Renting a Home

What renting costs upfront

In England, most fees that letting agents and landlords once charged tenants are banned. What you can be asked for is limited.

• A holding deposit of no more than one week’s rent
• A tenancy deposit of no more than five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is under £50,000
• Rent in advance
• Bills you agree to pay: usually energy, water, broadband, the TV licence and council tax

What to check at a viewing

• Signs of damp, mould or leaks
• That the heating, hot water and appliances work
• Working smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms where there is a fuel-burning appliance
• Locks on doors and windows
• Mobile signal, noise and natural light
• The Energy Performance Certificate and the gas safety record

Your tenancy agreement

Read the agreement before you sign and keep a copy. Check the rent and how it is paid, who is responsible for which bills, the rules on pets and redecorating, and how either side can end the tenancy.

The law on private tenancies in England has been changing under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own systems. Check the current rules on GOV.UK, or ask Shelter or Citizens Advice, if you are unsure of your rights.

Your deposit

In England and Wales your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme and give you details of the scheme within 30 days of receiving it. At the end of the tenancy, the deposit should be returned within 10 days of you and the landlord agreeing the amount. If you disagree about deductions, the scheme offers a free dispute service.

Moving out

• Give notice in line with your tenancy and the law
• Clean the property and put right any damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Attend the check-out inspection and compare it with the check-in inventory
• Return every key, take meter readings and give a forwarding address