the end of your tenancy it can cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, compared against the inventory.
How long does referencing take?
Usually 3 to 5 working days, as long as everyone sends their documents and references promptly.
Can I have a guarantor?
Yes. If you don’t meet the income requirements on your own, a UK-based guarantor, usually a homeowner, can support your application.
What’s included in the inventory?
A detailed record of the property’s condition, fixtures, fittings and contents, with photographs. It’s checked again when you move out, so it protects you as well as the landlord.
Who do I contact about repairs?
Your tenancy agreement tells you who to contact. If we manage the property, contact our lettings team on 01753 336 444 and we’ll arrange the repair. If your landlord manages it, contact them directly.
How often can my rent go up?
Once a year at most, and your landlord must give you at least two months’ written notice. If you think the new rent is above the market rate, you can challenge it at a tribunal.
Can I keep a pet?
You can ask your landlord for permission, and they must consider your request and can’t unreasonably refuse. Ask us about a particular property before you apply.
Can I end my tenancy early?
Yes. Tenancies run month to month, so you can end yours by giving written notice. Your tenancy agreement confirms the notice period, which can’t be more than two months. You’ll pay rent until the notice period ends, unless you and your landlord agree in writing to end it sooner.
Ready to get started?
Talk to our lettings team
Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to apply, we’re here to help you find your next home.