How to Rent in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for International Students

Complete UK rental guide for international students. Find out about visa checks, UK guarantors, holding deposits, and how SPL Agency UK helps you secure student accommodation.

Everything you need to secure student accommodation, explained clearly under the new rental rules.

Understand How Renting Works in the UK

Most students in the UK rent private accommodation such as shared houses, flats, or studios.

Since 1 May 2026, fixed-term tenancies (the old 6 to 12 month contracts) no longer exist for private rentals. Instead, you will be on a periodic assured tenancy. This means:

Your tenancy rolls on a month-to-month basis with no fixed end date
Rent periods cannot be longer than one month
You are free to leave by giving two months’ notice in writing at any time (see Step 11)

Before you start, make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Read the official “How to Rent” Guide on GOV.UK.

Prepare Your Documents

To rent a property in the UK, you will need to show proof of identity, income, and immigration status. Here is what you will usually need:

Passport
UK Visa (for example, Student Visa)
University Offer Letter or Enrolment Confirmation
UK Guarantor details (see Step 5 for your options if you do not have a UK Guarantor)
Proof of funds (bank statement, sponsorship letter, or scholarship confirmation if available)
Previous landlord reference (if available)

Complete a Right to Rent Check

Before you move into any property, UK law requires you to prove that you have the right to rent. This requirement is unchanged by the Renters’ Rights Act.

If you have an immigration status that can be checked online, you will need to generate a Right to Rent Share Code.

How to Get Your Right to Rent Share Code

Go to www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
Click “Start now” and follow the steps
You will need your immigration details, such as your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa, your date of birth, and your visa details
Once complete, you will receive a Share Code. Send this to SPL Agency UK so we can complete your check quickly and securely

Find and Enquire with SPL Agency UK

Browse our available properties and contact us to arrange viewings (in person or virtual).

Our team will guide you through the rental process and help you find a property that suits your needs, budget, and location preferences.

Understanding UK Guarantors

A UK guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to. Most landlords require one if you are a student or international tenant without a UK credit history.

If you HAVE a UK guarantor, they will usually need to:

Be a UK resident (aged 21+)
Have a good credit history
Earn at least 2.5 to 3 times the annual rent

Documentation required from your guarantor

Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
Proof of address (utility bill or council tax statement from the last 3 months)
Proof of income (recent payslips, bank statements, or employment letter)
Credit check consent (they will need to pass a credit reference check)
Signed guarantor agreement (legal document provided by SPL Agency UK)

While homeownership is preferred by some landlords, it is not always mandatory if the guarantor has strong income and good credit history.

Don’t have a UK guarantor? Use SPL’s Guarantor Service

We have partnered with a trusted organisation that acts as a UK guarantor for international students. Through this partnership, SPL Agency UK can arrange a verified guarantor for you at a competitive monthly cost.

No need to find a UK based friend or family member to act as guarantor
Your tenancy application is processed faster and more smoothly
Peace of mind with a professionally recognised guarantor

Ask our team about the SPL Guarantor Partnership when you apply, and we will help you set it up in minutes.

A note on paying rent in advance

You may have heard that international students often paid 6 to 12 months of rent upfront. This is no longer allowed under the Renters’ Rights Act:

No landlord or agent can ask you to pay any rent before your tenancy agreement is signed
Once your tenancy has started, you can only be required to pay one month’s rent at a time
You may choose to pay some rent in advance voluntarily, for example to match your student finance, but no landlord can require it or make your tenancy conditional on it

If anyone asks you for a large lump sum of rent before you have signed a tenancy, treat it as a warning sign and speak to us first.

Reserve Your Property

Once you have chosen your accommodation:

Pay a holding deposit of one week’s rent (collected on behalf of the landlord or property owner) to secure and reserve the property
We will pause marketing while we complete reference checks and prepare your tenancy documents
You will then receive your draft tenancy agreement to review

Sign the Tenancy Agreement

Once your application is approved:

You will sign your tenancy agreement electronically
Pay your first month’s rent (minus the holding deposit already paid). Remember, you cannot be asked to pay more than one month’s rent at a time
Pay your security deposit (typically five weeks’ rent)
Your deposit will be safely held in a Government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme, and you will receive written confirmation

Move In

When your tenancy starts, you will receive:

Your keys
An inventory report listing the property’s condition and items
A digital copy of the How to Rent guide
Contact details for maintenance and support

Set Up Utilities and Essentials

After moving in, make sure to:

Arrange Wi-Fi or broadband
Notify the local council (full-time students are usually exempt from Council Tax)
Obtain a TV licence if you watch live television or BBC iPlayer

During Your Tenancy

Throughout your stay:

Report any maintenance issues promptly to SPL Agency UK
Pay your rent on time each month (or as agreed)
Keep the property in good condition
If you are using the SPL Guarantor Service, ensure your monthly payments are up to date

Moving Out

Because tenancies are now periodic (rolling) rather than fixed term, you do not have to wait for a fixed end date to leave.

To end your tenancy, give two months’ notice in writing, ending at the end of a rental period
Clean the property thoroughly and repair any damage beyond normal wear and tear
Attend a check-out inspection or provide access for one
Return all keys to SPL Agency UK
Provide your forwarding address for deposit return

Your deposit will be returned within 10 days of you and the landlord agreeing any deductions, minus any agreed amounts for damage or unpaid rent.

Ongoing Support from SPL Agency UK

Our team is here to support you during your stay and beyond. Whether you need help with maintenance, tenancy renewals, or finding your next property, SPL Agency UK is only a message away.

Summary Checklist

Read the official How to Rent guide
Prepare your documents (passport, visa, university letter, proof of funds)
Obtain your Right to Rent Share Code
Arrange your guarantor: your own UK guarantor, or SPL’s guarantor service
View and reserve your property with a holding deposit of one week’s rent
Complete reference checks
Sign your tenancy agreement
Pay your first month’s rent (one month maximum) and security deposit
Move in and set up utilities
Enjoy your stay with SPL’s ongoing support

Contact SPL Agency UK

Good luck with your studies, and welcome to the UK!

SPL Agency UK: Making student accommodation simple, secure, and stress-free.

This guide is general information to help international students understand the renting process under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. It is not legal advice. For your specific circumstances, please contact our team.