Renting in the UK is very different to SA. Monthly bank transfers, no cheques, and significant changes from May 2026 under the new Renters' Rights Act. Here is what you need to know before you sign anything.
How renting works
- Rent is paid monthly by bank transfer, not post-dated cheques.
- Prices are listed per month or per week. Always check which one before calculating your budget.
- Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket are the main search platforms.
- From 1 May 2026: all new tenancies are Periodic Assured Tenancies. Fixed-term contracts are no longer lawful for new tenancies.
- Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are abolished from 1 May 2026. Landlords must have a legal reason to evict you.
Right to Rent check
Before you can rent privately in the UK, your landlord must carry out a Right to Rent check confirming your immigration status allows you to rent.
- Share your UKVI status code with your landlord at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
- Without the right to rent, a landlord cannot legally let to you and faces significant fines
Costs to budget for
- Security deposit — Capped at 5 weeks' rent (annual rent under £50,000). Must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
- Holding deposit — Up to 1 week's rent, refundable when your application is approved.
- Council tax — The tenant pays this, not the landlord. Check the band before you sign.
- Utilities — Gas, electricity, water and broadband are the tenant's responsibility unless stated otherwise.
- TV licence — £174.50/year. Required if you watch any live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
Getting a rental without UK credit history
Most landlords want proof of income showing 2.5-3x the annual rent. Without UK income history, you will often need:
- 6 months' rent upfront — Common for new arrivals. Negotiate — some accept 3 months upfront.
- A UK-based guarantor who earns 3x the rent — No guarantor? Guarantor services like Housing Hand can act as a paid guarantor.
- Proof of employment letter from your UK employer
- Bank statements from SA showing savings
Saffa tip: Serviced apartments or corporate lets are your best option for the first 1-3 months. No Right to Rent requirement. Use them while you build up your UK financial paper trail. Once you have a payslip, a UK bank account and 3 months of bank statements, renting becomes much easier.
Information correct as of August 2026. UK tenancy law changed significantly from 1 May 2026. Always verify current rules at gov.uk before signing any tenancy agreement.