How to apply

How to apply for a home to rent

We explain every step before you commit. You see the tenancy terms in full before anything is signed, and nothing is agreed on the spot at a viewing.

Step by step

From viewing to moving in

  1. View the home

    Viewings are arranged in advance, with time for your questions about the home, the costs and the area.

  2. Apply

    Tell us you would like to go ahead. We explain the application and referencing for that home.

  3. Holding deposit

    You may be asked for a holding deposit of up to one week's rent to reserve the home while checks are done.

  4. Checks

    Referencing, and a right to rent check for every adult aged 18 or over who will live there.

  5. Sign and move in

    Sign the agreement, then pay the first rent (at most one month in advance) and the deposit. You get the keys and your paperwork.

Costs

What you can be asked to pay

Letting and admin fees for tenants are banned. These are the only payments allowed, and each one is capped.

For a home let at £850 a month, the weekly rent is about £196 (£850 × 12 ÷ 52). The holding deposit could be up to about £196 and the tenancy deposit up to about £980.

  • Rent, once the tenancy agreement has been signed – no more than one month in advance
  • A refundable holding deposit, capped at one week's rent
  • A refundable tenancy deposit, capped at five weeks' rent (six weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more)
  • A fee to change the tenancy when you ask, capped at £50 or reasonable costs if higher
  • A payment if you leave without giving the correct notice, capped at the rent that would have been due for the notice period
  • Interest on rent unpaid for 14 days or more, at no more than 3% above the Bank of England base rate
  • The cost of replacing a lost key or security device
  • Utilities, broadband, TV licence and council tax, where the tenancy says you pay them

Source: GOV.UK, Fees you can charge as part of a tenancy, updated 7 July 2026, checked 28 September 2026.

Holding deposits

When a holding deposit is refunded

If you sign the tenancy agreement, the holding deposit is refunded – or, if you agree, put towards your first rent or the tenancy deposit.

It can only be kept if you fail a right to rent check, withdraw from the application, do not respond to progress the tenancy, or give false or misleading information that affects whether you are a suitable tenant. In every other case it must be returned within 7 days, and if it is kept you must be told why in writing within 7 days.

Source: GOV.UK, Fees you can charge as part of a tenancy, checked 28 September 2026. General information for England, not legal advice.

Be ready

Things that help your application

  • Documents that prove your right to rent in England, for everyone aged 18 or over
  • Details for referencing, such as where you have lived and how you will pay the rent
  • Your preferred move-in date, and anyone else who will live with you
  • Any pets you would like to keep – you can ask, and the request must be considered

Interested in a home?

Tell us what you are looking for

Send us the area, number of bedrooms, budget and move-in date you have in mind, and we will let you know about suitable homes.

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