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Renters rights have changed from 1 May 2026 due to the new Renters’ Rights Act
- There are no more new fixed term Assured Shorthold Tenancies. Housing may become available at different times as the existing tenants leave. Assured Periodic Tenancies have no fixed end date and continue until either the tenant gives two months notice or the landlord uses a valid legal ground to end it
- Landlords can only request one month’s rent upfront for new Assured Periodic Tenancies tenancies - requesting any more than this could be a sign of a scam
- Your landlord can only increase the rent once per year and must follow the legal notice procedure. You can challenge unfair increases
Great news! You’ve found a property, and you’re keen to move in. Use our checklist below to help you understand the key things to check with the property and your contract, before you sign anything.
Before you sign anything
- Make sure you’ve viewed the property and are happy with its condition
- Check the property for
- adequate heating,
- any signs of damp and mould,
- any disrepair,
- any signs of pests,
- as these can all cause a problem later on
- Get any extra items or repairs promised agreed in writing
- Make sure you're given the name and address of the landlord
- If you’re using a letting agent, check they’re a member of a redress scheme
- You will need to provide ‘right to rent’ documents (passport, ID card, BRP, etc.)
- Read all of the tenancy agreement and make sure you’re happy to sign it, getting advice if you need it
While we hope this never happens to you, rental fraud can happen and scammers target students who are looking for somewhere to live. Check out these tips on how to avoid getting scammed.
Your contract
Your contract will likely be an Assured Tenancy. This is the most common option for students renting in London. If your contract is not an Assured Tenancy, for example you are a lodger, check you are happy with what this means for you
What should be in your Assured Tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement should include:
- your name and address
- the property address
- your landlord's name and address. If you landlord uses an agent, their name and contact details should also be on the agreement.
- the names of all the other tenants if you have a joint tenancy
- the start date of your tenancy. Your agreement might still refer to a “fixed term” or include an end date, but in most cases this will no longer apply. Tenancies now continue on a rolling basis unless ended by you or your landlord following the correct legal process
- how to end your tenancy and how much notice you need to give
- who to contact about repairs or other issues. This could be the landlord or an agent.
- how much rent to pay, how often to pay and when to pay it. You should not be asked to pay more than one month’s rent in advance - any more than this may be the sign of a scam
- the process your landlord must follow if they want to increase the rent
- the deposit amount
- which bills you're responsible for
- your tenant obligations
- your landlord's obligations
- when your landlord can come in. It might say how much notice they must give you, and when and how often the landlord can come round. Your agreement must not usually say your landlord can come in when they want.
- that you can keep a pet if you request to do so, unles the landlord can reasonably refuse consent for this
Your agreement can also include information on:
- who is responsible for minor repairs, such as replacing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries
- whether you can let the property or room to someone else (sublet) or have lodgers
- whether you can transfer or 'assign' your tenancy to somebody else if you want to leave
- any check out procedures at the end of the tenancy, for example whether there will be a check out inspection
You must also receive a copy of:
- the most recent gas safety certificate
- an energy performance certificate (EPC). The property should have a rating of E or better, or register an exemption.
- information about your deposit and how it will be protected
Check your contract
Using our guide above, check your agreement includes everything you expect. If you want something added or explained, reach out to your landlord or letting agent.
Have more questions about your tenancy agreement? Our trained Advisors are here to help you understand your agreement and give an overview of your rights as a tenant.
As a UCL student, you can also book an appointment with University of London Housing Services for contract checking.
When you move in
- Make sure the landlord gets an inventory done - you need to check and agree it
- Take photographs when you move in and out of the property so you have evidence of the condition in case of any disputes
- Check your deposit is protected – your deposit must legally be protected within the first 30 days of your tenancy by one of the following schemes:
Safety & Repairs
- Your landlord is responsible for most repairs in your home, including gas and electricity repairs, heating and hot water, and structural issues
- You should allow your landlord to enter the property to make repairs, but they must usually give you 24 hours’ notice to do this (unless it is an emergency)
- You are responsible for minor repairs like cleaning up condensation, mould, or changing lightbulbs
- Your landlord should supply Gas and Electricity safety certificates, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (if needed) throughout the property
- You should consider whether you need a tenants contents insurance policy to cover your personal belongings and any payments to your landlord if you cause damage – this will not be covered by your landlord’s building insurance
Your responsibilities
- Make sure you're clear exactly when your rent is due, how much is due, and how to pay it
- Check whether smoking, or fixing pictures and posters to the wall are allowed (they usually aren’t)
- Make sure that the property is adequately heated and ventilated to prevent damage caused by freezing or mould
- If bills are not included, you'll have to open gas/electricity and water accounts – you will need the opening meter readings to do this, though some properties don't have a water meter
- You'll be responsible for managing your council tax payments:
- As a full time student you may be eligible for a discount, or an exemption (if all people in your property are full time students)
- To get this discount or exemption, you will need to register for council tax with your local council, then provide them with a Statement of Student Status – you can do that through your Portico account
- You should not ignore any council tax bills that you receive, even if you think you should be exempt, as there may have been a mistake that needs correcting. Until this is corrected, you probably have to pay the bill
- We also have some separate guidance on all things council tax
- If you choose to watch television (even on a computer or device) you might need to get a TV licence
Money matters
- Set a budget to help you to identify which properties are right for you - make sure to look at properties within your budget
- UCL have produced an interactive London Rents Map, allowing you to see average rents for both rooms and whole properties, and to filter areas depending on how connected they are to UCLs campuses.
- You will need to budget for the first month’s rent when renting, and also a deposit. It might take some time to get your deposit back at the end of your last tenancy, so you might not be able to rely on using this for your next place.
- When deciding your budget, you should also research living costs like the average cost of utilities, for a household of your size. This can give you a more realistic understanding of how much you will be paying each month.
- Most joint tenancies mean you are Jointly and Severally liable. This means that all individuals named on the tenancy are not only responsible for paying their rent but are also liable for the entire amount of rent, for example if housemates don't pay their share. If renting with other people, communicate openly about making sure the rent is paid and that everyone can pay their agreed portion.
- If for any reason you think you will have difficulty paying a bill or are at risk of making a late payment, keep your utility providers informed. It's better to keep them updated, ask for extra time or come to an arrangement than to be chased for payment or incur fees.
Get Help Before It’s Too Late
If at any time you feel like your finances are becoming difficult to manage, or you are at risk of not being able to pay your rent or bills, get specialist help and advice.