Renting property

How to rent in the UK and your legal rights as a tenant

Rental properties are advertised as fully furnished (i.e. with all the furniture and appliances), semi-furnished or unfurnished; unfurnished properties will typically be cheaper. Once you have found a place to call home, you will enter into a tenancy agreement with your landlord (either directly or through a letting agent) which sets out the terms of the rental, and other mutual rights and obligations, including a deposit.

Landlords are required by UK law to check your right to rent before the tenancy begins. You will be asked to provide appropriate documents to prove your right to rent for the whole of the tenancy period. If you have a visa or settled/pre-settled status you may be asked to provide a share code.

Depending on your circumstances and the terms of your employment with the University, you may opt for a short-term or long-term rental. If you have a college affiliation, your college may be able to offer you rented accommodation, at least on a temporary basis. The Graduate Accommodation Office works with couples and families, and the University's Residential Lettings Team manages a portfolio of properties of varying sizes which may be rented by University staff. Private halls of residence such as the North Oxford Overseas Centre in Summertown, or Commonwealth House on Pembroke Street also offer private rooms. Serviced short lets (all bills included, Wi-Fi access and linen changes) are offered by Short Let Space.

Homeshare Oxfordshire is a project run by the charity Age UK which matches older homeowners with people looking for affordable accommodation, in exchange for 10 hours a week of companionship and practical help.

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It is strongly recommended that you rent via an accredited letting agency rather than through unregulated social media sites. Please take care before you hand over any official documents for right to rent checks, or pay any upfront fees or deposits. See the Action Fraud website for guidance on how to protect yourself from rental fraud, or the Tips for Tenants section below.

At the start of your tenancy you should expect to pay: the first month’s rent upfront, the agreed deposit (usually the equivalent of four to six weeks' rent) and letting agency fees (if you find your home through an agent).

Letting agencies may also charge fees for specific services, such as credit checks, references and administration. However, they are not allowed to charge you for simply registering with them or for showing you lists of properties available for rent.

  • You must familiarise yourself with tenants’ rights in the UK.
  • Make sure your landlord is registered with a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Scheme and that your deposit is paid into one of the available schemes. It will be returned at the end of the tenancy, minus any deductions for breakages or damage.
  • Sign your tenancy agreement before you move into the property.
  • Make sure you understand and agree fully with the terms before signing the tenancy agreement.
  • Check the inventory for the property thoroughly before moving in. If your landlord does not provide an inventory it is advisable that you make one yourself and send a copy to the landlord.
  • Check, note and photograph any existing damage to the furniture and/or property and notify the owner/agent of it on the day you move in and do the same with any water/electricity/gas meter readings.

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