Renter Guides

• Budget for: rent, deposit, holding deposit, bills (energy/water/broadband), council tax, and move-in costs.
• Get your documents ready: photo ID, proof of income (payslips/contract), recent bank statements, previous landlord reference.
• Right to Rent (England): landlords/agents must check all adult occupiers’ status before tenancy starts.
• Know the caps: holding deposit up to 1 week’s rent; tenancy deposit usually up to 5 weeks’ rent (< £50k/yr rent) or 6 weeks (≥ £50k/yr).

• View the property (or trusted proxy) before sending money. Avoid pressure to pay “today only”.
• Ask for: EPC band, council tax band, meter types, parking rules, broadband availability.
• Red flags: cloned photos, no address, “pay deposit before viewing”, requests for crypto/instant bank transfers.
• Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud; forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

• Typical affordability: total household income around 2.5–3× annual rent (varies). Evidence via payslips or contract.
• Expect credit & landlord checks. Alternatives if borderline: higher rent in advance or a UK-based guarantor.
• Agree move-in date, tenancy length (e.g., 12 months with a break clause), and pets policy in writing.

A holding deposit (optional) reserves the property while referencing is done. In England it’s capped at up to one week’s rent.

• Get terms in writing: amount, deadline to sign, when it’s refunded or can be retained (e.g., you withdraw, provide misleading info, or miss deadlines).
• If the landlord withdraws or a time limit passes without fault, it should be refunded.
• Confirm whether it will be put towards the first rent or tenancy deposit when you sign.

Most private renters in England have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

• Read the agreement: names, rent, deposit, term, break clause, notice, included items, pets, subletting, permitted occupiers.
• Landlord should provide: How to Rent guide, EPC, Gas Safety (if gas), and proof of smoke/CO alarms testing on move-in day.
• Ask how to report repairs and the expected response times.

• Deposit caps in England: up to 5 weeks’ rent (if annual rent < £50k) or up to 6 weeks (≥ £50k).
• Deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme and you should receive the scheme’s prescribed information (and certificate) shortly after payment.
• At the end, you’re entitled to the deposit back if you meet the agreement, don’t damage the property, and pay rent/bills.
• Disputes can use the scheme’s free ADR (alternative dispute resolution).

• Record meter readings; test smoke/CO alarms; note key count and any parking/fob details.
• Inventory (with photos) sets the baseline for deposit deductions. Add your comments/photos within the stated timeframe and return a signed copy.
• Register with utilities and council tax promptly (students: check exemptions).

• Report repairs in writing and keep a record. Landlords should keep structure, plumbing, heating and electrics in good repair.
• They must give at least 24 hours’ notice (except emergencies) before entering.
• Gas safety checks (if gas) are annual; electrical safety checks are required; smoke alarms on each floor and CO alarms where required.
• If urgent issues aren’t addressed, contact your local council’s private renting team.

• Pay by traceable method and keep receipts. Ask for a rent schedule if needed.
• Rent increases must follow your agreement and the law — often notice via a formal form or at renewal.
• If you’re struggling: speak early to agree a plan; check eligibility for Discretionary Housing Payments or benefits; seek free advice.

• Your notice must match the agreement (and be in writing). Keep proof of service.
• Deep clean, repair minor tenant-caused damage, and return keys on time. Take date-stamped photos at check-out.
• Disagree with proposed deductions? Ask for evidence (invoices/photos) and use the deposit scheme’s ADR if needed.

In England and Wales, letting agents must belong to a government-approved redress scheme and have Client Money Protection (CMP).

• Ask which redress scheme they’re in and for their CMP certificate.
• If you can’t resolve a complaint with the agent directly, escalate via the redress scheme.

• Private renting: rights & responsibilities
• How to Rent (latest version)
• Right to Rent: how to check
• Tenancy deposit protection
• HSE: Gas safety for landlords (know what to expect)
• Action Fraud (report scams)