The 2025 London Renting Guide for Internationals: Documents, Referencing, Deposits and ASTs

New to London? This practical guide walks you through the paperwork, checks and decisions you’ll meet between first viewing and move‑in.

Tip: Keep clear scans/photos of all documents in a single cloud folder. Agents move fast; having everything ready helps you secure the place you want.

Quick snapshot

• Right to Rent: digital share code (if applicable) or passport/visa
• Referencing: income proof OR student status + alternative evidence
• Deposit: legally capped (usually 5 weeks’ rent) and must be protected
• Contract: most tenancies are ASTs (Assured Shorthold Tenancies)
• Keys: never pay or collect keys before you see and sign the AST

1) Required documents (Right to Rent)

In England, landlords/agents must check a tenant’s “Right to Rent.”

• UK/Irish citizens: passport or other accepted documents
• Visa holders: generate a digital share code for landlords: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
• Students: CAS/Letter of enrolment may be requested (in addition to Right to Rent)
• Address proof: initial address proof can be tricky; see bank/set‑up tips in our checklist post

If you cannot be present, ask how remote checks are handled (video call; certified copies; agent’s policy).

2) Referencing without a UK credit history

Many internationals won’t have a UK credit file. You still have options:

• Income verification: offer letter/contract, recent payslips, employer reference
• Student route: enrolment confirmation, scholarship/maintenance evidence, guarantor or alternative support
• Bank statements or open banking: show affordability and regular income
• Savings evidence: show funds covering 6–12 months of rent
• Previous landlord reference: from your last country

If a traditional guarantor is required but you don’t have one, see our guide: Rent in London without a UK guarantor.

3) Deposits, holding deposits and protection

• Holding deposit: usually up to 1 week’s rent to reserve a property (deducted from first rent/deposit if you proceed). Ask for written terms and timelines.
• Tenancy deposit cap: under the Tenant Fees Act, deposits are capped at 5 weeks’ rent (6 weeks if annual rent > £50,000).
• Deposit protection: landlords/agents must protect deposits in an approved scheme (DPS, TDS or MyDeposits) and share prescribed information.
• Inventory: ensure a dated, photo‑rich inventory at check‑in. Disputes hinge on evidence.

4) AST basics (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)

• Term: commonly 6–12 months fixed; some offer break clauses (e.g., 6‑month break in a 12‑month term)
• Names on contract: anyone living there and paying rent should be named (important for HMOs/house shares)
• Bills: clarify what’s included (council tax, energy, water, internet)
• Renewals: rolling periodic tenancy vs renewal fee/term – ask early

Read the full AST. Query clauses about fees, professional cleaning, subletting, guest stays, and early termination.

5) Viewings, red flags and scams

• Never transfer rent or deposit to a private account with no contract
• Be wary of deals that skip viewings “because demand is high”
• Keys only after you sign the AST and payment is receipted
• For HMOs (house shares), ask about licensing and safety certificates

6) Costs to plan for (guide only)

• Upfront: holding deposit, first month’s rent, tenancy deposit
• Recurring: rent, council tax (students may be exempt), utilities, internet, TV Licence
• Moving: furniture, kitchen/small appliances, bedding, insurance

See our deep‑dive: Council Tax and bills in London.

7) Useful official links

• Right to Rent: https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents
• Prove your Right to Rent (share code): https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
• Deposit protection (DPS/TDS/MyDeposits): https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection

8) What next?

• Compare areas by commute and budget: Neighborhoods playbook
• No UK guarantor? Options explained: 7 proven paths
• Getting set up in week one: Expat setup checklist

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information in 2025. Policies and prices change; always check current rules on GOV.UK and with your agent/landlord.