Finding somewhere to live is one of the first big jobs after arriving, and it can be stressful with no UK rental history. In England, major reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act took effect on 1 May 2026. Here is what newcomers should know about renting now, and a short look at buying later.
Rules differ across the UK. Most of this article covers England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own tenancy laws, so check the relevant government website if you are renting there.
Right to rent checks
In England, landlords or letting agents must check that every adult tenant has the right to rent before the tenancy starts. This does not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you will usually prove your status with your eVisa. You sign in to your UKVI account and generate a share code for right to rent, which the landlord uses to check your status online. A share code lasts 90 days and can be used more than once in that time. Make sure your UKVI account shows your current passport details before you start house-hunting. See GOV.UK on proving your right to rent.
If you have a question about your immigration status itself, only OISC-regulated advisers or solicitors can give you immigration advice.
What landlords and agents can charge in England
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans most letting fees in England. You should not pay for viewings, referencing, credit checks or “admin”. The main payments allowed are:
- Rent. Since 1 May 2026, a landlord cannot ask for rent before the tenancy agreement is signed, and after signing can ask for no more than one month’s rent before the tenancy begins.
- A holding deposit of no more than one week’s rent, to reserve the property while checks are done.
- A tenancy deposit of no more than five weeks’ rent if annual rent is under £50,000 (a higher cap applies at £50,000 or more).
- Some other costs, such as bills, a capped tenancy change fee, and lost keys or late rent.
The full list is on GOV.UK’s page about fees landlords can charge. Landlords and agents must also publish an asking rent and cannot accept or encourage offers above it. Wales and Scotland have their own fee rules.
Protecting your deposit
In England and Wales, your landlord must place your tenancy deposit in one of three government-approved tenancy deposit protection schemes within 30 days and give you information about which scheme holds it. At the end of the tenancy, the deposit should be returned within 10 days of you and the landlord agreeing the amount. If you disagree about deductions, the deposit stays protected in the scheme until the dispute is resolved. Read more about tenancy deposit protection.
Take dated photos of every room when you move in. They are your best evidence in any dispute.
Referencing and guarantors
Most landlords check your income, employment, previous addresses and credit history. As a newcomer, prepare:
- A job offer letter or employment contract showing your salary.
- A reference from a previous landlord, even one abroad.
- Your eVisa share code ready to send.
Some landlords ask for a guarantor, someone who agrees to pay if you cannot. This is usually a UK-based person, and signing is a serious legal commitment for them. Landlords must not refuse you simply because you have children or receive benefits, although they can still check affordability.
Spotting rental scams
Newcomers searching from abroad or in a hurry are common targets. Be very careful if:
- The rent is much lower than similar properties nearby.
- The “landlord” is overseas and cannot show you the property in person or by live video.
- You are asked to pay a deposit or rent before viewing or signing anything.
- Payment is requested by money transfer, cryptocurrency or to a personal account abroad.
Never pay before you have seen the property (or had someone you trust see it) and checked that the person letting it has the right to do so. If you are caught out, contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud (in Scotland, Police Scotland on 101).
Council tax
Council tax is a local tax on homes, usually paid by the tenants in a rented property unless the tenancy says otherwise. If you are the only adult living there, you can get a 25% discount, and households made up entirely of full-time students are generally exempt. You have to apply for discounts. See GOV.UK on who has to pay council tax.
Buying a home later
Mortgages for people on visas do exist, but whether you qualify depends on the lender, your visa, how long you have been in the UK, your deposit and your UK credit history.
In England and Northern Ireland, you will usually pay Stamp Duty Land Tax. At the time of writing, standard rates are 0% up to £125,000, 2% on £125,001 to £250,000, 5% on £250,001 to £925,000, 10% on £925,001 to £1.5 million and 12% above that. First-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion up to £500,000, with no relief above that price. A 2% surcharge applies if you have not been in the UK for at least 183 days in the previous 12 months. Scotland and Wales use different taxes. Rates can change, so always check the current Stamp Duty rates before you buy.
Next steps
- Check your UKVI account details are up to date and know how to generate a right to rent share code.
- Gather proof of income, ID and any references before you start viewing.
- Never pay anything before viewing and checking who you are dealing with.
- Confirm your deposit has been protected within 30 days.
- Register with your council for council tax and apply for any discount you qualify for.
Official sources we checked
- Prove your right to rent in England – GOV.UK
- View and prove your immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK
- Fees you can charge as part of a tenancy – GOV.UK
- Tenancy deposit protection – GOV.UK
- Council Tax: who has to pay – GOV.UK
- Stamp Duty Land Tax: residential property rates – GOV.UK
Checked on 1 October 2026. Rules and fees change — always confirm on the official page.
