Get an Apartment in UK
Hello and welcome to the UK! Finding a rental property can feel like a big challenge when you're new to the country, but don't worry, it's definitely manageable. I'm here to guide you through the process, ensuring you understand everything clearly without any confusing terms.
Types of Rental Properties in UK
The UK offers a variety of rental options to suit different needs and budgets:
Flats or Apartments: These are very common, especially in urban areas and city centres. They can range from small studio flats (one room for living, sleeping, and cooking, with a separate bathroom) to one, two, or even more bedrooms. They are often popular with single people, couples, and small families.
Houses: More common in suburban and rural areas, houses offer more space, often including a private garden. They are ideal for families or those who prefer more privacy and outdoor space.
Rooms in a House Share (House of Multiple Occupation or HMO): This is where you rent a single room within a larger house and share communal areas like the kitchen and bathroom with other tenants who are not part of your family. HMOs must be licensed by the local council and meet specific safety standards. This is a very popular and often more affordable option for single people or those on a tighter budget.
Co-living Spaces: A modern type of house share where you have a private bedroom and sometimes a private bathroom, but share larger, well-designed communal areas like kitchens, lounges, gyms, and event spaces. These are often professionally managed and can be more expensive than traditional house shares, but often include utilities and services.
Build-to-Rent (BtR) Developments: These are purpose-built apartment blocks or sometimes houses designed specifically for renting, not for sale. They are typically modern, with professional management, and often come with amenities like gyms, communal lounges, and concierge services. They tend to be concentrated in urban areas and are usually more expensive, but offer a higher standard of living and often a more hassle-free experience.
Average Price of Rental Properties in Major Cities
Rental prices across the UK, especially in major cities, have been rising. Here are some average monthly rent figures to give you an idea (as of early 2025):
London: Average monthly rent is around £2,235. Prices can vary hugely by borough and proximity to central London, with some areas easily exceeding £3,000 for a three-bedroom flat.
Cambridge: Around £1,300 per month.
Brighton & Hove: Around £1,616 per month.
Oxford: Around £1,400 per month.
Bristol: Around £1,389 per month.
Edinburgh: Around £1,263 per month.
Manchester: While not explicitly listed in the top 10 for steepest increases in the most recent data, Manchester is a major city with high demand, and prices typically sit well over £1,000 for a one-bedroom flat.
General UK Average (across all types of properties): Around £1,339 per month in May 2025.
Remember, these are averages. Prices will vary significantly depending on the number of bedrooms, the specific area, the property's condition, and whether it's furnished or unfurnished.
Rules a Tenant Has to Follow
When you rent a property, your responsibilities will be clearly laid out in your tenancy agreement (the contract between you and the landlord). Here are some common rules:
Pay Rent on Time: This is the most important one. Always pay your rent by the due date specified in your agreement, even if you are having a dispute with your landlord.
Take Care of the Property: You must keep the property clean and tidy, and not cause any damage beyond what's considered "fair wear and tear" (e.g., carpets wearing down over time is fair wear and tear; a large stain from a spill is not). You should report any maintenance issues or problems to your landlord promptly.
Pay Other Bills: Unless specifically stated in your tenancy agreement, you will typically be responsible for paying council tax, utility bills (electricity, gas, water), and your television licence.
Allow Access for Repairs/Inspections: You must allow your landlord or their agent to enter the property to carry out inspections, repairs, or gas safety checks. However, they must give you at least 24 hours' notice and arrange a reasonable time, unless it's a genuine emergency. You have a right to "quiet enjoyment," meaning they cannot disturb you unnecessarily.
Do Not Sublet Without Permission: You cannot rent out a room or the whole property to someone else unless your tenancy agreement explicitly allows it and you have your landlord's written permission.
Follow Specific Rules in Your Agreement: Your tenancy agreement might have specific clauses, for example, about not smoking indoors, restrictions on pets, or rules about communal areas. Read it carefully!
Tenant Protection Rules and Laws
The UK has strong laws in place to protect tenants. It's vital to know your rights!
Right to Live in a Safe Property: Your home must be safe and in good repair. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, as well as essential systems like plumbing, heating, and electricity.
