By Chapmans Property Management
Finding a flat to rent in Edinburgh can sometimes feel like a military operation. Demand is high and rental properties move quickly. Everything we currently have available is listed in our Latest Properties, so if you can’t see something suitable there, unfortunately we’re unable to help source a flat for you.
But we can help you make your wider search easier. From where to look and the alerts worth setting up to affordability and being ready when the right property appears, here’s what we’d recommend doing to give yourself the best chance of securing the right rental property in Edinburgh.
1. Decide what you’re actually looking for
Before scrolling through listings, know your non-negotiables. Start with:
- Your maximum monthly rent
- The number of bedrooms you need
- Your preferred areas of Edinburgh
- Areas you’d also consider
- Your ideal move-in date
- Any requirements such as parking, outdoor space or furnished/unfurnished
- Whether you have a pet
It’s worth distinguishing between what you need and what you’d simply like. Having flexibility in your location, for example, could significantly widen your options. Equally, there’s little point spending time viewing properties that don’t meet something you genuinely can’t compromise on.
2. Set up alerts for flats to rent in Edinburgh
If you’re manually checking property websites once or twice a day, you may already be behind other prospective tenants.
Most of the major property portals allow you to create a search based on your preferred location, budget and number of bedrooms, then receive an alert when a matching property is listed.
Sites such as Rightmove, Onthemarket, Zoopla and Citylets are a sensible starting point. It’s also worth checking the websites of Edinburgh letting agents directly and signing up for property alerts where available.
Remember to turn on notifications. In our experience, viewing availability can fill very quickly. If a property ticks your boxes, seeing it when it first appears gives you a much better opportunity to secure a viewing.
3. Make sure the rent is affordable for you
It’s easy to concentrate on the monthly rent and forget that letting agents also need to establish whether it is affordable based on your circumstances. As a broad guide, an annual income of around 30 times the monthly rent is often used when assessing affordability.
For example:
- £900 monthly rent = around £27,000 annual income
- £1,200 monthly rent = around £36,000 annual income
- £1,500 monthly rent = around £45,000 annual income
- £2,000 monthly rent = around £60,000 annual income
The exact referencing requirements can vary depending on the property and your circumstances.
If your income doesn’t meet the required affordability level, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t rent the property. Depending on the circumstances, you may need a UK based guarantor, rent in advance or additional supporting information.
Knowing this before you start applying can save a lot of uncertainty later.
4. Think about your circumstances before you apply
Your salary isn’t the only information that may be relevant when applying for a rental property.
Your employment situation matters too. If you’re self-employed, on a fixed-term contract, in a probationary period, or a student, for example, the referencing process may be different from that of someone in permanent employment.
And if you have a pet, include that in your search from the beginning. Not every property will be suitable for pets so it’s better to know before you arrange a viewing than after you’ve fallen in love with the flat.
Being upfront about your circumstances makes it easier to concentrate on properties that are suitable for you.
5. Get familiar with the rental process
If you’re renting for the first time, or you’re new to renting in Scotland, understanding what happens after a viewing can make the whole process feel much easier.
Before you find the property you want, take a few minutes to understand:
- How applications work
- What referencing may involve
- What information you’ll be asked to provide
- When deposits and rent become payable
- What happens before you receive the keys
Our Tenant Journey takes you through the Chapmans process step by step, while our Tenant FAQs answer many of the questions we’re regularly asked about applications, guarantors, rent in advance and renting a property in Edinburgh. They are specific to Chapmans but will give you a broad understanding of the likely process.
A little preparation goes a long way
There’s no magic trick for finding the perfect flat in Edinburgh but you can put yourself in a much stronger position.
Know what you’re looking for. Set realistic parameters. Turn on your alerts. Understand your affordability. And when a suitable property becomes available, be ready to act.
View our latest available properties for rent
Frequently asked questions
Why do Edinburgh rental properties go so quickly?
Demand for good rental properties in Edinburgh can be high, which means available viewing appointments can fill quickly. Setting up alerts and having clear search criteria can help you respond sooner when the right property is listed.
What income do I need to rent a flat?
A common affordability calculation is an annual income of approximately 30 times the monthly rent. A property renting for £1,500 per month, for example, could require an annual income of around £45,000. Requirements can vary, so check the criteria for the particular property.
Can I rent a flat if I need a guarantor?
Potentially, yes. A guarantor may be required if you don’t meet the standard affordability or referencing criteria. The exact requirements will depend on your individual circumstances and the property you’re applying for.
Can I rent a flat in Edinburgh with a pet?
Some rental properties are suitable for pets and others may not be, so make this part of your search criteria from the outset. If you have a pet, be upfront about it when enquiring or applying so you know whether the property is suitable.
