Renting a home in the UK is a key stage in settling after an international move. Short-term lets are valuable during the research phase, but long-term tenancies offer the stability needed for everyday life. Understanding affordability checks, tenancy agreements, deposits, tenant rights and the difference between furnished and unfurnished homes can help you navigate the process confidently.
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important parts of relocating to the UK. While it can be tempting to rush the decision, taking time to understand the rental market, viewing neighbourhoods and preparing your documents will make the process smoother and far less stressful.
Short-term lets can be valuable before you relocate as you explore areas and plan your move. But once you are ready to live in the UK, you will need a long-term tenancy to establish your home, register for services and begin everyday life.
This guide explains how rentals work in the UK, the difference between short and long-term options, how affordability checks operate, your rights and responsibilities, and when expert support can help.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always seek professional guidance before signing contracts or making financial decisions.
Short-term stays are most useful during your research phase before you fully relocate. Many people spend time in the UK in advance to understand neighbourhoods, transport links, schools and lifestyle before committing to a long-term rental.
Options typically include:
They offer flexibility, usually include furniture and bills, and allow you to explore areas at your own pace. However, they are not typically suitable once you relocate, as they usually cannot be used as a permanent address for banking, schooling or public services and costs are significantly higher than standard rentals.
Most long-term rentals in the UK use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), usually lasting six or twelve months, with renewal possible. This is the most common, quickest and most reliable way to secure somewhere to live without a long term commitment.
Most properties are advertised through letting agents. They manage referencing, deposits, contracts and communication.
Some landlords let their properties privately. Always ensure:
Where you move for work, your employer may rent on your behalf. This can simplify referencing but tends to cost more and follow stricter policies. It may also have tax implications for both you and your employer.
Letting agents and landlords will assess affordability and suitability. The most common measure is that your gross annual income should be at least 30 times the monthly rent.
For example, if rent is £2,000 per month, you will usually need to prove £60,000 annual household income.
Affordability is assessed per tenancy, so joint income is counted. This often makes renting easier if you are relocating with a partner who also has income.
You may also be asked for:
If you do not yet have a UK income or credit history, you may need:
Being organised with documents and references makes a big difference.
Renting is a practical solution if you plan to buy but need time to complete the purchase or finish an off-plan build. This approach can be helpful if:
A rental provides a stable base, lets you get to know neighbourhoods properly and avoids rushing major financial decisions.
Finding a rental from overseas can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with UK locations, letting practices or market pace. One option is to work with a relocation consultant or property-finding agent who acts on your behalf.
Property-finding agents will typically:
This can be particularly valuable if you are moving before securing a long-term rental, need to prioritise schooling or commute considerations, or simply do not have time to manage viewings and administration from abroad.
While there is a fee for the service, you benefit from local expertise, reduced stress and a smoother process. Importantly, renting first is not a permanent decision. A relocation specialist can help you find a suitable property for your initial period in the UK, allowing you time to settle, explore neighbourhoods and plan your long-term housing options, whether renting or buying.
Typically a property-finding agent will cost one month’s rent.
Security deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent and must be protected in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. You will receive confirmation of this and details of the scheme. Not all rentals require a deposit, but it is rare that one wouldn’t be required.
Rent is usually paid monthly. Clarify what is included. In most tenancies, tenants pay:
UK tenants benefit from a well-established framework designed to provide security, transparency and fair treatment. While renting does involve obligations, tenants have clear legal protections that landlords and letting agents must follow.
You are entitled to a written agreement setting out the terms of your tenancy, including rent, duration, responsibilities and notice periods. Always keep a signed copy.
If you pay a deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. You must receive confirmation and prescribed information about where your deposit is held. This protects you from unfair deductions.
Letting fees and most administrative charges to tenants are banned in England, Scotland and Wales. You should only pay the deposit and any agreed rent in advance.
Your rental property must be safe, secure and fit for human habitation. This includes:
Landlords must provide valid safety certificates and carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
You have the right to live in your home without undue interference. The landlord must give reasonable notice (normally at least 24 hours) before accessing the property, unless there is an emergency.
Your landlord cannot evict you without proper legal process. During a fixed term, eviction requires specific grounds, and at the end of a tenancy notice must be served correctly and timeframes followed.
Rent can only be increased in line with the terms of your agreement or by using the lawful rent-increase process. You must receive proper notice, and increases must be reasonable and reflect market conditions.
If there is a disagreement about deposit deductions, repairs or other tenancy matters, you can use the deposit scheme’s dispute resolution service or seek advice through official housing support services.
Landlords cannot unlawfully discriminate based on protected characteristics (for example race, gender, disability or religion) when deciding who to rent to or how they manage a tenancy.
These protections apply whether you rent through an agent or directly from a landlord. If you feel your rights are not being respected, guidance and support are available through official housing advice services.
Tenants are expected to:
Relocating to the UK from overseas can make property searching harder, especially when you cannot view in person or are navigating referencing without a UK history.
To make the process smoother, we can introduce you to a trusted relocation and property-finding specialist who works specifically with people moving to the UK.
They will offer a free discovery call with you allowing you to discuss your plans and ask questions with no obligation. If you decide to work with them, they will act as your advocate throughout the process, helping you secure a suitable home and avoid common pitfalls experienced by international renters.
