How to Rent Guide
Your Essential Guide to Renting a Home in England
Renting a property should be a straightforward and stress-free experience. Whether you’re renting for the first time or moving to a new home, understanding the process can help you make confident decisions.
Our How to Rent Guide covers the key steps, from finding a suitable property to understanding your tenancy agreement and responsibilities.
Things to Consider Before Renting a Property
Before beginning your property search, it’s important to understand your budget, requirements and financial commitments.
Make sure you consider:
Monthly Budget: Rent, council tax, utility bills and other living expenses.
Location: Transport links, local amenities, schools and workplaces.
Property Requirements: Number of bedrooms, furnished or unfurnished, and available facilities.
Upfront Costs: Holding deposits, tenancy deposits and initial rent payments.
Planning ahead will help you find a property that suits your lifestyle and financial circumstances.
Four Simple Steps to Renting a Home
Find a Property
Explore available rental properties and arrange viewings to find a home that meets your needs.
Complete Checks
Provide the documents needed for identity, referencing and right-to-rent checks.
Review Your Agreement
Understand your tenancy terms, rent payments, deposit protection and responsibilities.
Move Into Your Home
Check the property inventory, take meter readings and report any existing issues.
Know Your Financial Responsibilities
From 1 May 2026, landlords can no long
efore signing a tenancy agreement, make sure you understand all payments involved.
Rent: Confirm the monthly amount and payment dates.
Holding Deposit: Usually limited to a maximum of one week’s rent.
Tenancy Deposit: Generally capped at five weeks’ rent, or six weeks for annual rents of £50,000 or more.
Deposit Protection: Qualifying deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
Additional Costs: Check responsibility for council tax, utilities and other agreed bills.
Understanding these costs helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
er serve new Section 21 no-fault eviction notices. Instead, they must provide a valid legal reason under Section 8, such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or intending to sell the property.
Moving Out of Your Rental Property
Ending Your Tenancy
When you’re ready to move out, make sure you follow the correct notice procedure.
For most assured periodic tenancies under the new rules, tenants must give at least two months’ written notice unless a shorter period is agreed.
Before leaving, remember to:
Check your notice requirements.
Clean the property and remove your belongings.
Compare the property against the original inventory.
Take final meter readings.
Return all keys and arrange the return of your deposit.
Your Rights as a Tenant
Live in a safe, well-maintained property
Enjoy your home without unreasonable interference
Be protected against unlawful eviction
Have qualifying deposits protected
Request necessary repairs
Your Responsibilities
Pay your rent on time
Look after the property
Report maintenance problems promptly
Pay agreed household bills
Avoid causing damage or nuisance
Frequently Asked Questions
You may need proof of identity, income details, references and documents confirming your right to rent in England.
Landlords must protect qualifying tenancy deposits in a government-approved scheme.
Landlords are generally responsible for certain structural repairs and essential installations, while tenants must take reasonable care of the property.
Yes, but increases must follow the applicable legal process, including the notice requirements introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Need More Help With Renting?
Whether you’re searching for your first rental property or preparing to move, understanding the rental process can help you avoid common problems.
For current official guidance, visit the government’s Private Renting in England guides, covering starting, managing and ending a tenancy.