Good places go fast, so here are our tips for getting ahead of the rest to secure the best property:

Use Nowletting's 'notify me' property alerts facility to notify you as soon as relevant properties become available

Start viewing in good time. A lot of property to rent won't be available to move in to for at least four weeks, or even longer where new lets are often agreed months in advance

Have a deposit ready (and get a receipt for it)

Have copies of references from your employer and previous landlords available, together with your bank details, documents proving your ID and full address for the last three years - the agent will need these for the reference check

Be ready to sign a tenancy application form - this will allow the agent to check your references and run a credit check

If you think you may need a guarantor, get this set up in good time (and check if the agent or landlord will accept one).

First of all, think carefully about the type of property you'd like to rent and which best suits your lifestyle.

For example, if you are only there during the week, a small place might do just fine. If security is important, then a ground floor flat may be out. If you have a car, then a parking space is a must.

Do you want furnished or unfurnished accommodation or would something that's just partly-furnished be okay? Often it doesn't make much difference to the rent.

Other key questions to ask yourself:

Is a shower essential or can you make do with just a bath?

What facilities are there for washing and drying clothes?

Does the property have any appliances?

Do you need a garden?

How many bedrooms will you need - normally 2 occupants per bedroom?

These days, an increasing number of people are renting and the quality and range of rented accommodation is better than ever.

Renting is usually cheaper than owning and bills are more predictable too, which is great news for those who prefer stable finances. And with fewer outgoings, you can save more.

Renting offers more flexibility than owning - you can move somewhere else relatively quickly - useful if you plan to move for a new job or are going away to study. Also, it's less hassle than being an owner as you won't need to pay for property maintenance - most of that will be done for you.

At NOWLETTING we are focused on making your experience of renting a home a great one.

Did you know, most burglaries take place during the day. Statistics show that the majority of homes are burgled between 06h00 and 12h00