Renting a private property – before you move in

Your rights as a private tenant depend on the type of agreement you have with your landlord. This guide focuses on the rights of assured shorthold tenants. Most tenants who moved into a property on or after 28 February 1997 are assured shorthold tenants. As this guide is about what to do before you move into a rental property, it will be relevant to the vast majority of people looking for a new place.

Man standing over a house making a payment online

Should you rent through a letting agent or direct from a landlord?

The first thing you’ll want to decide is whether to rent through a letting agent or direct from a landlord. There are advantages to both, so it depends on your priorities.

Advantages of renting through a letting agent

they can give you information about the local area
you won’t need to chase the landlord to make any repairs that need doing – just talk to the letting agent and they’ll arrange the rest
you can complain to an independent organisation if you’re unhappy with the service you receive

Advantages of renting directly from a landlord

a landlord might not carry out a credit check
you might not need references (or as many references)
there may be fewer costs before you move in

Where can I find somewhere to rent?

property websites – you can set your search for the area you’re interested in and arrange viewings online
estate agents
asking friends and family
local noticeboards and newspapers

Dos and don’ts when looking for somewhere to rent

Dos

Take someone to property viewings. It’s safer and it’s always useful to get a second opinion
If someone other than the landlord shows you the property, make sure you get the landlord’s details

Don’ts

Hand over any money before seeing the property
Pay for viewings, references, credit or affordability checks, or immigration checks
Rent directly from a current tenant, unless they have permission from the landlord (don’t just take their word for it, check with the landlord)

What to look for in a property

You should check:

what the rent is and how it needs to be paid
if the rent includes any bills
how long you can rent for and whether you’ll be able to extend at the end of that period or leave early
if you need to pay rent in advance
if you need to pay the letting agent any fees
how your deposit will be protected (landlords are usually required to do this legally)
if there are any rules you’ll need to follow e.g. you might not be allowed to have pets or to smoke
the energy performance certificate – a rental property must be rated from A-E (unless it’s exempt). A landlord is breaking the law by renting a property that’s rated F or G and isn’t exempt

Documents your letting agent or landlord might want to see

You will probably be asked to show:

proof you’re allowed to rent in the UK i.e. passport or immigration documents
refences e.g. from a previous landlord or your employer

If you get these documents ready as soon as you start viewing properties, you may be able to move into your new home more quickly.

Renting a shared property

Most shared flats or houses with multiple tenants need to be licensed to make sure they’re not overcrowded and meet set safety standards.

You can check if a shared property is licensed with your local council.

Person sat on the sofa browsing his phone

If you get benefits to pay for your housing

Some letting agents and landlords won’t accept tenants who get housing benefit or universal credit to pay for their accommodation.

You don’t need to tell a letting agent or landlord that you receive benefits unless they ask.

If you’re turned down for a property because you’re on benefits

You may be able to convince a letting agent or landlord that you’d make a good tenant by:

offering to use a guarantor – this is someone who would pay the rent if you didn’t
providing additional references (this is likely to be more effective if you can get one from a previous landlord saying you always paid your rent on time)
saying you’d be happy for them to do an affordability check, if they haven’t already

Challenging a letting agent or landlord for discrimination

It’s against the law to discriminate against someone because they’re on benefits. So, if a landlord or letting agent refuses to rent a property to you for this reason, you may want to challenge their decision. Shelter have a template letter you can use.