Right to a Protected Deposit: If you started your tenancy after April 2007, your landlord must protect your deposit in one of three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes (TDPs) within 30 days of receiving it. You should receive "prescribed information" detailing where your deposit is held. This ensures your deposit is safe and helps resolve disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Protection Against Unfair Eviction ("No Fault Evictions"): A new law, the Renters' Rights Bill, is in the process of becoming law (as of early 2025, it's gone through the House of Commons and is in the House of Lords). This bill aims to end "Section 21" no-fault evictions, meaning landlords will only be able to evict you for a valid, legally specified reason (e.g., if you haven't paid rent, or if they genuinely need to sell or move into the property). Under the new system, all tenancies will become periodic (no fixed end date), and you will generally have 12 months protection from eviction at the start of a tenancy. Landlords will need to give more notice (e.g., 4 months if they want to sell or move in).
Right to Challenge Unfair Rent Increases: Your landlord must give you proper written notice before increasing the rent (typically at least one month for a periodic tenancy, or as specified in your fixed-term agreement). Rent increases must be fair and in line with local market rates. If you believe an increase is unreasonable, you can challenge it through a Rent Tribunal. The Renters' Rights Bill also aims to limit how much rent can be increased and ban "rental bidding" (where tenants offer more than the advertised rent).
Right to Information: Your landlord must provide you with their full name and address (or their agent's details), a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate (if there's gas in the property), an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and for tenancies in England, the government's "How to Rent" guide.
Right to Privacy ("Quiet Enjoyment"): Your landlord cannot enter your home without your permission or without giving proper notice (at least 24 hours, unless it's a genuine emergency). They cannot harass you.
Right to Keep Pets (under new laws): The Renters' Rights Bill aims to give tenants the right to request to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
Rules a Landlord Has to Follow
Landlords have significant legal responsibilities to ensure their property is safe and habitable:
Property Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are responsible for most major repairs to the structure and exterior of the property (roof, walls, windows, drains) and keeping essential services (water, gas, electricity, heating) in good working order.
Gas Safety: All gas appliances, pipes, and flues must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you must be given a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate.
Electrical Safety: Electrical installations must be checked by a qualified electrician at least every five years, and you should receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Fire Safety: Smoke alarms must be installed on each floor, and carbon monoxide detectors in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance (like a wood stove) or a gas appliance (excluding a cooker). Furniture must meet fire safety standards.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): The property must have an EPC with a minimum rating of E (unless exempt). You should be shown this when viewing.
Protecting Deposits: As mentioned, deposits for assured shorthold tenancies must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
Right to Rent Checks: In England, landlords must check that all adult tenants have the legal "right to rent" in the UK
Provide Information: Landlords must give tenants their contact details, the "How to Rent" guide (in England), and information about the deposit protection scheme.
Avoid Harassment/Illegal Eviction: Landlords cannot harass tenants or try to evict them without following the correct legal procedures, which involve court orders.
The Roles Estate Agents Play in the Rental Market
Estate agents (often called "letting agents" in the rental market) act as intermediaries between landlords and tenants. They can play several roles:
Finding Properties: They help tenants find suitable rental properties based on their requirements and budget. They have access to a wide range of properties and local market knowledge.
Marketing Properties: For landlords, they advertise properties on various platforms, conduct viewings, and screen potential tenants.
Tenant Screening: They typically carry out referencing checks on prospective tenants, which can include credit checks, employment verification, and previous landlord references. This helps landlords find reliable tenants.
Negotiation and Paperwork: They assist with negotiating tenancy terms and preparing the tenancy agreement.
Rent Collection and Management: Some agents offer a "fully managed" service, where they collect rent, handle maintenance requests, conduct property inspections, and deal with tenant issues on behalf of the landlord.
Deposit Protection: They are responsible for ensuring that your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme.
Be aware: Letting agents charge fees to landlords for their services. Since June 2019, most fees charged to tenants in England are banned (see section 9).
Where and How to Find Good Rental Properties
Finding a good, affordable rental can be competitive, especially in popular cities. Here's how to look:
Major Online Portals:
Rightmove (rightmove.co.uk): The largest property portal in the UK, with thousands of rental listings from letting agents.
