First Time Renting in London? Exactly How to do it in 13 Easy Steps
Is it your first time renting in London? Congratulations!
But you’re also overwhelmed, and I get it. I’ve spent months and months of my life moving to and within London, and it never gets easier or less frustrating.
The process for how to rent a property in London can seem really different from other countries, and in some ways it is.
I’ve broken it down the steps for renting flats in London into a super easy checklist, so you can see how to rent in London at a glance (plus included my best tips from my extensive experience).
How to Rent a Property in London: The Basics
Here are the most important things to know before you start your property search.
1. You Can Search on Your Own, Or With an Agent
You have two options for your first time renting in London: search on your own, or with a hired agent who you will pay. The fee is either a flat fee for their time, or a commission based on rent.
If it’s your first time renting in London or the UK and you have no idea what you’re looking for, you may want to consider an agent. Be clear about your requirements with the agent from the start: what you will and will not consider, your price range, and the amenities you need.
2. Rent Prices are Listed in PPW or PPM
London rent prices are advertised in “PPW” (pounds per week”) or “PPM” (pounds per month). Make sure you’re looking at the correct total. If it seems too good to be true, that’s probably the weekly price, not the monthly price.
3. The Market Moves Fast
London has too many people and not enough properties. You’ll need to move quickly if you find a flat you like.
Be available constantly, set up alerts on RightMove, answer that unknown caller, and be prepared to make an offer if you find a place you like.
4. More Central Means More Expensive
The further out from Central London you go, the cheaper it will be. But then your commute will be longer. It’s a balancing act.
The average annual cost of rent in London is currently £26,316, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so sometimes you’ll need a long commute to save on rent.
How to Start Your Property Search
Here are the first steps for how to rent in London and find the right properties for you.
1. Narrow Your Search Area
You can’t browse all of London at once. You’ll need to narrow it down! Figure out a few neighborhoods where you’d like to live and go from there.
2. Browse For Properties
Zoopla, RightMove, and Gumtree are the largest listing sites for renting flats in London.
Additionally, each individual estate agency has their own listings (Knight Frank, Foxton’s, Savills, Hamptons, etc.). They usually list them on the big marketing sites, but it’s worth checking the agency’s website, too.
3. Phone About the Listing
Email may take too long and the property will be gone. Agents are typically tied to their phones for calls. Get on the phone ASAP!
Important Note: if a listing has been there a long time, for over a few weeks, it’s usually bait to try to get you to call the estate agent. Then they will say, “sorry, that property is no longer available but I have…”
It’s still worth a call, because they might have something similar that’s not yet listed. Just don’t let them talk you into seeing a property that doesn’t fit your requirements; it’s not worth your time.
4. Start Meeting Agents at the Properties
Usually it will be the next day, as they need to give tenants 24 hours notice to show the property (properties are hardly ever vacant). But sometimes – though rarely – you can get in the same day.
Be flexible with timing. Tenants may only give the agents a small window, and you’ll have to visit then or not visit at all.
How to Choose the Right Property
You’ve scoured the listings and made the calls. When you visit the properties, you need to keep the following things in mind.
Here’s exactly what to ask to make sure you end up in the right flat.
1. Ask About the Landlord
How many properties do they own? Do they take care of them, or do they just want your money? It should be obvious from the condition of the home, but it’s worth asking the agent, too.
If they’re being cagey or they don’t know, walk away.
2. What’s the Neighborhood Like?
Where is the closest grocery store, pharmacy, GP? Does it feel run down? Are there parks nearby? Do you feel safe there?
3. How Far from School or Work is it?
How far a walk is it to the tube station? Can you walk that distance twice a day in the rain? Can your kids do it twice a day?
4. What Condition is it in?
If it’s not in great shape, it won’t get much better, even if they’re promising repairs.
5. Is there Damp or Mold Anywhere? How Does it Smell?
Unfortunately, damp and mold is common in England. Smell will tell you everything you need to know, but also look carefully at the ceilings, baseboards, molding, etc. for discoloration or bulges.
What to do When You’re Serious About a Property
You’ve maybe found the one! But not so fast. I know you’re in a rush to snap it up, but do these next steps carefully to avoid a headache later on.
Before You Sign the Rental Agreement
When you sign a rental agreement, you are accepting the property “as is.” If you want anything repaired or removed, you must tell them before you sign anything.
If it’s your first time renting in London or the UK, this can be surprising. In America, things are much more flexible and easier.
Upon move-out you will be charged for even the most minor things, like a burned-out lightbulb. I’m serious. You don’t want to be charged for any damage you didn’t do that just wasn’t recorded.
1. Go Through the Property THOROUGHLY. Take Notes and Photos.
- Is it secure? Windows, doors, locks, back entrances?
- Does everything function? Try every light switch, open every drawer, test every appliance, run every tap and test the drains and toilets.
- Is there damage anywhere? Anything that needs to be replaced, repaired, deep cleaned? Get it in writing that it will be repaired before move-in.
