Renting a home
Whether you’re renting for the first time or moving on from your current place, we’ll help you understand your rights and avoid the common pitfalls.
How renting works, in plain English
Renting typically means finding a property through an estate or letting agent, passing referencing checks, paying a deposit (protected in a government-approved scheme), and signing an assured shorthold tenancy agreement.
Knowing what’s normal — and what’s not — makes the whole process far less stressful.
Your next steps
- Set your budget, including deposit and moving costs
- Search listings and arrange viewings
- Prepare references (employer, previous landlord, credit check)
- Review the tenancy agreement before signing
- Confirm your deposit is protected in a government scheme
- Record the property’s condition at move-in
Partners who can help
Our directory of vetted estate and letting agents is launching shortly. Once live, featured partners for renters will appear right here.
