0117 973 2004
Bristol Lettings Specialist Since 1976
Bristol Lettings Specialist Since 1976
Looking for somewhere to call home?
Register with Flatline to hear about properties that match what you're looking for.
Once registered, you can receive alerts when suitable new properties become available. If you see a property you would like to view, simply click Request a Viewing on the property listing or contact our lettings team during office hours.
A few things to know before you start
Flatline Bristol Ltd takes reasonable care to ensure that property particulars, photographs, descriptions and other information are accurate. They are provided as a general guide and prospective tenants should raise any questions with us before entering into a tenancy.
How much income do I need to rent a property?
As part of our referencing process, applicants will normally be required to demonstrate that the rent is affordable.
Our standard affordability assessment is based on a gross annual income equivalent to approximately 30 times the monthly rent.
For example, for a property with rent of £600 per calendar month, the required annual household income would normally be £18,000.
Where there is more than one applicant, income may be considered jointly where appropriate.
Self-employed applicants may be asked to provide accounts, tax calculations, bank statements, an accountant's reference or other suitable evidence of income.
We recognise that everyone's circumstances are different. Income can come from a variety of lawful sources, including employment, self-employment, pensions and benefits. Applications will be considered fairly and in accordance with applicable legislation.
Referencing for Flatline Bristol Ltd is carried out by an independent third-party referencing provider. Please speak to a member of our team if you would like more information about the referencing process.
What if I don't meet the standard affordability criteria?
Not meeting the standard income requirement does not necessarily mean that you cannot apply for a property.
Depending on your circumstances, additional security such as a suitable Guarantor may be considered.
Our normal affordability requirement for a Guarantor is a gross annual income equivalent to approximately 36 times the monthly rent.
For example, for rent of £600 per calendar month, a Guarantor would normally need to demonstrate an annual income of at least £21,600.
Applications are considered on their individual circumstances and remain subject to satisfactory referencing and the landlord's approval.
What is a Guarantor?
A Guarantor is someone who agrees to meet specified financial obligations under the tenancy if the tenant does not do so.
This will usually include responsibility for unpaid rent and may include other obligations depending upon the terms of the Guarantor Agreement.
A Guarantor Agreement is a legally binding document and prospective Guarantors should read it carefully before signing.
Guarantors will normally be subject to referencing and affordability checks.
If you are unable to provide a suitable Guarantor, please speak to our lettings team about your circumstances.
Can I pay several months' rent in advance?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduced important restrictions on rent in advance.
We cannot ask for, encourage or accept rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed.
Once the tenancy agreement has been signed and before the tenancy starts, we can normally request no more than one month's rent in advance for a monthly tenancy, or up to 28 days' rent where rent is payable more frequently.
Once your tenancy has started, rent will become payable on the agreed rent payment dates.
I currently live outside the UK – can I still apply?
Yes. Applicants living overseas are welcome to enquire about and apply for our properties.
Before you can occupy a rented property in England, we are legally required to carry out the appropriate Right to Rent checks for all adult occupiers where those requirements apply.
Depending on your immigration status, these checks may be completed using an eligible Home Office online share code or by checking the appropriate documents.
Please speak to our lettings team if you are currently overseas and we will explain what information will be required and when the Right to Rent check needs to be completed.
I receive benefits – can I apply?
Yes.
Applicants who receive benefits are welcome to apply for our properties.
We will not refuse or discourage an application simply because an applicant receives benefits or has children.
All applicants are subject to the same appropriate affordability and referencing assessment. We may consider income from employment, self-employment, pensions, benefits and other legitimate sources when assessing affordability.
Where an applicant does not meet the standard affordability requirements, we may consider whether a suitable Guarantor or other appropriate arrangement is available.
What do I need to pay before moving in?
Depending on the stage of your application, you may be asked to pay:
Holding Deposit A holding deposit of up to one week's rent may be requested to reserve a property while referencing and other pre-tenancy checks are completed.
Tenancy Deposit A tenancy deposit will normally be required. This is generally limited to a maximum of five weeks' rent where the annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks' rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more.
First Rent Payment Rent cannot be requested or accepted before the tenancy agreement has been signed. Once the agreement has been signed, the first rent payment may be requested in accordance with the legal restrictions on rent in advance.
We do not charge tenants prohibited administration, referencing or tenancy fees.
How is my deposit protected?
Where a tenancy deposit is taken, it will be protected in a Government-authorised Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme in accordance with the applicable legislation.
The required prescribed information and details of the scheme used will be provided to you within the statutory timescale.
At the end of the tenancy, the deposit will be dealt with in accordance with the rules of the relevant deposit protection scheme, subject to any agreed or properly evidenced deductions.
How do I pay my rent?
Your tenancy agreement will confirm:
Rent is normally paid by standing order or another payment method notified to you.
You will not be required to pay rent before the contractual rent due date once the tenancy has started, although you may choose to make an early payment voluntarily.
What happens to my standing order when my tenancy ends?
If you pay rent by standing order, you are responsible for cancelling the standing order with your bank after your final rent payment has been made.
We recommend checking your bank account after your final payment to ensure that no further payments are scheduled.
If you believe that you have accidentally made an overpayment, please contact us as soon as possible.
Who is responsible for utilities?
Unless your tenancy agreement or property advertisement states otherwise, tenants are normally responsible for household utilities and services such as:
You will normally be responsible for setting up the appropriate accounts when you move in and closing them when your tenancy ends.
For properties managed by Flatline, we may provide details of a third-party utility service that can assist with setting up household accounts. You are not required to purchase additional services from a particular provider unless this is specifically required by the tenancy arrangements and permitted by law.
Pets
We understand that pets are an important part of many households.
If you have a pet, or would like to keep a pet during your tenancy, please let us know.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, tenants and prospective tenants can request permission to keep a pet. A landlord must consider a request and must not unreasonably refuse consent.
Whether a particular pet is suitable may depend upon the property, the type and number of pets requested and any other relevant circumstances.
Please do not introduce a pet into a property without obtaining any consent required under your tenancy agreement.
Smoking & Vaping
Our properties are normally offered as non-smoking properties.
Where the tenancy agreement prohibits smoking or vaping inside the property, tenants and their visitors must comply with that requirement.
If you smoke or vape, please speak to a member of our team if you have any questions about the requirements for a particular property.
Ending Your Tenancy
Most private residential tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies and continue on a rolling basis.
Tenants can end their tenancy by giving the appropriate written notice. The notice required will depend upon the tenancy and applicable legislation but cannot generally be required to exceed two months.
Your tenancy agreement and the information provided to you at the start of your tenancy will explain how notice should be served.
Questions?
Renting legislation can sometimes seem complicated, so please don't hesitate to ask.
Our lettings team can explain our application process, referencing requirements, deposits, Right to Rent checks and the steps involved in renting one of our properties.
