How to rent a home in the UK
A room in London from £500/month, outside London from £300. Search on SpareRoom. Do not pay a deposit without seeing the place – there are many scammers. Deposit = maximum 5 weeks of rent.
Where to look for housing
| Website | Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpareRoom | Rooms | Most popular, direct with landlord, no agent | Sometimes scammers |
| OpenRent | Flats | Direct from landlord, no agent fee | Less choice than Rightmove |
| Rightmove | Everything | Biggest database in the UK | Often through agents (fee) |
| Zoopla | Everything | Alternative to Rightmove | Through agents |
| Facebook Marketplace | Rooms, flats | Often from Russian speakers, cheap | More scammers |
| Telegram chats | Rooms | Russian-speaking community, fast | No guarantees |
Tip: Start with SpareRoom for rooms. OpenRent – when you are ready to rent a whole flat. Rightmove – to see the market.
Rental prices by city (room/month, 2026)
| City | Room | 1-bed flat | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (centre) | £700–1,000 | £1,400–2,000 | Zone 1–2. Expensive, but more jobs |
| London (suburbs) | £500–750 | £1,000–1,400 | Zone 3–6. Longer travel |
| Manchester | £400–600 | £750–1,000 | Growing city, many jobs |
| Birmingham | £350–550 | £650–900 | Second largest city in the UK |
| Leeds, Sheffield | £300–500 | £550–800 | Cheaper, but fewer jobs |
| Edinburgh | £450–700 | £800–1,200 | Scotland, different rental rules |
| Glasgow | £350–550 | £600–900 | Cheaper than Edinburgh |
Viewing – what you must check
- Mould and damp – check corners, behind furniture, bathroom. Mould = health problems
- Heating – does it work? They must have a Gas Safety Certificate
- Hot water – turn on the tap, check pressure and temperature
- Locks on doors – front door, your room door. Your safety
- Internet – ask about speed. Check 4G/5G coverage on your phone
- Neighbours – noise? How many people live there? Are common areas clean?
- Transport – how long to work? Google Maps will show
- Contract – read EVERYTHING before signing. Especially: length, notice period, what is included in the price
Deposit – your rights by law
Maximum: The deposit cannot be more than 5 weeks of rent (for rent up to £50,000/year). This is the law (Tenant Fees Act 2019).
Protection: The landlord MUST register your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days:
- DPS – Deposit Protection Service
- MyDeposits
- TDS – Tenancy Deposit Scheme
If not registered – you can get compensation up to 3 times the deposit amount through court.
Return: When you move out, the landlord must return the deposit within 10 days. They can deduct for real damage (not normal wear and tear). Disagree? The scheme provides free arbitration.
How to protect your deposit
- Take photos of EVERYTHING when you move in – walls, floors, furniture, appliances. With date. Send them to the landlord by email (so there is a record).
- Fill in the inventory – a list of the condition of the flat. Note ALL damage. Do not be shy.
- Ask for the deposit protection number – which scheme it is registered with. Check on the scheme's website.
- When you move out – take photos again. Clean up. Do not leave damage.
Bills: what you need to pay besides rent
| Bill | Cost/month | Included in rent? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council Tax | £80–200 | Sometimes | Depends on district and band. 25% discount if you live alone |
| Gas + electricity | £80–150 | Sometimes | Octopus Energy – one of the cheapest |
| Water | £20–40 | Sometimes | Usually included in room rent |
| Internet | £25–40 | Often in rooms | BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Hyperoptic |
| TV Licence | £13.25 | No | Needed if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer |
Tip: When you rent a room, bills are usually included. When you rent a flat, they are not. Check BEFORE you sign the contract.
Tenant rights in the UK
- The landlord cannot enter without notice – at least 24 hours notice. Your room is your space
- The home must be fit to live in – heating, hot water, no mould, working plumbing
- Repairs are the landlord's responsibility – roof, walls, pipes, heating, electrics
- You cannot be evicted without court – the landlord must give at least 2 months notice (Section 21) and get a court order
- Discrimination is illegal – based on nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation
- Gas Safety Certificate – the landlord must provide it every year
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – minimum E rating. If lower, the landlord must improve it
- Smoke and CO detectors – required by law
If your rights are violated: Shelter helpline 0808 800 4444 (free), Citizens Advice – citizensadvice.org.uk
Scams – how not to fall for them
They ask for a deposit before viewing
"Send £500 to reserve it." NEVER pay before you see the place in person and sign the contract.
The price is too good
A room in central London for £300? It is fake. Check average prices on SpareRoom.
The landlord is "abroad"
"I am not in the UK now, but I will send the keys by post after you pay." Classic scam. Do not pay.
No contract
Without a written contract – no protection. Always ask for a tenancy agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a home without a credit history?
Yes. SpareRoom (rooms) – most landlords do not check credit. For flats, you may need a guarantor or pay 3–6 months in advance.
How much do I need for the first month?
Usually: first month rent + deposit (5 weeks). For a room in London £600: you need about £1,350 right away. Outside London (£400): about £900.
What is Council Tax?
A local tax on housing. The person who lives there pays (not the landlord). £80–200/month depending on the area. 25% discount if you live alone. Students are fully exempt.
Can I rent a home with ARC?
Asylum seekers get housing through Section 95 from the Home Office. After you get status, you have 28 days to find your own place. SpareRoom, Facebook groups, charities can help.
How do I get my deposit back?
When you move out, the landlord returns it within 10 days. They can deduct for damage (not normal wear and tear). Disagree? The Deposit Protection Scheme offers free arbitration. If the deposit was not registered – you can get up to 3 times the amount through court.