How to rent from a private landlord or letting agent
Protect yourself when handing over money
You might feel pressured 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 see properties in person if you can.
Bring a notepad to viewings so that you can write everything down.
This is very important if you hand over money. Get the letting agent or landlord to write down the amounts you have paid and what they are for. Keep this information in a file.
Avoid bidding wars
Some agents will ask you to say how much you are willing to pay in rent. They give the tenancy to the person who will pay most.
This is sometimes called a 'bidding war'. It is not illegal but try to avoid agents who do this.
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 seeing 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 the cost of 1 week’s rent for 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 all of your holding deposit back if the landlord decides not to go ahead.
Read our guide on what to do if you do not get your holding 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
Your 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.
You should get your whole deposit back when you leave unless your landlord has a reason to keep the money.
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 they can ask for.
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, fees for referencing or credit checks.
Virtual viewings
Some landlords or agents offer 'virtual viewings'. A virtual viewing is when you watch a video of the property or use a video call to do a viewing instead of going to the property yourself.
Always try and view the property in person before you sign anything or pay any money.
Be aware that virtual viewings do not always show what the property is really like.
Keep a copy of the video in case you need it as proof that you were misled.
Last updated: 3 April 2025
