Renting a Home in the UK: What to Know

For most people, renting is how you find a home when you settle in the UK. Knowing your rights protects you from unfair fees and helps you avoid problems. This guide covers the essentials. Sort out a bank account and a National Insurance number too, as landlords and agents often ask about your finances.

Deposits and fees are capped

The law limits what you can be charged:

• Tenancy deposit — capped at 5 weeks' rent if the annual rent is under £50,000, or 6 weeks' rent if it is £50,000 or more.
• Holding deposit (to reserve a property) — capped at 1 week's rent.
• Most other fees are banned under the Tenant Fees Act in England. You should not pay for referencing, admin or renewal fees. Be careful of anyone asking for these.

Your deposit must be protected

If you pay a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord must put it in a government-approved deposit protection scheme and tell you which one. This means your money is safe and returnable at the end, minus any fair deductions. Ask which scheme protects your deposit.

Right to Rent checks

In England, landlords must carry out a Right to Rent check before you move in, looking at your documents or a share code. This is normal and applies to everyone. Have your documents ready.

Before you sign

• Read the tenancy agreement carefully. Ask about the length, notice periods and who pays which bills.
• Check the property and note any existing damage in writing, with photos, so you are not blamed later.
• Never pay large sums in cash without a receipt, and be alert to rental scams. Never send money for a property you have not seen or through an agent you cannot verify.

Get help if things go wrong

If you have a dispute, or a landlord tries to charge banned fees or evict you unfairly, you can get free advice from services such as your local council or a housing charity. Knowing your rights is the best protection when renting.