All you need to know about renting
It all starts with finding a place to rent, which can be a pretty competitive process. If you’re not going to be living on your own, you’ll also need to choose a housemate, ideally someone who you think you’ll get along with! It’s also worth taking a moment to get your head around flatshare finances to avoid any falling out over household bills. Most people will sign an assured shorthold tenancy, but if you’re going to lodge with your landlord your rights are different. Read up on your rights when living with a landlord.
Tenancy deposits & estate agent fees
You’ll also have to save for a tenancy deposit, which can be a significant chunk of change. Get your head around the rules so you can stand firm if a landlord or agent tries to keep it without a proper reason. One bit of good news for renters is that since the Tenant Fees Act (2019), UK estate agent fees for tenants are illegal, so whilst you’ll still have to pay a deposit of several week’s rent, you can’t be charged admin fees or any of that rubbish.
Rent guarantors & help with deposits
It’s harder than ever to get together the money for a deposit for renting these days, but if you can’t afford it you might be able to get help in the form of a rent guarantor. Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to know someone who can act as a guarantor. Help is out there though, speak to our team to find out where to go for help with a deposit. If you’re struggling to pay your rent and need some help, see our article on help with rent and rent arrears.
Tenancy agreements & things to consider
Be sure to get your head around tenancy agreements so you don’t end up signing anything dodgy and read our before you rent checklist to avoid any other nasty surprises.
Changes to UK renting laws
Renting laws in the UK have changed in recent years, so whilst rental costs are going up, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are protections in place to safeguard you from ‘unfair’ increases. A landlord can only increase the rent if they follow the proper, legal process and increase it only in line with the market rate. There are also laws and regulations to make sure that your landlord or agent carries out repairs and uses a third party deposit protection scheme so that they can’t just nick your money once a deposit is paid – so it’s not all doom and gloom. Plus, once you’ve finally moved in, you’ll have far less to think about and can get on with enjoying your new place.
Useful resources
Check out some of our key content about renting below.
Tips for choosing the right student house
What to do before renting
After hours of viewings it’s tempting to ignore that lingering smell and the damp patch in the corner. But we believe you deserve a happy home, so here’s our step-by-step guide on how to avoid greedy landlords and nightmare housemates.
