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🧭 Feeling Lost? You’re Not Alone.
Renting your first house in the UK? Between confusing contracts, strange smells in old flats, and something called an “EPC,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But don’t worry — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in simple English, with a few laughs along the way. Let’s get started!
🔍 Step 1: How to Start Looking for a House
🏡 Use Property Websites
Start your search using trusted websites like:
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
- OpenRent
- I wouldn’t recommend using Facebook Marketplace — it can be a bit dodgy and risky for finding rentals.
Filter by:
- Price
- Number of bedrooms
- Location
- Pet-friendly or furnished/unfurnished
- Type of houses flats , detached ,semidetached ,buglaow
📝 Tip: Set up email alerts so you don’t miss good listings — houses go FAST.
📍 Choose the Right Area
Think about:
- How far is it from work or uni?
- Is the neighbourhood safe?
- Are there local shops, parks, or noisy nightclubs?
🚌 Check Transport
Use Google Maps to check travel times.
- How long is the commute?
- Are there bus or train stations nearby?
- Is there parking if you have a car? is it street parking or garage .can effect car insurance
If you rely on public transport, don’t move somewhere that shuts down at 6pm (unless you like walking home in the dark).
🧒 Step 2: Check Schools (If You Have Kids)
Visit Ofsted to search for school ratings by postcode.
Websites like Locrating can help you see schools on a map and how close they are to your future home.
🎒 A good school nearby = happy kids and higher property value (if you plan to buy one day).
💸 Step 3: Know Your Budget
Don’t just look at the rent! Include:
- Council tax (check the band for the postcode)
- Energy & water bills
- Internet
- TV licence (yes, even if you never watch BBC)
- Moving costs & furniture
🎉 Pro Tip: Leave 10–15% wiggle room for surprises. Like lightbulbs. Or toilet brushes. Or life.
🏠 Step 4: Visit the Property In Person
Online photos can be… let’s say “creative.”
What looks like a bright room might be a cupboard with a skylight. Visit the house must .Most reputable agencies wouldn’t let you rent a house till you have reviewed it . Check:
- Smells (mould = run)
- Storage
- Heating
- Doors and windows (do they actually open?)
- White goods will be included in property ?
Take a friend if possible. They’ll spot things you might miss — or at least hold your snacks while you inspect.
🌡️ Step 5: Understand EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Every rental must have an EPC rating. It tells you how energy efficient the property is.
- Rated from A (very efficient) to G (very bad)
- Look for C or better if you don’t want to live in a fridge
- F or G? Prepare for high heating bills and cold toes
⚡ Ask the landlord or agent for the EPC — it’s free and required by law.
💰 Step 6: What’s the Deal With Deposits?
You’ll usually pay a security deposit before moving in — this is normally 5 weeks’ rent.
The landlord MUST put your deposit into a government-protected scheme, like:
- TDS
- DPS
- MyDeposits
You must get:
- Proof of protection (within 30 days)
- Info on how to get your deposit back
🔒 Why it matters: If they don’t protect it properly, they could owe you up to 3x your deposit amount. Not bad for just reading the rules!
📸 Step 7: Take Photos of Everything Before You Move In
Before you unpack your socks:
- Take pictures of walls, floors, windows, and furniture
- Snap any stains, cracks, or “what even IS that?” spots
- Save the photos and email them to the landlord/agent
🕵️ This protects you when it’s time to move out. If they try to blame you for that mystery wine stain, you’ve got receipts.
❓ Step 8: Ask Questions — Even the “Silly” Ones
Seriously. Ask things like:
- How does the heating work?
- Is it gas or electric?
- Are pets allowed?
- Can I decorate?
- What happens if the washing machine dies?
🎤 The only bad question is the one you didn’t ask and now costs you £100.
✅ Bonus: What to Check Before You Say Yes
Here’s a mini checklist:
- Does the heating work?
- Are the locks secure?
- Is the kitchen clean and working?
- Is there damp or mould?
- Are there working smoke alarms?
- Do you feel safe in the area?
🎉 Final Thoughts: You Got This!
Renting a home for the first time in the UK can be scary, but you’re not alone. With the right info (and a sense of humour), you’ll avoid the common traps and find a place that feels like home — whether it’s a cosy flat or a house with a garden and questionable gnome collection.
📜 Step 9: Understand Your Rental Contract (Yes, Read It!)
Once you’ve found the perfect place, it’s time for the tenancy agreement — the boring bit with all the rules. But trust us, it’s important.
🏡 What Kind of Contract Will I Get?
Most UK renters get a:
🔹 Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
This is the most common rental contract in the UK. It usually includes:
- A fixed term (often 6 or 12 months)
- Rent amount and when it’s due
- Your responsibilities (like keeping the place clean and not turning it into a nightclub)
- The landlord’s responsibilities (like repairs and safety checks)
🕒 How Long Should I Rent For?
Here are the two main types:
🗓️ Fixed-Term Tenancy
- You agree to stay for a set time (usually 6 or 12 months)
- You can’t leave early unless there’s a break clause or your landlord agrees
- Good if you want stability
🔁 Periodic (Rolling) Tenancy
- This runs month-to-month after the fixed term ends
- Easier to leave (usually 1 month’s notice needed)
- Good if you want flexibility
👉 Which is better?
- If you’re sure about the area and property — go for a 12-month fixed term
- If you’re testing the waters — a 6-month or rolling tenancy gives more freedom
🚪 Notice Periods — How Do I Leave?
If YOU Want to Leave:
- During a fixed term: You usually can’t leave unless there’s a break clause
- On a rolling tenancy: You must give at least 1 month’s written notice
If YOUR LANDLORD Wants You to Leave:
- They must give 2 months’ notice in most cases
- They need a legal reason if you’re still within a fixed-term contract
📬 Always give notice in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy!
🧾 Top Contract Tips:
✅ Read every line (yes, even the boring ones)
✅ Ask about break clauses (these let you or the landlord end the contract early)
✅ Make sure your deposit protection details are included
✅ Don’t sign until you understand everything — it’s OK to ask questions!
💬 Fun Reminder:
Signing a rental contract without reading it is like saying “yes” to a mystery meal. It might be great… or it might be tuna jelly on toast. Ask first.
check list to download blog.
