We’re here to help you find your perfect home.  Simply give us a call on 01702 445 600 or drop in to our welcoming offices in Southchurch Road, Southend to meet the team who are here to find the property that’s absolutely right for you.  If you’re unable to visit us, no problem – simply register your interest in a property online and we’ll take it from there.

Step 1  - Let us help you find your perfect home

We’re confident we’ll find the right home for you in our extensive range of delightful properties.  We’ll listen carefully and attentively to what it is that you need and alert you instantly, by phone, email or SMS when we find the perfect match.  But if you’re keen to look for yourself you can make a start right away.ust  search  here!

We take time to fully understand your situation so we can match it perfectly.  If you have children or pets or want a garden or ground floor property for ease of access – let us take the strain and find the ideal property for you. 

We have insurance-backed schemes for those on low income or benefits, who may not have a guarantor.  Whilst not every property may be available, we apply our expertise and knowledge to identify rental properties available to tenants with financial restrictions or limitations.

Step 2 - Viewings at your convenience

We're open at times to suit you, convenient for viewing after work and at weekends. With demand for rented properties in Southend very high, it’s important to react swiftly when your ideal property becomes available.  We do everything to help you achieve this – whether arranging single or multiple viewings or personally driving you from our offices directly to the property you hope to rent.  At PACE, you’ll find nothing is too much effort.

Step 3 - When you make your offer

Once we’ve found your ideal property you can rely on our advice and guidance to secure it.  We briefly review your financial situation – a clear credit history is often required but as long as you are honest with us, we can usually identify suitable properties.

The general earnings criteria for tenants is earnings which equate to 30 x the monthly rental,
or providing a guarantor who  earns 36 x the rental.  There are different consideration for those self-employed or retired, but we are rarely defeated in successfully matching tenants and properties.  We do have some properties with more flexible criteria and we also liaise with FastTrack to assist those with no Guarantor.  Once this process is complete, the offer is put to your prospective landlord.

Step 4 - After your offer is accepted

To hold the property whilst we complete the reference process, we require one month’s rent and payment of the administration fee - these may be non-returnable if you later withdraw from the process.  Your Lettings Consultant will complete a checklist with you to ensure everything is clear and transparent.  You then simply complete a standard application form which can be returned to us within 24 hours along with any supporting information.

Step 5 - Confirmation

We write to confirm what has been agreed, enclosing a copy of the tenancy and guarantor agreements for your to read.  We ensure you are fully conversant and happy with the terms of your agreement and assist throughout, should you have with any queries.

Step 6 - Referencing

On the application form, fill in your previous addresses, employer and landlord references and permission to complete a credit check.  Poor credit history is not always a problem, just be sure to tell us so we can help find a solution which works for you and your landlord.  If you can encourage employers and landlords to respond swiftly to your reference requests, with your help and prompt completion, this can, when necessary, be achieved within just 24 hours.

Step 7 - Time to move!

Once referencing is complete we will contact you to arrange a convenient day to move in.  If it’s suitable for you and your new landlord, this can often be as early as the following day or just a few days later.

Step 8 - Signing the agreements

We arrange a time for you to sign the agreements at our welcoming offices.  If you receive housing benefit it’s necessary to do this first thing so you have time to provide a Council receipt.  If your Guarantor can come with you that’s ideal – if not they can sign the agreement beforehand.  We then need to see your tenant’s contents insurance certificate and the agreement is complete.

Step 9 - Your deposit

We register your deposit with the The Dispute Service If we are not managing, your landlord may be doing this themselves- the details will be in your tenancy agreement.  For your added security we register your deposit with The Dispute Service. Sometimes, your landlord will be responsible for this and this will be clearly outlined in your Tenancy Agreement. 

Step 10 - Rental payment

On signing your contact you will be asked to complete a standing order form for rental payment.  Other payment methods are available on request to suit your personal situation.

Step 11 - Keys to your new home

If renting a PACE-managed property, your Property Manager will meet you at the property where you will jointly go through the inventory and we can answer any questions you may have.  If we are not directly managing this property, your landlord will have provided us with keys for you, or will meet with you at the property.

Step 12 - Enjoy your new home

To relax and fully enjoy your new home, we will provide you with all the contact information you may need at any point in the future.
 
If we are not managing the property ourselves, we will provide you with your landlord’s contact details before you leave our office and he will be sent a copy of the contract and your full contact details.  If renting a PACE-managed property we will also provide you with a welcome pack and useful information, including emergency contact numbers. 

You will find the team at PACE are here to provide you with a warm welcome and attentively answer any queries you may have, 7 days and week and weekday evenings.