Renting in the UK as a New Arrival

Renting in the UK can feel confusing when you are new to the country, especially if you do not yet have UK credit history, a previous UK landlord reference or a long record of UK income.

For many new arrivals, accommodation is one of the biggest early challenges. You may need somewhere temporary when you first land, then a longer-term rental once you understand the area, commute, costs and local transport.

Whether you have arrived on a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, Family Visa, Youth Mobility Scheme or another route, understanding how the rental process works can help you avoid rushed decisions and expensive mistakes.

This guide explains how renting works in the UK, what landlords usually ask for, how to deal with no UK credit history, and what to check before signing a tenancy agreement.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for people who have recently moved to the UK or are planning to arrive soon.

It may help if you are looking for your first UK rental, staying in temporary accommodation, moving with family, studying in the UK, or trying to understand what landlords and letting agents expect from new arrivals.

It is also useful if you are worried about having no UK credit history, no UK guarantor, or no previous UK rental references.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would not rush into a long-term rental just because you want everything sorted quickly. If possible, use temporary accommodation first, get a feel for the area, then choose somewhere based on commute, safety, transport, schools if needed, and total monthly cost.

How Renting Works in the UK

Most rental properties in the UK are advertised by letting agents, private landlords or property websites.

The usual process is to search for properties, arrange viewings, submit an application, complete referencing checks and then sign a tenancy agreement if accepted.

Many private rentals are offered on a fixed-term tenancy, often for 6 or 12 months. Before moving in, you will usually need to pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit.

The deposit is normally held as protection for the landlord in case of damage, unpaid rent or other issues at the end of the tenancy. In England, tenancy deposits usually need to be protected in an approved deposit protection scheme.

Before signing anything, make sure you understand the rent, deposit, tenancy length, notice period, bills, council tax, and what is included in the property.

Where to Find Rental Properties

Most people start their search online.

You can look at property websites, letting agent websites, local Facebook groups, university accommodation pages, employer relocation support, or short-term accommodation platforms while you get settled.

The best place to search depends on your situation. A student may start with university accommodation or student rental platforms, while a worker may focus on commute times, transport links and areas near work.

Do not only compare the rental price. A cheaper property can end up costing more if transport is expensive, council tax is high, bills are not included, or the commute is difficult.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would check the area properly before committing. Look at transport links, nearby supermarkets, school options if you have children, parking if needed, and what the area feels like at different times of day.

Right to Rent Checks

If you rent in England, landlords and letting agents usually need to check that you have the right to rent before they let you a property.

If you have immigration permission, you may need to prove your status using your UKVI account and a share code. This is why it is worth checking that you can access your eVisa or digital immigration status before you start applying for rentals.

Right to Rent rules are not the same across every part of the UK, so check the rules for the country you are moving to if you are renting in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

For new arrivals, this is one of the reasons your immigration documents and UKVI access matter beyond the visa application itself. You may need them for renting, work, banking and other services.

What Landlords and Letting Agents Usually Ask For

Landlords and letting agents usually want to know that you can legally rent, afford the property and look after it properly.

You may be asked for proof of identity, visa or immigration status, proof of income, employment contract, bank statements, references and sometimes a guarantor.

If you are a student, you may be asked for university documents, proof of funding, sponsor letters or guarantor details.

If you are newly arrived and do not have UK records yet, the landlord may ask for extra evidence to feel confident about your application. This might include savings, a job offer, overseas references, or rent paid upfront.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would prepare a simple rental document folder before viewings. Include your passport, visa status/share code details, job contract or university letter, bank evidence, references and anything else that proves you are organised and able to pay.

Renting With No UK Credit History

No UK credit history is one of the biggest challenges for new arrivals.

Even if you had a strong financial record in your home country, UK referencing systems may not be able to see it. This can make landlords or letting agents more cautious.

This does not mean you cannot rent, but you may need to provide extra evidence. Some new arrivals are asked for a UK guarantor, a larger upfront payment, proof of savings, proof of employment or additional references.

Students and people arriving without a UK job may find this more difficult, especially in competitive rental markets.

The best approach is to prepare early and be honest about your situation. If you can show stable income, savings, a job offer, university place or strong references, it may help your application.

Deposits, Upfront Rent and Guarantors

Before moving into a rental property, you will usually need to pay a deposit and the first month’s rent.

Some landlords may ask new arrivals for several months of rent upfront if they do not have UK credit history or a UK guarantor. This is common for international students, workers new to the UK and people without a UK rental record.

A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover rent or costs if you do not pay. Some landlords prefer a UK-based guarantor, which can be difficult for new arrivals.

Before agreeing to pay a large amount upfront, make sure the property is genuine, the landlord or letting agent is legitimate, and you understand the tenancy agreement.

Never send money before you are confident the rental is real and you know who you are paying.

Council Tax, Utilities and Bills

Rent is only one part of the total cost of renting in the UK.

You may also need to pay council tax, gas, electricity, water, broadband, TV licence if needed, contents insurance and other household costs.

