No agency fees, no ambiguous ownership, no third-party inventory clerk you'll never meet. The process is short enough to fit on one page — here it is.
Book a viewing directly via the enquiry form or a text to the mobile listed on each property page. Viewings are booked in half-hour slots so groups have proper time to look — no back-to-back conveyor belt.
Where a house is currently let, viewings are arranged around the existing tenants' timetable and always with 24 hours' notice. Where possible, current tenants are on hand to answer the questions you actually want to ask (heating, damp, landlord response time).
Once your group has agreed on a house, one person submits a short offer form on behalf of everyone. It captures the intended tenants, the proposed start date, and any specific conditions — for example, a request for a professional clean before move-in, or a bed frame in a specific room.
On acceptance, the property is held off the market for 48 hours while references and holding deposits are collected. Holding deposits are one week's rent per person, credited against the first month once the tenancy is signed.
Nothing is committed at this stage. If references don't clear or the group changes its mind, the holding deposit is refunded in full within seven days.
Each tenant completes the online referencing form at referencing.ljwildy.com. It takes about ten minutes and covers ID, address history, and a UK-based guarantor (usually a close family member). Guarantors then complete a separate short form of their own — no full credit check unless it's a case where standard references can't be run.
Once references are clear, contracts are issued electronically. Twelve-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy per household, signed by every tenant and every guarantor. Nothing gets signed on paper any more — it all happens online, and you'll each keep a copy.
The tenancy start date is usually 1 September, though earlier dates can sometimes be arranged if a house is empty. Deposits (five weeks' rent per tenant) are collected before the start date and registered with mydeposits within five working days — you'll each get a confirmation from the scheme directly.
On the day itself, the house is handed over in person: keys, meter readings, boiler walkthrough, and a signed inventory. The inventory is done by the landlord (not an outsourced clerk who's never been to the property), and any items you flag on the day get corrected before it's finalised.
Repairs and maintenance are reported directly, not through an agent. Non-emergency issues typically get a same-day acknowledgement and a fix scheduled within 3-5 working days. Emergencies (loss of heat, water leaks, security) are 24 hours.
Enquire on any of the seven properties — a viewing is usually available within the week.