How to rent from a private landlord or letting agent
Protect yourself when handing over money
Many people face pressure to pay money quickly or take a property without seeing it.
Keep records and get everything in writing from the start of your search.
Always view properties in person if you can.
Bring a notepad to viewings so that you can write everything down.
This is especially important if you hand over money. Get the letting agent or landlord to sign the amounts you write down.
Avoid competitive rent bidding
Some agents encourage you and other prospective tenants to say how much you are willing to pay in rent. Then they give the tenancy to the person who will pay most.
This leads to higher rents for everyone and many renters being left with fewer options.
It is not illegal but agents who do this are best avoided.
Do not offer more rent than you can afford.
Holding deposits
A holding deposit is a payment to reserve a property.
Do not pay a holding deposit without viewing the property. Only pay it if you are serious about taking on the tenancy.
How much is a holding deposit?
Landlords and agents cannot take more than it would cost for 1 week’s rent of the property.
You can work this out like this:
Monthly rent x 12 ÷ 52 = maximum holding deposit
Ask for a refund if you're charged more for a holding deposit.
You should get your holding deposit back in full if the landlord decides not to go ahead.
Read our guide to holding deposits on what to do if you do not get your deposit back.
Tenancy deposits
A tenancy deposit is also called a security deposit.
It cannot usually be more than 5 weeks' rent.
Calculate a maximum tenancy deposit
Monthly rent x 12 ÷ 52 x 5 = maximum tenancy deposit
The tenancy deposit is your money. Landlords and agents who take a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy must protect it in a scheme within 30 days.
Your deposit should be returned in full at the end of the tenancy unless the landlord has a reason to make deductions.
Find out more about paying a tenancy deposit.
Rent in advance
Most private landlords ask for at least 1 month's rent in advance.
There is no legal limit on how much rent in advance can be taken by a landlord.
If you pay rent in advance at the same time as a deposit make sure it's clear:
what each payment is for
how much rent is covered by the payment
when you need to make your next rent payment
Get receipts for anything you pay.
Find out more about paying rent in advance.
Other tenancy related fees
Most other tenancy related fees are banned. For example, credit and referencing checks.
Virtual viewings
Always try and view the property in person before you sign anything or pay any money.
Be aware that virtual viewings by video do not always represent the property accurately.
Keep a copy of the video in case you need it as proof that you were misled
Last updated: 26 September 2022
