Understand the process of Renting
Step-by-step renting guide
Before beginning your search, take a moment to decide your budget, preferred location and desired move-in timeframe. Are you looking for a one-bed apartment near Bracknell town centre, a two-bed house in Wokingham, or a family home in the Berkshire villages? Knowing how much you can afford for rent and bills helps us match the right properties for you and speeds up the process.
When you’re ready, register your details with the team at Sears. We’ll ask about your move-in date, bedroom number, preferred areas (such as Warfield, Binfield or Crowthorne) and any must-have features. Once registered, you’ll receive tailored alerts for properties that match your criteria, often before they’re widely advertised.
We’ll arrange accompanied viewings at times that suit you. During each visit you’ll see full particulars, floorplans and high-quality photographs, giving a clear view of the space and layout.
When viewing, consider:
- The local amenities, transport links and schools in the area
- Property condition, parking and outdoor space
- Heating, insulation and likely running costs
- Any questions you may have about tenancy length, landlord responsibilities, or local rules
Once you’ve found the right home, we’ll guide you through making an offer and starting the application. You’ll pay a holding deposit (up to one week’s rent) to reserve the property, subject to successful checks.
We use a specialist referencing agency to check your employment, income, credit status and previous landlord references, all designed to ensure the tenancy is right for both you and the landlord.
Once referencing is approved and your holding deposit accepted, you’ll sign a tenancy agreement which sets out the terms of your stay. You’ll also pay your first month’s rent and security deposit (protected in an approved scheme). On move-in day, you’ll collect the keys at a convenient time, receive an inventory of the property and settle in, ready to make it your home.
During your tenancy, be clear on your rights and responsibilities. Pay your rent on time, keep the property in good condition and let us know of any maintenance issues quickly. Your landlord and agent must ensure the property is safe, provide required safety certificates (e.g., Gas safety) and respond to repairs in a reasonable timeframe.
As the tenancy end date approaches, we’ll review your options-whether you’d like to stay on, renew under updated terms or give notice to move. If you choose to move on, we’ll support you with check-out, deposit return and any final negotiations.
Why rent with Sears?
With offices in Bracknell and Wokingham, Sears offers the local knowledge and property-portfolio variety you’re looking for.
We provide:
- A wide selection of rental homes across Bracknell, Wokingham and surrounding Berkshire villages
- Full floorplans, quality photography and accompanied viewings
- Transparent processes, clear communication and ongoing support throughout your tenancy
- Compliance with all legislation and memberships ensuring your rights are protected
Support throughout your tenancy
Many of the properties we let are fully managed by Sears, which means our dedicated Property Management team will be on hand to support you throughout your tenancy.
If you rent a managed property through us, we’ll be your main point of contact for any maintenance queries. Repairs and maintenance issues can be reported quickly and easily online via Fixflo, available 24/7.
For tenants living in one of our managed properties who need to report an emergency maintenance issue, you can do so via the button below.
Experts you can trust
Meet the Sears lettings team
Real words, real reviews
What our clients say about us
“Sears we're great at booking in plenty of views for my house. Regular contact with feedback about the possible buyer and feedback following the view. Some support with negotiation and chasing up the person who made the offer too. Kept me updated as well. Cameron was our point of contact through most the process and was really helpful.”
Sarah Jackman
“My experience with Sears was very pleasant stress free, viewings was booked with ease and all questions I had was answered, Cameron Wakefield made my experience delightful and stress free would highly recommend! I would use Sears and hopefully Cameron again in the future!”
Lewis Bailey
“I have just come out of a difficult divorce and was looking to purchase a house for myself and my children. The thought of viewing properties on my own was a bit daunting for me. I first made contact with Sears Estate agents in Wokingham a few months ago and viewed two properties that they were marketing. I met Poppy at both viewings, she was warm, friendly, and professional as well as being very knowledgeable about the properties. Unfortunately, I did not have a buyer for my property so was unable to put in an offer or purchase with Sears. However, I was very impressed that Poppy and her colleague Amy, acknowledged my property search and contacted me recently about another suitable property, before it was marketed live on websites. They were very efficient in arranging a viewing for me promptly. I was met at the property by Alison, who was again, very warm, friendly, welcoming, patient and open to questions. After the viewing, I went to Sears estate agents office in Wokingham town centre, where I was met in a friendly manner and offered a hot drink, which was a nice touch. Poppy assisted me with the administration involved in putting an offer forward, as I had unfortunately left my glasses in my car! She was very helpful and patient and explained how the process of putting the offer forward to the vendor worked. I was very impressed with the office layout, clean lines, modern decor and comfortable chairs. I would like to mention that I was very impressed with my experience with Sears, Wokingham, the staff are excellent role models and ambassadors for Sears, keep up the good work. Allison Radcliffe 😀”
Allison
“Had the pleasure of being shown around by Aimee from the Wokingham office at a property answered all of my questions and was very helpful and knowledgeable of the house and local area”
Robert Cox
“I've used Sears for the last 15yrs and my go to is Rob, always efficient, excellent communication and always manages the process quickly. Highly recommended.”
Mike Hart
“Very professional service received by all parties from marketing to arranging viewings perfect team no question one of the best Estate Agents in the area highly recommend have used these agents several times whilst moving house and never had any issues five star first class”
Andrew Bolton
“All the team of property management are very good and professional, Thanks Jake Tippett for your help with sorting out the issue with the previous tenant, I really appreciate it and thanks to the all team.”
Baljit Dhamija
“We had a great experience with Sears Estate agents when buying our house in Wokingham. Hollie was a great help, patiently showing us around pretty much all of the properties they had listed and helping us figure out exactly what we wanted before we found the one we bought. Additionally, Matt the Sears Progressor was very effective in moving the chain forward and ensuring everything went as smoothly as buying a house can be. Overall, a really positive experience!”
Sam Birkbeck
“I had a great experience dealing with Keira Taylor at Sears Property in Wokingham. She was incredibly professional and helpful. Thank you!”
V B
“We recently moved into our new rented home and had a great experience with Sears Services. Our agent, Andrew, was extremely helpful and responsive. Whenever we had questions about paperwork or the property, he answered quickly and clearly. Andrew made the whole process smooth and stress-free. We are very happy with the service and highly recommend Sears Services!”
Arya Yasodharan
Ready to begin your rental journey?
Contact our letting team at our Bracknell or Wokingham branch today , tell us what you’re looking for and let us help you find your next home in Berkshire with confidence.