Renting in the UK as an expat: what you need to know

Renting in the UK as an expat means you’ll usually need documents like ID, proof of right to rent, income details and sometimes a guarantor.
Most expats search on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom and OpenRent, then apply through either a letting agent or private landlord.
If you don’t have a UK guarantor or UK credit history, an online rent guarantor service like Rentmigo can help you secure a property faster.

Renting in the UK as an expat means finding a property, proving your right to rent, passing referencing and sometimes, providing a UK guarantor.

The truth is, renting in the UK as an expat can feel complicated at first. New systems and new rules can be confusing, no matter where you're moving to.

But once you understand how everything works, what documents you need, and how to handle the guarantor question, it becomes much easier to manage.

If you are moving to the UK for work, study, family or a fresh start, finding somewhere to live will probably be one of the first big things on your list.

And at first glance, it can look simple. But the tricky part is not always finding a property. It is getting approved for one.

For many expats renting in the UK, the hardest part of the process is proving to landlords and letting agents that you are a reliable tenant, especially if you are renting in the UK without a UK credit history, UK payslips, previous UK landlord references or a UK-based guarantor.

That does not mean you cannot rent. It just means you need to be prepared.

If you are an expat looking to rent in the UK but do not have a guarantor, Rentmigo can help. We act as a professional rent guarantor for expats who can afford the rent but do not have someone in the UK to help.

Get started today to find out more.

How does renting in the UK work?

Renting in the UK usually happens either through a letting agent or directly from a private landlord.

Most properties that are listed for rent on major platforms are managed by letting agents. They handle viewings, applications, referencing, contracts, deposits and sometimes property management too.

Private landlords, on the other hand, may advertise directly and manage the process themselves. This can sometimes feel more personal and flexible, but you still need to make sure everything is done properly.

In both cases, the process usually looks something like this:

You look for properties online
You book viewings for ones that you like
You submit an application or offer to the letting agent or landlord
If the offer is accepted, the landlord or agent runs references
You provide documents proving you have a right to rent in the UK and other references, including a guarantor if asked
You pay a holding deposit if accepted
You sign the tenancy agreement
You pay your tenancy deposit and first month’s rent
You move in

In competitive cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, this process can move very quickly. Good properties often get multiple offers within days, sometimes even hours.

That is why being organised and knowing the process early matters.

Where can expats find rental properties in the UK?

Most expats start their search for a rental property online. This is because you can start looking and get a feel before you move to the UK.

Some of the most popular platforms include:

Rightmove

Rightmove is one of the biggest property platforms in the UK. It lists flats, houses, studios, shared properties and new rentals across the country.

It is a good place to understand what is available in your chosen area and what rent prices look like. You can also set notifications to get alerted when a property within your price range becomes available.

Zoopla

Zoopla is another major property website. Like Rightmove, it lets you filter by location, budget, property type and number of bedrooms.

It can also be useful for comparing prices in different neighbourhoods. A lot of the time, the same properties are listed on Rightmove and Zoopla, although signing up to both gives you full coverage.

SpareRoom

SpareRoom is especially useful if you are looking for a room in a shared house or flat.

This is a popular option for expats who want something more affordable, more flexible, or easier to secure when first moving to the UK.

Flatshares can also be a good way to meet people when you are new to the country.

OpenRent

OpenRent is often used by private landlords who want to find tenants directly. It can sometimes be a good option if you want to avoid going through a traditional letting agent.

That said, private landlords may still ask for references, proof of income and a guarantor. So whilst finding them is slightly easier, the referencing process is likely to be the same.

Short-term rental platforms

If you are not ready to commit to a long-term tenancy straight away, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com can help you find temporary accommodation.

This can be useful while you view long-term rentals in person.

It is not always the cheapest option, but it can give you breathing space when you first arrive.

What documents do you need to rent in the UK as an expat?

When renting in the UK as an expat, you will usually need to provide documents that prove who you are, your legal right to rent, and your ability to afford the property.

The exact documents can vary, but most landlords or letting agents will ask for:

Passport or photo ID
Proof of visa or immigration status
Right to rent share code
Proof of income or employment
Bank statements
Previous landlord references, if available
Employer reference or job offer letter
Proof of savings, if relevant
Guarantor details, if needed

The “right to rent” check is especially important.

In England, landlords must check that tenants have the legal right to rent a property.

If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you may need to provide a share code through the government system so the landlord can verify your immigration status.

If you are moving for work, it is also worth having your employment contract or offer letter ready. If you have not started the job yet, this can help show your expected income.

Do expats need a guarantor to rent in the UK?

Not always, but many expats are asked for one. A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover the rent if you cannot pay it. For landlords, this provides extra reassurance.

See our guide around 'who can legally be a guarantor in the UK'

Expats are often asked for a guarantor because they may not yet have:

UK credit history
UK landlord references
Long-term UK employment records
A local financial footprint
Family or close contacts in the UK

This can be frustrating because the issue is not always whether you can afford the rent. It is whether you can prove it in the way UK landlords expect.

A typical guarantor usually needs to:

Live in the UK
Have a stable income - sometimes 3-4x the annual rent
Pass credit checks
Show strong financial reliability
Sometimes own UK property

This is where many expats run into problems.

You may have family overseas who would happily support you, but most landlords prefer UK-based guarantors because they are easier to pursue legally if anything goes wrong.

Feeling stuck? See our guide around: Alternatives to a UK guarantor for renting

What can you do if you can’t find a guarantor?

If you cannot find a guarantor, do not panic, this is incredibly common for expats renting in the UK and the good news is, you have options!

