Renting guide
Renting a Home: Budget, Viewings, Deposits and Moving In
Before renting, check your total monthly rent and bills, the property's condition, the letting agent or landlord, the written terms, deposit protection and the moving arrangements. In England, most private assured tenancies have been periodic since 1 May 2026; for new covered tenancies, a landlord generally cannot demand rent before signing, and the usual initial advance-rent limit is one month's rent.
Applies to: UK practical overview; tenancy types and deposit rules differ by nation and agreement.
Start with a sustainable monthly budget
Consider rent alongside council tax, energy, broadband, food, travel and other bills, plus an emergency buffer. An advertised monthly rent is only one part of the commitment. Plan one-off moving costs, potential holding payments, a tenancy deposit and any furniture you need. An affordability calculator is a budgeting tool, not a guarantee of landlord acceptance.
Practical checklist
- Estimate monthly take-home income and essential expenses.
- Set a buffer before deciding the maximum rent.
- Budget for moving and upfront payments.
Inspect the property and ask practical questions
View the property in person where possible. Check heating, windows, signs of damp, security, mobile coverage, storage space and access arrangements. Ask who is responsible for repairs, whether any bills are included, which furnishings remain and how you should report problems. Check the energy certificate and ask for documentation appropriate to your tenancy type.
Understand the agreement and deposit
Read the agreement rather than assuming a familiar tenancy type. The rules for deposits, advance rent, notices and repairs vary across the UK and may also depend on the agreement. In England, most existing assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026, and new assured tenancies are normally periodic. Section 21 no-fault eviction is no longer available under the new rules. Exceptions and different agreement types exist: check the official rules for your property and nation, including advance-rent, deposit and notice requirements.
Practical checklist
- Ask for written terms and a clear payment breakdown.
- Verify who will hold and protect the tenancy deposit, where protection is legally required.
- Record agreed repairs and included furniture before paying.
- Check England's post-May-2026 rules for notice and periodic tenancies, or the rules for the relevant devolved nation.
On moving day
Take photos of the condition of the property and keep an inventory signed or acknowledged by the relevant parties. Record utility meter readings and report immediate repair issues in writing. Check fire and safety information, door and window locks, bin collection arrangements and how to contact the landlord or managing agent.
Keep the right records
Store your signed tenancy agreement, deposit information, inventory, payment confirmations and repair correspondence in one place. If you need advice, Citizens Advice or a housing advice service can help explain the rules for your circumstances and nation.
What to read next
Continue with the most relevant next step, or explore the renting journey.
References and further reading
These are the original legal, regulatory and professional sources used to inform this article. MMG explains the key steps above so you do not have to follow external links to find the answer. Circumstances and UK jurisdiction can affect the rules, especially for legal or financial decisions.
- GOV.UK: Renters Rights Act overview for tenants (England)(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Assured periodic tenancy deposits and rent-in-advance limits (England)(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Private renting (tenancy types)(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Required written tenancy terms in England(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Energy Performance Certificates(opens in a new tab)
My Move Guide publishes general information, not personalised legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Estimates and requirements differ by location and circumstances.