Zoopla (zoopla.co.uk): Another huge property website, also listing properties from agents.
OpenRent (openrent.co.uk): This platform connects landlords directly with tenants, often meaning no administration fees for tenants (which are largely banned now anyway, but historically this was a big perk).
Room Sharing Websites (for single people/couples looking for a room):
SpareRoom (spareroom.co.uk): The leading website for finding flatmates and rooms to rent in shared accommodation.
RoomGo (roomgo.co.uk): Another good option for finding rooms.
Social Media Groups: Search for local "rentals" or "flat share" groups on platforms like Facebook for your specific city or area. Private landlords often post here directly.
Local Letting Agents: Visit local letting agent offices in the areas you're interested in. They often have properties before they hit the major online portals.
Word of Mouth: Let friends, colleagues, and acquaintances know you're looking. Sometimes, the best deals come through personal connections.
Consider Lesser-Known Areas: Properties in the city centre are always more expensive. Look at areas slightly further out, perhaps with good transport links, which can offer significantly better value.
Be Quick: The rental market, especially for good properties, moves very fast. If you see something you like, arrange a viewing immediately.
Have Documents Ready: Prepare your documents (proof of identity, proof of income, references) in advance to show you're a serious applicant.
What to Look For When Viewing a Rental Property
Viewing a property is your chance to assess if it's right for you. Don't be afraid to be thorough!
What to Look For:
Damp and Mould: Check corners, behind furniture, in bathrooms, and around windows for any signs of dampness, mould, or musty smells. This is huge and a common issue that can indicate poor ventilation or structural problems.
Heating and Hot Water: Ask about the heating system (gas central heating, electric storage heaters?). Turn on taps to check water pressure and ensure hot water comes through. Ask how old the boiler is and when it was last serviced.
Windows and Doors: Check if they open and close properly, are secure, and don't have drafts.
Electrics: Check plug sockets, light fittings, and the fuse box. Ask when the last electrical safety check (EICR) was done.
Appliances: If furnished or part-furnished, check if appliances (oven, fridge, washing machine) are included and in working order.
Storage: Is there enough cupboard space, wardrobe space, or other storage?
Natural Light: How much natural light does the property get? This can impact your mood and energy bills.
Noise Levels: Listen for noise from neighbours, traffic, or nearby businesses. If possible, visit at different times of day.
Communal Areas: If it's a flat, check the cleanliness and condition of hallways, stairwells, and shared gardens.
Mobile Signal and Broadband: Check your phone's signal strength and ask about the broadband provider and speed in the area.
Questions to Ask:
What is the length of the tenancy agreement? (Usually 6 or 12 months initially for fixed-term, then it might go periodic).36
What is the deposit amount, and which tenancy deposit scheme will it be protected in?
Which bills are included in the rent (if any)? (Usually, none are, but sometimes water or communal service charges might be).
Who is responsible for council tax and utilities? (Usually the tenant).
What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?
When was the last Gas Safety Certificate issued? (You should be given a copy).
What are the average utility bills for the property? (The landlord or agent might be able to give an estimate, but it's not always accurate).
What is the parking situation? (On-street, permit required, dedicated space?)
Are pets allowed? (If you have one, be upfront.)
Can I make any cosmetic changes (e.g., paint walls, hang pictures)?
Who is the point of contact for repairs and emergencies?
What are the neighbours like? (Agents might give a vague answer, but it's worth asking).
Why are the previous tenants leaving? (Sometimes it's just natural progression, sometimes it hints at issues).
What to Look Out For
While most landlords and agents are legitimate, unfortunately, some may try to take advantage of tenants. Here's what to look out for:
Illegal Fees: In England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 made most fees charged to tenants illegal. Landlords and agents can only charge for:
Rent
Refundable tenancy deposit (capped at 5 weeks' rent, or 6 weeks if annual rent is £50,000 or more)
Refundable holding deposit (capped at one week's rent)
Utilities, Council Tax, TV Licence
Default fees for late rent payments (only if rent is 14 days late, capped at 3% above Bank of England base rate)
Charges for losing a key or security device
Changes to the tenancy agreement requested by the tenant (capped at £50)
Early termination of the tenancy (if requested by the tenant, covering landlord's losses). If an agent or landlord asks for any other fees (e.g., "administration fees," "referencing fees," "check-in/check-out fees"), they are likely illegal. Refuse to pay and report them to your local council's trading standards.