Use a professional rent guarantor service

A professional rent guarantor service like Rentmigo acts as your guarantor when you do not have someone in the UK to act as one for you.

Instead of relying on family, friends or an employer, you apply online and Rentmigo looks at whether you can realistically afford the rent.

If approved, Rentmigo acts as your guarantor and works with your landlord or letting agent to help move the tenancy forward.

If you can afford the rent but are struggling with the guarantor question, Rentmigo can help.

Get started today.

Pay a few months rent upfront

Some landlords may accept several months of rent upfront instead of a guarantor.

This can reassure them, but it is not always realistic.

If your rent is £1,500 per month and you are asked to pay six months upfront, that is £9,000 before you have even paid your deposit, moving costs, furniture or bills.

For many expats, that is simply not practical.

Show strong proof of income or savings

If you do not have a guarantor, you can try boosting your application with clear financial evidence.

This might include:

Employment contract
Job offer letter
Payslips
Bank statements
Proof of savings
Previous rental references

This can help, especially with flexible private landlords. But some letting agents may still ask for a guarantor if their referencing rules require one.

Rent a room first

Some expats start with a flatshare before moving into their own place.

This can be easier because the costs may be lower, and some house shares are more flexible than full private tenancies.

SpareRoom is one of the main platforms for this in the UK.

Rent short-term while you get settled

A short-term rental can give you time to build UK documents, start your job, open a bank account and view properties properly.

It is usually more expensive, but it can reduce pressure during the first few weeks.

How deposits work when renting in the UK

When renting in the UK, you will usually pay a tenancy deposit before moving in.

In England, tenancy deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent if the annual rent is under £50,000, or six weeks’ rent if the annual rent is £50,000 or more.

Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved deposit protection scheme.

This is important. It means your deposit can't just be held by the landlord. At the end of the tenancy, if there is a disagreement about deductions, there is an official process to challenge it.

You may also be asked to pay a holding deposit when you apply for a property. This is usually used to reserve the property while referencing takes place, just to avoid tenants going through the process if they are unsure.

What bills do expats need to budget for?

Rent is only one part of the cost of living in the UK.

When budgeting, you should also think about:

Council tax
Gas
Electricity
Water
Broadband
Mobile phone
TV licence
Contents insurance
Transport
Food

Some rentals include certain bills, especially house shares or student accommodation, but many private rentals do not. Always check what is included before signing so you have a good idea of what the rental will cost you in total.

Council tax

Council tax is a local tax paid to your local council. It helps fund services like rubbish collection, roads, libraries and local services. The amount depends on the property and the council area.

Students may be exempt, but most working expats will need to pay it. You can find out the price of council tax by asking the letting agent or landlord, who should be able to tell you.

Gas, electricity and water

If bills are not included in your rent, you will usually need to set up accounts with utility providers.

Gas and electricity may be billed monthly. Water is usually handled by the local water company and can be charged either annually or monthly.

When you move in, take meter readings and keep a record. This helps avoid paying for usage from before your tenancy started.

TV licence

In the UK, you need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer.

This applies whether you watch on a television, laptop, tablet or phone. Whilst not everyone needs a TV licence, if you're found to be watching live TV without one, you could end up with a hefty fine.

Internet and phone

You may need to set up the internet yourself, unless it is included in your rent.

Some companies will need a credit check, which can sometimes be harder if you are new to the UK. Pay-as-you-go SIM cards or rolling monthly phone plans can be useful when you first arrive. You can either get these online or at local shops in your area.

Furnished vs unfurnished rentals

Many expats prefer furnished properties when they first arrive in the UK.

A furnished rental usually includes basics like beds, sofas, tables, chairs and wardrobes. Unfurnished properties may still include carpets, curtains, kitchen units and appliances, but you will usually need to provide your own furniture.

Always check the listing carefully and ask what is included with the rental.

“Furnished” can mean different things depending on the landlord.

What should you check before signing a tenancy agreement?

Before signing anything, make sure you understand:

How much the rent is
When rent is due
How long the tenancy lasts
Whether there is a break clause (a chance for you to back out of the tenancy with no financial repurcussions)
What bills are included
What furniture is included
How much the deposit is
Where the deposit will be protected
Who handles repairs
Whether pets are allowed
Rules around guests, smoking or subletting

If you are unsure about anything, ask before signing, most letting agents will be used to it!

Tips for expats renting in the UK

Renting in the UK as an expat is much easier when you are prepared.

A few tips to help include:

Have your documents ready before viewing
Know your budget before applying
Check whether bills are included
Be ready to move quickly in competitive cities
Understand whether you are likely to need a guarantor
Avoid sending money before verifying the landlord or agent
Read the tenancy agreement carefully
Take photos when you move in
Keep copies of all payments and documents

The more organised you are, the smoother the process will feel.

How Rentmigo can help expats looking to rent in the UK

Renting in the UK as an expat can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are dealing with new systems, fast-moving listings, high deposits and guarantor requests.

But once you understand it, it becomes much easier to navigate.

The main thing to remember is this: finding a property is only part of the process. Securing it is what really matters.

For many expats, the biggest challenge is not affordability. It is proving to landlords that they are a safe tenant when they do not yet have UK credit history, UK references or a UK-based guarantor.

That is exactly where Rentmigo can help.

If you are moving to the UK and need a guarantor, Rentmigo can act as your professional rent guarantor, helping you move forward with your rental application without relying on family or friends.

Check your eligibility with Rentmigo today and take the stress out of renting in the UK as an expat.