Mortgage information is general guidance only. Mortgages are regulated by the FCA. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Consult an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser before making decisions.
Contents
If you are comparing tenant rights, deposit protection, and rent-versus-buy decisions, start with the Renting Hub for the full route map.
Renting is how most young people live, but understanding your rights and costs can save you money and stress.
Renting Costs
Upfront Costs
Cost
Typical Amount
Notes
Deposit
4-6 weeks’ rent
Max 5 weeks (6 if high rent)
First month’s rent
One month
In advance
Holding deposit
Max 1 week
Refundable against first payment
Reference checks
£0
Landlord can’t charge you
Admin fees
£0
Banned since 2019
Example: Moving In
Rent: £1,200/month
Cost
Deposit (5 weeks)
£1,385
First month
£1,200
Total upfront
£2,585
Ongoing Costs
Cost
Typical
Who Pays
Rent
Varies
You
Council Tax
Varies
Usually you
Gas/electricity
£150-250/month
Usually you
Water
£30-50/month
Usually you
Broadband
£25-50/month
You
Contents insurance
£10-20/month
You (recommended)
TV licence
£13.25/month
You
Tenant Fees Ban
What Landlords/Agents Can Charge
Allowed
Not Allowed
Rent
Admin fees
Refundable deposit
Credit check fees
Holding deposit
Reference fees
Contract changes (£50 max)
Inventory fees
Late rent (14 days+)
Lost key replacement (reasonable)
Deposit Protection
Your Rights
Requirement
Detail
Must be protected
Within 30 days
Which scheme
DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS
Prescribed information
Must be provided
At end of tenancy
Returned within 10 days of agreement
If Deposit Not Protected
Potential Outcome
Detail
Can’t use Section 21
Landlord can’t evict easily
Compensation
1-3× deposit amount
Must return deposit
In full
Getting Deposit Back
Tip
Why
Photograph at start
Evidence of condition
Clean thoroughly
At move out
Fix minor damage
Cheaper than deductions
Report issues in writing
During tenancy
Use scheme dispute
If landlord unreasonable
Your Rights as a Tenant
Landlord Must Provide
Obligation
Details
Gas safety certificate
Annual check, provide copy
Electrical safety certificate
Every 5 years
EPC certificate
Rating E or above
Smoke alarms
Every floor
CO alarms
Where solid fuel/gas
How to Rent guide
Government checklist
Repairs
Repair Type
Responsibility
Structure (roof, walls)
Landlord
Heating and hot water
Landlord
Gas/electric installations
Landlord
Plumbing
Landlord
Minor items (light bulbs)
Usually tenant
Damage you caused
You
Timeframe for Repairs
Issue
Expected Response
Emergency (no heating, water)
24 hours
Urgent (broken lock)
1-2 days
Non-urgent
2-4 weeks reasonable
Types of Tenancy
Common Tenancy Types
Type
Features
Assured Shorthold (AST)
Most common, 6-12 months initial
Periodic
Rolling month to month
Fixed-term
Set period, harder to leave early
Lodger agreement
Living with landlord
AST Explained
Feature
Detail
Initial term
Usually 6-12 months
After fixed term
Becomes periodic
Rent increases
Allowed, with proper notice
Leaving
Give notice per contract
Eviction
Section 21 (ending) or Section 8 (fault)
Rent Increases
Your Protections
Rule
Detail
During fixed term
Usually can’t increase
Method
Must follow contract or formal process
Frequency
Typically once per year
Amount
Must be “fair and realistic”
Challenge right
Can go to tribunal
Challenging a Rent Increase
Step
Action
1
Check if process followed
2
Research local rents
3
Negotiate with landlord
4
Apply to tribunal if unfair
Ending a Tenancy
Giving Notice
Tenancy Type
Notice Required
Fixed term (within term)
Usually can’t without penalty
Fixed term (at end)
Per contract
Periodic (monthly)
Usually 1 month
Periodic (weekly)
Usually 4 weeks
Break Clause
Feature
Detail
What it is
Clause allowing early exit
Notice required
Usually 1-2 months
Timing
After set period (e.g., 6 months)
Format
Check requirements exactly
Eviction Protection
Current Rules
Process
Detail
Section 21 (no fault)
Being phased out
Section 8 (fault)
Requires grounds (rent arrears, etc.)
Court order
Always required
Illegal eviction
Criminal offence
Section 8 Grounds
Ground
Meaning
Rent arrears (2 months+)
Mandatory possession
Breach of tenancy
Depends on severity
Anti-social behaviour
Court discretion
Property deterioration
Caused by tenant
If Threatened with Eviction
Step
Action
1
Check notice is valid
2
Seek advice (Shelter, CAB)
3
Don’t leave without court order
4
Apply to council if homeless
Finding a Rental
Where to Look
Source
Pros
Cons
Rightmove/Zoopla
Wide selection
Mostly via agents
SpareRoom
Rooms/houseshares
Variable quality
OpenRent
Landlord direct
Fewer properties
Facebook Marketplace
Local
Less protection
Letting agents
Process managed
Varies in quality
Viewing Checklist
Check
Why
☐ Water pressure
Test taps and shower
☐ Heating
Does it work?
☐ Damp/mould signs
Window frames, corners
☐ Phone signal
Test throughout
☐ Electrics
Enough sockets?
☐ Natural light
Visit daytime
☐ Noise levels
Neighbours, traffic
☐ Security
Locks, entry system
Protecting Yourself
Before Signing
Document
Check
Tenancy agreement
Read every clause
Inventory
Check and photograph
Certificates
Gas, electrical, EPC
Deposit scheme
Where protected
During Tenancy
Action
Why
Report issues in writing
Evidence
Keep payment records
Proof of rent
Know your rights
Avoid being exploited
Contents insurance
Protect belongings
Key Takeaways
Deposit maximum — 5 weeks, must be protected
No fees — reference, admin, etc. banned
Know your rights — repairs, eviction protection
Document everything — photos at start, written reports
Challenge unfair increases — tribunal is an option
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. PocketWise provides information and guidance — we do not offer financial advice. Seek independent mortgage advice before making decisions about borrowing.