Not Protecting Your Deposit: If your landlord doesn't protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme, they are breaking the law. This makes it difficult to get your deposit back. Always ask for proof of protection and the "prescribed information."
Withholding Deposit Unfairly: At the end of the tenancy, landlords might try to deduct money from your deposit for "damage" that is actually fair wear and tear or was pre-existing. This is why a detailed inventory (a list of contents and condition of the property at move-in) with photos/videos is crucial. Always challenge unfair deductions through the deposit protection scheme's free dispute resolution service.
Unreasonable Rent Increases: As mentioned, rent increases must be fair and follow proper notice periods. Don't be pressured into agreeing to excessive increases.
Lack of Repairs/Maintenance: A common issue. Some landlords ignore legitimate repair requests, leaving tenants in unsafe or uncomfortable conditions. Always report issues in writing (email is best) and keep records. If they don't respond, you can contact your local council's environmental health department.
Harassment or Illegal Eviction: A landlord cannot change the locks, remove your belongings, or threaten you to leave without a court order. This is illegal. If this happens, contact your local council and Shelter (a housing charity) immediately.
Pressuring You to Sign Quickly: A good agent/landlord will give you time to read the tenancy agreement and ask questions. Don't feel rushed into signing something you don't understand or agree with.
"Bidding Wars" (soon to be illegal): Before the Renters' Rights Bill, some agents encouraged tenants to offer above the advertised rent. This will be illegal. Landlords must advertise a clear rent.
Discrimination: It is illegal for landlords or agents to discriminate against you based on protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, disability, or (under the new bill) if you are receiving benefits or have children.
Recommendations for Renters
For Renters with a Small Family:
Prioritise Space and Bedrooms: You'll likely need at least two bedrooms, possibly three depending on the size of your family and the ages of your children. Consider the layout and if there's enough living space for everyone.
Look for Houses or Larger Flats: Houses often provide more space, a private garden (great for kids!), and less noise from neighbours than flats. Ground floor flats might also be an option for easier access with children.
Location is Key:
Schools: Research local schools and their Ofsted ratings. Being within the catchment area for good schools is highly desirable and can be competitive.
Amenities: Look for proximity to parks, playgrounds, doctors, supermarkets, and family-friendly activities.
Transport Links: Consider how you'll commute to work and school – bus routes, train stations.
Safety: Research crime rates for the area.
Unfurnished is Often Better: If you have your own furniture, an unfurnished property gives you more flexibility to make it feel like home.
Check for Child Safety: When viewing, look for obvious hazards like unprotected windows, exposed wires, or staircases without proper railings.
For Someone Alone:
Consider a Room in a House Share (HMO/Co-living): This can be a fantastic way to save money, meet new people, and often includes bills in the rent, simplifying your finances. They are plentiful in most towns and cities.
Studio or One-Bedroom Flat: If you prefer your own space, a studio or one-bedroom flat offers privacy. However, they can be significantly more expensive than a room in a shared house, especially in city centres.
Balance Commute and Rent: Decide how far you're willing to commute to work versus the rent savings. Living slightly further out from the city centre can make a huge difference to your budget.
Safety and Security: When viewing, check for secure entry systems for flats, and good locks on doors and windows. Research the local area at different times of day to ensure you feel safe.
Bills Included vs. Excluded: For a single person, finding a flat share with bills included can be a huge simplification. If you opt for your own flat, factor in all the additional monthly costs beyond rent.
Social Scene: If you're new to the UK and alone, consider areas with good social amenities, or perhaps a co-living space if you want a built-in community.
No matter your situation, starting your search early, being prepared with your documents, and understanding your rights are your best tools for a successful rental journey in the UK!
You will find all the information you need to get your first Apartment in UK