What you need to rent
To rent privately in the UK you will need: proof of identity (passport), proof of right to rent (your visa or biometric card), bank statements or payslips (last 3 months), and references from a previous landlord or employer.
Right to Rent check
Landlords must check you have the right to live in the UK. Show your biometric residence permit (BRP), visa vignette, or share your Home Office share code at https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
Deposit
Landlords can charge up to 5 weeks rent as a deposit (or 6 weeks if rent is over £50,000/year). This must be protected in a government-approved scheme: DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS.
Finding a property
Search on Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom. Avoid paying admin fees to agents (these are banned in England). Be careful of rental scams — never pay before viewing a property.
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In-depth article with more detail, tips, and guidance on how to rent in the uk