Cost of Living
How to Find Housing in the UK as a Newcomer
A practical, step-by-step guide to renting your first home in the UK as a newcomer, how Assured Shorthold Tenancies work, where to search, the Right to Rent
How renting works in the UK
Most private renting in England and Wales is done through an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), usually for a fixed term of six or twelve months that then rolls month to month. Scotland uses a Private Residential Tenancy with no fixed end date, and Northern Ireland has its own rules. Properties are advertised at a monthly rent and are often unfurnished or part-furnished. You will normally pay council tax, electricity, gas, water and internet on top of rent unless the listing says otherwise. London is far more expensive than most of the country, so widen your search to commuter areas if budget is tight, and always confirm what bills are included.
Where to search for a home
The biggest property portals are Rightmove and Zoopla, which list both letting-agent and some private properties. OpenRent is popular for renting directly from landlords, and SpareRoom is the go-to site for rooms and flatshares. You can search by area, price, number of bedrooms and furnishing. Decide early whether you will rent through a letting agent or directly from a landlord, and view properties in person where possible. Because demand is high in cities, have your documents ready before viewing so you can apply immediately on a place you like, as good homes are often let within days.
Right to Rent and the documents you need
In England, landlords must legally check that tenants have the Right to Rent, so you will need to prove your immigration status, often with a share code from the government's online service, plus your passport or visa. You will also provide proof of income or an employment contract, references from a previous landlord or employer, and consent to a credit check. Newcomers without a UK credit history or a UK-based guarantor can use a rent guarantee service, pay several months upfront, or offer a larger deposit. Having clear digital copies of every document ready speeds up the whole process.
Deposits, fees and upfront costs
Under the Tenant Fees Act, letting agents and landlords in England cannot charge most fees, so be wary of anyone asking for admin or referencing charges. A holding deposit to reserve a property is capped at one week's rent, and the security deposit is capped at five weeks' rent for most tenancies (six weeks if annual rent is £50,000 or more). Your deposit must by law be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme, such as the DPS, MyDeposits or the TDS, and the landlord must tell you which one within 30 days. Always get written confirmation of where your deposit is held.
Reading and signing the tenancy agreement
Read the tenancy agreement before signing and check the rent, the fixed term, the notice period, who is responsible for repairs, and the rules on pets, guests and subletting. Confirm whether any bills are included. You should receive a gas safety certificate, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and the government's How to Rent guide. Take dated photos and complete the inventory carefully on move-in day so you are not charged unfairly when you leave. Understand how the deposit can be deducted and the deadline for its return, which is usually ten days after you and the landlord agree the amount.
Avoiding scams and settling in
Never transfer money for a property you have not viewed, and be suspicious of rents far below the local average or landlords who are conveniently abroad and cannot show you the home. Confirm your deposit is registered in a protection scheme, which is a strong sign the landlord is legitimate. After moving in, register for council tax, set up your energy and water accounts, arrange internet, and register with a local GP. Keep your tenancy agreement, deposit-protection certificate and all receipts safe. Knowing your rights under the deposit scheme and the Tenant Fees Act protects you from unfair charges.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Right to Rent check?+
In England, landlords must confirm a tenant is legally allowed to live in the UK before granting a tenancy. You prove this with your passport and visa or, more commonly now, an online share code from the government's view-and-prove service. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland handle status differently.
How much deposit can a UK landlord take?+
For most tenancies the security deposit is capped at five weeks' rent, rising to six weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more. A holding deposit to reserve the property is capped at one week's rent. Your deposit must be placed in a government-approved protection scheme.
Do I need a UK guarantor?+
Many landlords ask for a UK-based guarantor who earns enough to cover the rent, often around 30 times the monthly rent annually. If you do not have one, you can use a paid rent guarantee service, pay several months upfront, or offer a larger deposit instead.
What fees can a letting agent charge?+
Under the Tenant Fees Act, most fees are banned in England. Agents cannot charge for referencing, admin, or renewals. They can only take rent, a capped holding deposit, a capped security deposit, and limited charges such as for lost keys or late rent. Be cautious if asked for banned fees.
Are bills included in UK rent?+
Usually not. Unless the advert says bills are included, you pay council tax, electricity, gas, water and internet on top of rent. Some shared houses and short lets include bills, so always confirm before signing and factor these costs into your budget.
Related reading
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules change, always verify on the official government site before applying.
Official source: www.gov.uk