Cambridge is a beautiful place to live, and your experience of this great city can be made even better by choosing the right home. That’s why we’ve put together this Cambridge property tenant guide to help you consider where you would like to live, how much you would pay and what you will need to do to secure your tenancy.
Read our handy renting guide to understand the steps you’ll need to follow in order to find your ideal new home in Cambridge.
Step by Step Guide to Renting in Cambridge
To start you off, here's our step-by-step guide to organising rented accommodation.
How to Rent a Property with Us – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Decide What You're Looking For
Budget & Affordability
- Work out your monthly budget
- Remember: You’ll need a gross income of 30× the annual rent (£) for referencing (36 if guarantor)
- Factor in bills, council tax, and moving costs
Location Preferences
- Do you prefer a quiet or lively area?
- Would you like to be near:
- Shops and cafés
- The river or open green spaces
- Schools or workplaces
- Major roads or public transport (bus/train)
Getting Around
- Do you want everything within walking distance?
- Or do you prefer to cycle, drive, or take public transport?
Property Considerations
- Properties further from the centre are often more affordable
- Think about the type of property: flat, house, studio, etc.
- Consider parking, outdoor space, and amenities
Step 2: Browse Available Properties
- Click here to view available properties (insert actual link)
- Use the “Book a Viewing” tab on the property page or the Street App.
Step 3: Complete the Qualifying Questionnaire
- A short questionnaire will be sent to you.
- Important: We cannot book a viewing until this is completed.
- This applies whether you book via our website, Rightmove, or OnTheMarket.
- Please also download the Street App to stay updated.
Step 4: Choose a Viewing Date & Time
You’ll receive a link to select a convenient date and time for your viewing.
Step 5: View the Property & Provide Feedback
After your viewing, we’ll ask for your feedback.
If you’re interested in applying, we’ll request:
- Names of all occupants
- Employment status
- Salary details
Step 6: Offer & Holding Deposit
If accepted, you’ll receive:
- Confirmation of tenancy terms
- A draft tenancy agreement via Goodlord
If you agree, pay no more than one week’s rent as a holding deposit to remove the property from the market.
You’ll also sign The Tenancy Guide.
Step 7: Referencing
You’ll receive a link to select a convenient date and time for your viewing.
- Employment references
- Landlord references
- Credit checks for all tenants/permitted occupiers aged 18+
Let us know if you’ve recently moved to the UK.
Step 8: Final Tenancy Agreement
Once references are complete, the final tenancy agreement and documents will be sent for signing by all parties.
Step 9: Payment Before Move-In
You’ll be notified of:
- First month’s rent (minus holding deposit)
- Security deposit
These must be paid no later than the day before your start date.
Goodlord will offer you contents insurance.
Step 10: Deposit Registration
Your deposit will be registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (where applicable).
You’ll receive a certificate for safekeeping.
Step 11: Key Collection & Inventory
You’ll receive a link to select a convenient date and time for your viewing.
Book a time to collect your keys from our office:
- No earlier than your start date
- Between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM
The inventory will be emailed to you.
Please check and return it within 7 days.
Step 12: Utilities Setup
Goodlord will notify relevant utility companies of your move-in.
Meter readings will be shared with them.
