How does renting a home work in the UK?

Most renters deal with a letting agent or private landlord under an assured shorthold tenancy. Your deposit is capped at five weeks' rent (six if your annual rent is over £50,000) and must be protected in an official scheme. Agents can't charge you holding fees beyond one week's rent, thanks to the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Last reviewed as part of the UKRoute answer bank — always check the official links below before acting.

1. 1

   Check what you can afford — most agents expect a tenant to earn around 30 times the monthly rent a year.

2. 2

   Arrange viewings and prepare to pass "right to rent" checks (ID + evidence of immigration status).

3. 3

   Pay a holding deposit (max one week's rent) to reserve the property.

4. 4

   On signing, pay the five-week deposit (it must be protected in a government-approved scheme) and first month's rent — agents can't charge referencing or admin fees.

5. 5

   Take photos at the move-in handover and use the official inventory to note any damage.

6. 6

   Before moving in, check who pays council tax, water and energy on the tenancy — you're the one who needs to set those accounts up.