Information for a Prospective Tenant

Updated: 01/05/2026

Introduction

This information sheet provides an overview of the process of applying for a property with Purplebricks, from application through to collecting the keys to your new home.

Reserving a Property Reserving a Property (England or Wales)

If you make an offer on a property and it is accepted by the landlord, you will be asked to pay a holding deposit equivalent to one week’s agreed rent. This will remove the property from the market while reference checks and preparation of the tenancy agreement or occupation contract are undertaken.

The holding deposit is taken as a financial commitment from you, as the prospective tenant, to proceed towards entering into the agreement. The holding deposit will be retained for a period of 15 days from the date it is received, or for such longer period as may be agreed in writing between the parties, while reasonable steps are taken to enter into the tenancy agreement or occupation contract.

Refunding a Holding Deposit

If you proceed to enter into a tenancy agreement or occupation contract with the landlord, the holding deposit will be credited towards your first rent payment.

If the landlord chooses to withdraw from entering into the agreement, the holding deposit will be refunded to you.

The holding deposit paid will remain on account for the duration of your application.

Retaining a Holding Deposit

A holding deposit may be retained where a prospective tenant:

• Provides false or misleading information which is reasonably considered when deciding whether to let a property

• Fails a Right to Rent check

• Withdraws from entering into an agreement for the property

• Fails to take reasonable steps to enter into a tenancy agreement or occupation contract

Where any of the above occurs, Purplebricks may retain the holding deposit in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Tenancy Agreements

Please find a draft copy of our Assured Periodic Tenancy for properties in England and our Occupation Contract for properties in Wales within the application pack or from your Lettings Coordinator.

Redress Scheme and Client Money Protection

Purplebricks is a member of the Propertymark Client Money Protection Scheme and The Property Ombudsman redress scheme.

Start Date of the Tenancy

At the point of making an offer, you will be asked for a preferred date for the commencement of your tenancy. We require a minimum of 7 working days to complete the administration of a new tenancy. Your move-in date will not be confirmed until referencing and compliance checks have been completed. We recommend that no removal services are booked until the key collection time has been agreed.

Tenancy Agreement / Occupation Contract

Following a successful referencing application, you will be emailed your tenancy agreement or occupation contract. Please read this carefully as it is a legally binding document. If you have any queries, please contact us before signing.

We ask that you sign and initial the agreement, where applicable, via electronic signature within 2 working days of receipt. Once you have moved in, a copy of the agreement signed by, or on behalf of, the landlord will be emailed to you.

By submitting a tenancy application with Purplebricks, you agree to receive documents electronically. If you require hard copies, please inform your dedicated Lettings Coordinator.

Deposit

You will need to pay a tenancy deposit for the property of up to a maximum value of 5 weeks’ rent. This will be protected in a recognised tenancy deposit scheme for the duration of your tenancy.

For properties in England, in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, no additional fees will be charged other than permitted payments.

Your deposit will be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt, and you will be provided with the prescribed information.

Initial Monies prior to move in (England)

Prior to the commencement of your tenancy, your security deposit of up to 5 weeks’ rent will be payable. The invoice will be issued alongside your tenancy agreement.

We ask that funds are received in good time prior to the start date of your tenancy to support a smooth move-in process.

Initial Monies prior to move in (Wales)

Prior to moving in, you will need to pay the outstanding balances on your account as detailed in your Initial Monies Request, which you will receive following satisfactory references. This will include your first month’s rent, the deposit, less any holding deposit already paid.

The funds must be cleared at least 1 working day prior to the commencement of your occupation contract.

Furnishings

The inclusion of furnishings and appliances within the let should be discussed prior to signing the agreement. Levels of furnishing vary greatly and no set precedent exists. If you require clarification on what will be included, please contact us as early as possible. We will ask the landlord to supply a brief list of furnishings at this stage.

Purplebricks and the landlord will not be held liable to supply items that have only been assumed to be included.

Inventory

Prior to, or on the day of, your move-in, where your landlord has opted to instruct one, you will be supplied with an inventory and schedule of condition for the property within 14 working days. Please check this carefully, amend if necessary, sign where appropriate, and return it to us within 7 working days.

Move In

We will arrange for you to meet a Purplebricks appointed representative, the landlord, or a third-party inventory clerk at the property on the day your tenancy starts.

All tenants will be required to bring suitable photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, to the key handover appointment.

You will then be provided with all relevant contact information and the keys to your new home.

