Renting an apartment in United Kingdom

What to know before you rent

Typical rents

ONS estimates the average UK monthly private rent at £1,400 in August 2026, up 3.8% year on year; Northern Ireland averaged £874 (June 2026). (source, 2026-09)

Deposits

In England, tenancy deposits are capped at 5 weeks' rent where annual rent is under £50,000 and must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate deposit schemes. (source, 2026-05)

Leases

In England, from 1 May 2026 most private tenancies are rolling (periodic) assured tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act 2025; tenants can end them with two months' notice. (source, 2026)

Tenant rights

Section 21 'no-fault' eviction notices can no longer be issued in England for new or existing tenancies from 1 May 2026; landlords must rely on statutory grounds. (source, 2026-05)

Agent fees

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England), landlords and agents may only charge permitted payments such as rent, a capped refundable deposit and a capped holding deposit; from 1 May 2026 rent cannot be taken before the tenancy agreement is signed. (source, 2026-05)

Renting as a foreigner

Landlords in England must check that every adult occupier has the right to rent (immigration status) before the tenancy starts, using documents or a Home Office share code. (source, 2026-10)

Scam warnings

Report rental fraud to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101; contact your bank immediately if money was sent. (source, 2026)

Short-term rental rules

• London: Homes in London may be let short-term for up to 90 nights per calendar year without planning permission; exceeding 90 nights in total requires planning permission for change of use. (source, 2026)
• Scotland: A short-term let licence from the local council is mandatory for all short-term let accommodation across Scotland. (source, 2026)
• Edinburgh: The whole City of Edinburgh has been a short-term let control area since 5 September 2022, so letting a home that is not your main residence short-term normally needs planning permission in addition to a licence. (source, 2026-09)