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.
An annual rent review will take place and when 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
“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
1 month ago
“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
1 month ago
“Exceptional service and outstanding communication from Sears especially Matt Reynolds who assisted with the sale of shared ownership property. It has been a pleasure to deal with such a kind, professional and honest estate agent. Always communicating clearly and efficiently, keeping me updated all the time and chasing when needed. I can highly recommend! Thank you Matt!”
Petra Malyjurkova
1 month ago
“Poppy is a lovely estate agent who helped me find my first home, greatly appreciated and will go for their help again in the future.”
andrew nash
1 month ago
“At Estate Services we provide end of tenancy cleaning and property management services and it is always a pleasure to work with Jake at Sears. Jake is approachable, friendly, and genuinely easy to deal with, which makes a real difference in this industry. What I appreciate most is his honest, no nonsense approach and the way he gets things done efficiently without overcomplicating matters. Communication is always straightforward, and you always know where you stand with him. It is refreshing to work with someone who values good working relationships and treats people with respect. I would highly recommend Jake to any potential landlord and look forward to continuing to provide services to him and his team in the future. Thank you!”
Nikki Surtees
2 months ago
“The entire Sears team, especially Jessica, Keira, and Freddie, have been absolutely excellent from minute one. From the initial viewing right the way through to contract signings, arranging the inventory, and to payments, the team were always on-hand to assist in any way possible, whilst ensuring replies were prompt and clear. As someone who rented for 6 years in a previous property, I felt like a renting newbie again! But Sears have been a faultless, reassuring partner throughout.”
Theo Tsangaris
2 months ago
“Working with Poppy in the Sears team has been an absolute pleasure, communication is clear and frequent, next actions have always been addressed - we've been kept in the loop throughout our process so far. Poppy's personal approach is the reason why we have felt confidence in our buying process and we look forward to getting over the line in the coming months.”
Ben
2 months ago
“I cannot thank Emma and Rob at Sears enough! We had super tight deadlines to sell our home and if it wasn’t for them it wouldn’t have been achieved and we wouldn’t have had our offer accepted on our purchase. Our property was live and on Rightmove in less than a week. I had six viewings the first day, and a further three the day after. It sold within 48 hours. Professional, knowledgeable, prompt and highly commendable. Just wow - thank you!!!!”
Kathryn Louise
2 months ago
“Poppy at Sears has been excellent in the sale of my property. She is friendly, knowledgeable and has the highest levels of integrity. She spends time understanding the Seller and Purchasers needs….building a strong basis of trust right from the get go.”
NIGEL NELMS
2 months ago
“This was my first time letting a property and I was anxious to get things right, but Andrew, Jake and the team at Sears made the whole process easy and as stress-free as possible. Andrew took the time to carefully explain Sears' services and fees to me, and he answered my many questions promptly as we progressed. The team was extremely thorough in helping me select reliable tenants for the property. Living far away from the apartment I am renting out, I am very happy to have found the team at Sears and confident they will continue to manage my property carefully.”
Mallorie Dellac
2 months ago
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.