- Take note of the exterior. Do the exterior drains work? Are the exterior window frames solid? Can you see any of the roofing? If there’s anything deteriorating, ask. It’s not worth water coming into your flat during a storm.
- Ask the previous tenants or neighbors if they know anything about the owner. You want to make sure that you’re not getting a landlord who just doesn’t care about their property.
2. Negotiate
A negotiation process is normal, especially in London. If you’re going up against another prospective tenant prepared to sign a longer lease, or pay a higher monthly rent, be prepared to do the same.
You may also need to negotiate for things to be added, repaired, or removed. Get everything in writing.
Be the annoying person that asks for everything, because that’s preferable to letting things slide and being charged for it later. But don’t be such a pain that they don’t want to rent to you.
3. Sign the Lease
Once everything is negotiated, you can go ahead and sign the lease and pay the deposit and fees. This is done by direct bank transfer. Make sure you get a copy of the lease and deposit scheme for your records.
4. Go Over the Inventory
The estate agents will make an inventory before you move in. Sometimes this will be when you sign the lease, but usually it will be a day or two before move-in or on move-in day.
When you get that document, go through and make sure everything is correct, especially if furniture is included.
Everything that is in the flat when you move in must be in the flat when you move out, in the same condition. Upon moving out you don’t want to be charged for a desk that was never there, or a missing gross toilet brush that you threw away (sadly I speak from experience and I’m £30 poorer for it).
If you don’t want that old trash can or potted plant taking up your (expensive) space for the next year, ask for it to be removed ASAP.
Once everything is the way you want it, you can sign the inventory, and make sure to keep a copy for yourself.
5. Move in and Enjoy Your New London Property!
Congratulations! Your first time renting in London was a success!
Set up your utilities, register for council tax, find your GP and more. Use my guide to your first 3 months in London here.
Final Tips
It may take seeing a lot of properties to find the right one and lock it in. It’s an annoying process. But if you choose the right one, hopefully you won’t have to do it all over again anytime soon!
This is the most stressful time of your move, so remember to take care of yourself while going through this crazy process.
First Time Renting in London FAQ
What is the best month to start renting in London?
There’s no “best” month to start renting in London, but summer is when the market really kicks up and more properties are available. You’ll have the most choice during the summer months.
Do you Pay Rent Weekly or Monthly in London?
You pay monthly in London, but property rentals can be advertised in PPW (pounds per week) or PPM (pounds per month). Make sure you’re looking at the correct number.
How Long is the Average Tenancy in London?
The minimum tenancy required is usually one year, but this varies from property to property.
If you want a longer or shorter lease, or to extend monthly after the lease is expired, you must negotiate this with the landlord or estate agency.
Can I Rent in London Without a Job?
Yes and no. Estate agents will check your credit and bank account balance. But if you can afford it and can prove that you can afford it, you can rent in London without a job. If you don’t have a job and don’t have a high enough bank balance, then you probably won’t be able to rent a property in London.
How do Landlords Pick Tenants in the UK?
From my experience, landlords will check your employment, your identity, and your bank account balance. They just want to make sure you can afford the rent!
They might also check your rental history and get references to make sure you’re not likely to destroy the property. But other than that, they really don’t care who they rent to.
In my experience, if you really want a property and you’re up against other prospective tenants, write the agent or landlord a letter about why you are the best tenant.
I scored my current property by explaining our family situation and that know how to take care of a property.
How quickly can you rent a flat in London?
How quickly you can rent and move into a flat depends entirely on the specific property and when it’s available. Properties are very rarely vacant in London (if it’s vacant, be wary: there’s a reason).
When you can move in will depend on when the current tenants move out, and what needs to be done to the property to ready it for move in.
Move-in dates can sometimes be negotiated when you sign the lease, but more often, you’ll have to start paying from the moment it’s available, or else they’ll rent to someone else who can move in sooner.
Does London Rent Include Utilities?
Sometimes some utilities will be included, but not always. The utilities you should expect to pay for are council tax, water, gas, electricity, and internet.
Is the London rental market competitive?
Yes. The rental market in London moves fast and properties are snapped up quickly. You have to be able to move just as quickly to rent your dream property.
Your first time renting in London, it can be stressful to always be on alert and ready to go.
Should I Use an Agent for my Property Search in London?
If you know London well, you don’t need an agent. But if you’re new to London and have just moved here, it may be a good idea to have some help.
Be very clear about your requirements and locations when working with an agent.
More About Renting in London:
Finding Flats in London: 11 Secrets Estate Agents Don’t Want You to Know
Moving to London: Your First 3 Months Checklist
The Ultimate Moving Abroad Packing Checklist: 7 Do’s and Don’ts
Should I Move to London? The Ultimate Compatibility Quiz
Pros and Cons of Living in London: Is it right for you?
Posh vs. Practical: 31 Best Areas to Live in London for You (2024)
Tips for finding Short Term Rentals in London
5 Types of UK Visas and how to get them
London Postcodes: How they Work and How to Use Them
Where are the Best Primary Schools in London? Here’s What the Data Says
