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How does renting work in the UK?

By LandfallFor US citizens and green card holders moving to the UKDownload as PDF

The short answer

Most Americans rent first. Expect reference checks, a capped deposit that the landlord must protect in a government-approved scheme, and council tax on top of rent. Without UK credit history you may be asked for a guarantor or rent in advance, within legal limits. The rules differ in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How it usually works

  1. Search on the big property sites, or use a letting agent. Homes go quickly in busy cities, so be ready to view and offer fast.
  2. Pay a holding deposit to reserve the home while checks are done.
  3. Pass referencing: checks on your income, employer and credit. New arrivals with no UK history may be asked for a UK guarantor or rent in advance.
  4. Sign the tenancy, pay the deposit and first month’s rent, and move in.

Deposits

  • Deposits are capped. In England the usual cap is five weeks’ rent, and the holding deposit is capped at one week’s rent. In Scotland, the cap is two months’ rent.
  • Your landlord must put the deposit in a government-approved protection scheme and give you the details. This applies across the UK.

Right to rent (England)

In England, landlords must check that you have the right to rent before the tenancy starts. You’ll prove it with a share code from your eVisa account. This check doesn’t apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Things that differ by nation

What to know
England The Renters’ Rights Act is moving tenancies to rolling contracts and limiting rent in advance. These changes were being brought in during 2026, so check what applies on your move date.
Scotland Private tenancies are open-ended, with no fixed term. Landlords must be registered. See Scotland.
Wales Tenancies are called “occupation contracts”, with their own rules on notice.
Northern Ireland Its own tenancy rules, including deposit protection.

Costs on top of rent

  • Council tax: a local tax on your home, paid by the people who live there. Some households get a discount, such as people living alone.
  • Utilities: energy, water (paid separately in most of England and Wales), broadband.
  • TV licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
  • Contents insurance for your belongings. Your landlord insures the building, not your things.

Furnished or unfurnished?

“Furnished” usually means furniture is included, and “unfurnished” often still includes kitchen appliances. Check exactly what’s included, because UK homes and appliances are often smaller than in the US.

What to do next

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General information, not personal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.