Council tax is charged by the local council and depends on the property, area and household circumstances. Students may be exempt, but this usually needs to be arranged properly.

Some rentals include bills, especially shared houses or student accommodation. Other properties require you to set up and pay bills yourself.

Before signing a tenancy, always ask what is included in the rent and what you will need to pay separately.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would always compare the full monthly cost, not just the rent. Rent plus council tax, bills and transport gives a much more realistic picture of whether you can afford the property.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Accommodation

Many new arrivals use short-term accommodation first.

This can include hotels, serviced apartments, Airbnb-style stays, student accommodation, employer-provided accommodation, or staying with family or friends.

Short-term accommodation may cost more per week, but it can give you breathing space. It lets you view properties in person, understand local areas and avoid signing a long tenancy from overseas without seeing the place properly.

Long-term renting usually makes more sense once you know where you want to live and what your routine will look like.

If you are moving for work, think about commute time. If you are moving with children, think about schools and childcare. If you are studying, think about campus access, transport and student areas.

Renting With Family or Pets

Renting with family or pets can take more planning.

If you are moving with children, the location of your rental may affect school choices, commute times, childcare and local support. A cheaper property may not be the best option if it makes school or nursery access difficult.

If you are moving with pets, you need to check the landlord’s pet policy before applying. Some landlords allow pets, some refuse them, and some may consider pets depending on the property.

Do not assume a property is suitable just because it has enough bedrooms or outdoor space. Always check the tenancy rules and ask questions before committing.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: If you are moving with children or pets, I would start the rental search earlier. You may have fewer suitable options, so it helps to give yourself more time.

After Securing a Property

Once your tenancy is agreed, there are a few important steps to take before and after moving in.

Check that your deposit is protected if the rules apply. Keep a copy of your tenancy agreement, payment receipts and any messages with the landlord or letting agent.

On move-in day, take photos and videos of the property condition before you unpack. Record meter readings for gas, electricity and water if needed. Check how to report repairs and who to contact in an emergency.

You should also update your address with your bank, employer, university, GP, insurance providers and any important services.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: Take photos before you unpack. It feels boring at the time, but it can protect you later if there is a deposit dispute.

Common Renting Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is choosing accommodation based only on rent. The cheapest property is not always the cheapest overall once transport, bills, council tax and time are included.

Another mistake is not preparing documents before viewings. In a fast-moving rental market, delays can mean losing a property.

Some new arrivals also sign long-term agreements too quickly because they feel pressure to settle. If you do not know the area yet, temporary accommodation can be safer.

Be careful with scams. Avoid sending money before checking the property, landlord or letting agent. If something feels rushed, unusually cheap or suspicious, take a step back.

It is also important to read the tenancy agreement properly before signing. Check the rent, deposit, notice period, bills, responsibilities and any restrictions.

New Arrival Renting Checklist

Before renting in the UK, prepare:

• passport or identity document
• eVisa or immigration status access
• share code if needed
• employment contract or university letter
• proof of income or savings
• references if available
• deposit and first month’s rent
• budget for council tax and bills
• UK phone number
• bank account or payment method
• questions for the landlord or letting agent
• photos and meter readings on move-in day

Renting in the UK FAQs

🏠 Can new arrivals rent in the UK?

Yes, new arrivals can rent in the UK, but landlords or letting agents may ask for documents such as proof of identity, immigration status, income, savings or references.

📄 What is a Right to Rent check?

A Right to Rent check is used in England to confirm that a tenant has permission to rent. Some visa holders prove this using a share code from their UKVI account.

💷 How much deposit do I need?

You will usually need a security deposit and the first month’s rent before moving in. The deposit amount can vary, but it is often linked to the weekly rent.

🏦 Can I rent without UK credit history?

Yes, but it can be harder. Some landlords may ask for extra evidence, a guarantor, proof of income, savings or several months of rent upfront.

👨‍👩‍👧 Do I need a guarantor?

Not always. Some landlords ask for a guarantor if you do not have UK credit history, stable income or previous UK rental references.

🧾 Is council tax included in rent?

Sometimes, but not always. You should ask before signing a tenancy. In many rentals, council tax is separate from rent.

⚡ Are bills included in UK rent?

Some rentals include bills, especially shared accommodation or student housing. Many private rentals do not include gas, electricity, water, broadband or council tax.

🐾 Can I rent with pets in the UK?

Sometimes, but it depends on the landlord, property and tenancy agreement. Always ask before applying or signing.

📸 What should I do on move-in day?

Take photos and videos of the property, record meter readings, check the inventory and keep copies of your tenancy agreement and payment receipts.

Related Guides

If you are renting in the UK as a new arrival, these guides may also help:

• 👉 First 90 Days in the UK
• 👉 Settling in the UK
• 👉 Cost of Living in the UK
• 👉 Banking in the UK for New Arrivals
• 👉 Moving Money to the UK
• 👉 Insurance for New Arrivals in the UK
• 👉 How to Get a UK Number
• 👉 Moving to the UK With Pets

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