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).