Starting your journey with RA Flatt and Goodlord

Starting your journey with RA Flatt and Goodlord

Moving home is one of life’s big milestones, and at RA Flatt, we’ve been helping tenants settle into Cheltenham and Gloucester since 1992. While our service is built on decades of local expertise, we use Goodlord, a leading digital platform, to make your move-in process as fast, secure, and paperless as possible.

The Goodlord moving-in process is designed to handle the heavy lifting of referencing and legal compliance from your phone or laptop. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, from the first “selfie” to the moment you get your keys.

Step 1: The holding deposit and initial setup

Once you’ve found the perfect property in the South West, the first step is to secure it. You will receive an email from Goodlord asking you to pay a holding deposit (usually equivalent to one week’s rent). Paying these reserves, the property triggers the next stages of the Goodlord moving-in process.

At this stage, you’ll also create your Goodlord account. This portal becomes your central hub for the entire move, where you’ll upload documents and sign your tenancy agreement.

Step 2: Passing the referencing checks

Referencing is the most critical part of the journey. Goodlord’s “Referencing Bot” will guide you through several key areas. To speed things up, we recommend having your tenant referencing checklist items ready:

• Proof of Income: Goodlord uses Open Banking to verify your salary instantly and securely. If you prefer not to use this, you’ll need three months of payslips or bank statements.
• Residential History: You’ll provide details of your previous landlords so Goodlord can confirm you’re a reliable tenant.
• Credit Check: A soft credit check is performed to look for any CCJs or historical issues. Don’t worry, this doesn’t impact your credit score.

On average, the how long does Goodlord referencing take question is answered in 3 to 5 working days, though it can be faster if your referees respond quickly.

Step 3: Right to Rent and AML checks

As your local agent, we have a legal duty to ensure every tenant has the right to rent check UK cleared before the tenancy begins. Goodlord uses IDVT (Identity Verification Technology) to make this easy. You’ll be asked to upload a clear photo of your passport and take a “liveness selfie” to prove you are who you say you are.

Additionally, anti-money laundering for tenants (AML) checks are now a standard part of the process for many tenancies. These checks confirm your identity against global sanctions lists, ensuring the rental market stays safe and transparent for everyone.

Pro tip: Ensure there is no glare on your ID photo and that all four corners of the document are visible to avoid the “bot” rejecting your upload.

Step 4: Signing the contract and move-in monies

Once your references are “Satisfactory,” Goodlord will generate your digital Tenancy Agreement. Read this carefully. Once you sign it electronically, the system will trigger the request for your Goodlord move-in monies.

This payment typically includes:

• Your first month’s rent.
• Your security deposit (minus the holding deposit you already paid).

Goodlord uses a secure system called Modulr to handle these transfers. You’ll be given a unique bank account number and reference for your specific tenancy. It is vital that you use these exact details to ensure your payment is reconciled instantly. You can find more about our tenant fees here.

Step 5: Collecting your keys

Once the contract is signed by all parties (including the landlord) and the funds have cleared, you’re ready to move. We’ll contact you to arrange key collection from our office. Before you head over, make sure you’ve checked our tenants portal for any last-minute property info.

If you’re moving to the area for the first time, why not check out our guides to renting in Cheltenham or renting in Gloucester for local tips on the best spots to live.

Useful resources

For more technical details on the legal requirements of your move, you can visit the official Government Right to Rent guide.

Why RA Flatt uses a digital-first process

By using the Goodlord moving-in process, we reduce paper waste and physical travel, making your move more sustainable. It also means you aren’t waiting for the post; you can secure your home and sign your contract from anywhere in the world.

Ready to find your next home? Explore our full rental process or contact our team today to see our latest listings in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

FAQs: Starting your journey with RA Flatt and Goodlord

What is the Goodlord moving-in process?

The Goodlord moving-in process is a digital journey for tenants that handles the holding deposit, referencing, identity checks, and contract signing in one secure online platform.

How do I pass a Goodlord reference check?

To pass, you must provide accurate proof of income (usually 2.5x the annual rent), a clean credit history, and a positive reference from your previous landlord. Using Open Banking can significantly speed this up.

When do I pay my deposit on Goodlord?

Your security deposit (move-in monies) is typically requested after you have signed your digital tenancy agreement and your referencing has been approved.

What is a Right to Rent check for tenants?

It is a legal requirement in England to prove you have the right to live in the UK. This involves providing a valid passport or a Home Office share code.

How long does Goodlord referencing take?

Referencing usually takes between 3 and 5 working days. Delays are often caused by waiting for responses from employers or previous landlords.

Can I pay my move-in monies by credit card?

Goodlord typically processes move-in monies via secure bank transfer (Modulr). While holding deposits can sometimes be paid by card, the final move-in balance is usually a bank-to-bank transfer.