Spend plenty of time investigating the area. The advantage of renting is that you can move when your tenancy is up, but don't think too short-term.
Don't just walk into a couple of estate agents. Large firms can have a wide range of property but check out property management agencies, local newspapers and private landlords too.
Looking around rental properties can be a bit of a rush but if you find somewhere you like don't just give it a ten minute once over. Check everything carefully. Does it have central heating, a washing machine, dishwasher, decent fridge and freezer? What are the showers like? Are the windows in good condition? These can all be forgotten in the rush. Make a checklist to take with you when viewing properties you really like.
Before you make an offer, ask the agent about fees for references and credit checks. These will need to be paid before the references can be forwarded to the reference check companies.
If you are looking at renting with others, choose who you live with carefully. Little things can make the difference between harmony and torment. Money is the most common cause of dispute. Make sure you work out your budget and how bills will be paid.
Being a tenant who doesn't pay on time is the best way to ensure your landlord or agent won't go out of their way to help you. Getting all the finances sorted properly and having the deposit, first month's rent and subsequent rent arrive on time will mean that you are immediately onside with the people you need to call if the plumbing goes or you want a new oven.
Don't be tempted to skip through the inventory and move in as soon as you can. If you don't go through everything with a fine-toothed comb, then you are leaving yourself open to cash being taken from your deposit. It's not just furniture and contents that need checking, note if carpets and curtains have been steam-cleaned and check the soft furnishings' condition. In the first few days of moving in, take a note of all the problems you spot and let the agent or landlord know, preferably in a letter or email then you have a copy should things go wrong.
Landlords are not psychic. You may know that the washing machine has stopped working and grumble about it, but unless someone tells them they don't know work needs doing. Don't be shy in reporting any difficulties, having fixed at no cost to you is one of the privileges of being a tenant. A good landlord will also appreciate knowing if something needs doing - after all, it's their investment you live in.
By law the landlord or agent must prove the exact cost of every deduction. Do not be fobbed off and do not be fooled by bluster.