Tenants Referencing Guide

Introduction

Who carries out the referencing?

We use an external third-party company, HomeLet, to carry out our referencing process. They may require information from you and/or your employer and/or your current landlord or letting agency to obtain the documentation and evidence needed to support your application. Please let all relevant parties know to expect contact, as this can help speed up your application.

I have had my offer accepted, how do I submit my application?

After paying the holding deposit, where applicable, a referencing link will be emailed to the prospective tenant(s) to complete the reference application form.

What is checked and what information will I need to supply? Employment / Income Reference

If you are employed, in support of your application you can provide:

• Contact details for your employer (for example, line manager or HR), including an email address

• A copy of your contract offer letter

• 3 months’ payslips

• Proof of sufficient savings to cover the full rental amount held in a personal account for a minimum of 30 days. Savings must be instantly accessible and cannot be held in stocks, shares or investments

If you are self-employed, HomeLet may require one or more of the following to evidence your earnings:

• Contact details for your accountant, including an email address

• 12 months’ bank statements

• HMRC annual tax return

• Proof of dividends paid

• Proof of sufficient savings to cover the full rental amount held in a personal account for a minimum of 30 days. Savings must be instantly accessible and cannot be held in stocks, shares or investments

If you are retired, HomeLet may require:

• Confirmation of pension through relevant paperwork from your pension provider and/or the DWP

• Proof of sufficient savings to cover the full rental amount held in a personal account for a minimum of 30 days. Savings must be instantly accessible and cannot be held in stocks, shares or investments

If you are unemployed, you will more than likely require a guarantor. However, the following sources of income may be considered at the point of application:

• Universal Credit

• Long-term unemployment and support allowance

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Maintenance payments

• Proof of savings

• Disability Living Allowance

If you are a student, you will likely require a guarantor. We may also consider:

• Proof of sufficient savings held for one month or longer

• Proof of a bursary paid for living expenses

Affordability Check

Affordability is assessed based on the combined income of all applicants who will be named on the tenancy agreement or occupation contract.

As a guide, total household income is typically expected to be sufficient to meet affordability requirements for the property.

Where affordability criteria are not met, the landlord may request a guarantor or consider the application subject to further conditions.

Credit Check

A credit history search is conducted by our third-party referencing supplier, HomeLet. This search usually looks back over the previous 6 years.

Right to Rent

Under UK legislation, we are required to carry out a Right to Rent check to confirm that all prospective tenants have the legal right to rent a property in England.

These checks are completed during the application process via our third-party provider, Yoti, or via the UK Government online checking service where applicable.

UK & Irish Citizens

If you hold a valid, in-date UK or Irish passport, you will be asked to complete an Identity Verification (IDV) check through our third-party provider, Yoti.

Non-UK / International Applicants

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you will be required to provide a share code to enable us to verify your Right to Rent status online via the UK Government service.

You can generate your share code here: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

We will also require your date of birth to complete the check.

UK and Irish Citizens (without a passport)

If you are a UK or Irish citizen and do not hold a valid passport, we will carry out a manual Right to Rent check. In these cases, you will be required to provide original documents in line with Home Office guidance. This may include providing a combination of documents to confirm your identity and right to rent.

A full list of acceptable documents can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent/acceptable-documents

Additional Requirements

• Proof of identity

• Proof of current address dated within the last 3 months

Important Notes

• Right to Rent checks must be completed for all adult occupiers aged 18 and over

• Failure to provide the required documentation may delay or affect your application

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks

In line with UK regulations, we are required to carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks to verify the identity of prospective tenants and, where applicable, the source of funds used for the tenancy. These checks help prevent fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes, and are a standard part of the lettings process.

What this involves

• Proof of identity

• Proof of current address

• Evidence of source of funds, for example savings, employment income, or other financial arrangements

These checks will be carried out using a third-party verification provider, Landmark.

Source of Funds

Where required, we may ask for additional information to confirm how funds for rent and/or any other payments have been obtained. This could include:

• Recent bank statements

• Payslips or employment contracts

• Evidence of savings or investments

Important Information

All information provided will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation and used solely for the purpose of completing required compliance checks.

Failure to provide the requested information may delay or affect your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the application process take?

We typically require a minimum of 7 working days to complete referencing and prepare the tenancy. This may vary depending on how quickly information is provided by all parties and references are returned.

When is my move-in date confirmed?

Your move-in date will only be confirmed once referencing has been successfully completed, all compliance checks have been successfully completed, and all parties are ready to proceed. We recommend not booking removals until this has been agreed.

What happens to my holding deposit?

Your holding deposit will be credited towards your first rent payment if the tenancy proceeds. It will be refunded if the landlord withdraws. It may be retained in certain circumstances, such as if incorrect information is provided or you withdraw from the application.

What happens if my references are not satisfactory?

If your references do not meet the required criteria, the landlord may decline the application, request a guarantor, or consider the application subject to further conditions.

When do I need to pay the deposit and first rent?

The payment process is completed in stages as your application progresses: 

• A holding deposit is paid when your offer is accepted to reserve the property

• A security deposit is payable once your tenancy agreement or occupation contract has been issued 

• Your first rent payment is due once the agreement has been signed by all parties and prior to the start of the tenancy 

We ask that all payments are made promptly in line with the agreed terms to support a smooth move-in process.

Can I move in before everything is completed?

No. You will only be able to move into the property once: 

• Referencing has been successfully completed

• The tenancy agreement or occupation contract has been signed by all parties 

• A move-in date has been agreed 

We ask that all required payments are made promptly in line with the agreed terms to support a smooth move-in process.

What should I bring on the day I move in?

All tenants will be required to bring suitable photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, to the key handover appointment.

What if I notice an issue with the property after moving in?

You should check your inventory carefully and report any discrepancies within the specified timeframe of 7 days. Any maintenance issues should be reported using the system and contact details provided at move-in, for example an online maintenance reporting system where applicable. 
 
Please note that once the tenancy agreement or occupation contract has been signed by all parties, it becomes a legally binding contract. This means that you are committed to the terms of the agreement and remain responsible for the obligations within it. The agreement can only be ended in accordance with its terms or applicable legislation.

Can I assume items are included in the property?

No. Only items confirmed in writing prior to signing the agreement should be assumed to be included. If you are unsure, please check with us before proceeding.

Why do I need to provide so much information?

We are required to carry out referencing, Right to Rent, and Anti-Money Laundering checks as part of the lettings process. These checks are necessary to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Your Consent & Privacy Information

As part of your application and tenancy setup, we will use your personal information to progress your tenancy and provide associated services.

Who your information may be shared with

In order to progress your application and manage your tenancy, your information may be shared with relevant third parties, including:

• Referencing providers, such as HomeLet, for affordability and background checks

• Identity and compliance providers, such as Landmark for Anti-Money Laundering checks and Yoti for Right to Rent verification

• Tenancy deposit schemes, such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), to protect your deposit

• Utility management providers, such as Homebox, and associated utility suppliers

• Property management systems and accounting platforms, such as Street, Fixflo, Kamma and PayProp, used to manage your tenancy and payments

• Contractors and service providers, including inventory clerks, maintenance contractors, and representatives of Purplebricks for property access, inspections, inventories and repairs

• Local authorities and regulatory bodies where required, for example for council tax registration or legal compliance

These organisations are provided as examples and this is not an exhaustive list. We may share your information with other relevant third parties where necessary to progress your application, set up your tenancy, and manage the property and associated services.

We will only share your personal data where it is necessary and proportionate for these purposes and where there is a lawful basis to do so.

Optional Bill Management & Bundling Service

Homebox also offers an optional service which allows you to bundle your household bills into a single monthly payment and manage them in one place.

If you would like to be contacted about this service, please confirm below:

☐ I consent to being contacted by Homebox regarding their bill management and bundled utility services.

You are under no obligation to use this service and can choose to manage your utilities independently.

Privacy Notice

For the purposes of data protection law, the data controller is:

Purplebricks Property Limited 
146 Freston Road, London, England, W10 6TR.

We process your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

How we use your information

We use your personal data to:

• Process your tenancy application

• Carry out referencing, Right to Rent, and Anti-Money Laundering checks

• Set up and manage your tenancy and associated services

• Communicate with you throughout your tenancy

• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Our lawful basis for processing your data includes performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, and our legitimate interests in managing your tenancy and associated services.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request deletion of your data where applicable

• Object to or restrict processing in certain circumstances

To exercise your rights, please contact: DPO@purplebricks.com

Declaration

By signing below, you confirm that:

• The information you have provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge

• You have read and understood this document, including this Privacy Notice

• You understand how your personal data will be used as outlined above

• You agree to proceed with your application on this basis