Moving to the UK as a new immigrant is exciting, but finding a place to live can feel confusing, especially if you have just arrived and do not yet have a UK credit history, rental references, or a long-term job record.
The good news is that being a new immigrant does not automatically prevent you from renting a house or flat. You will need to understand the rental process, prepare the right documents, budget for upfront costs, and prove that you have the legal right to rent where required.
This guide explains how to rent a house in the UK as a new immigrant in 2026, including what documents you may need, how much money to prepare, how Right to Rent checks work, and how to avoid common rental scams.
Important: Rental rules differ across the UK. The Right to Rent check discussed in this article applies to England. You do not need to prove your Right to Rent in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you are planning to move from Nigeria or another country to the UK, this guide can help you understand the process before you arrive. Knowing what landlords and letting agents may ask for can help you prepare your finances and documents in advance.
1. Decide Where You Want to Live
Your first step is choosing the UK city or town where you want to live. Your choice may depend on your job, university, family members, transport connections, and budget.
London is one of the most popular destinations for new immigrants, but it is also one of the most expensive places to rent. Other cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester may offer different rental prices and lifestyle options.
Before choosing a property, check how far it is from your workplace or school. A cheaper home located far away may cost you more in daily transport expenses, so consider rent and transportation together when calculating your monthly budget.
It is also worth comparing several neighbourhoods before making a decision. A property that looks affordable may become expensive when you add transportation, council tax, energy bills and other regular household expenses.
2. Understand the Different Types of Rental Accommodation
New immigrants have several options when looking for somewhere to live. You can rent an entire flat or house, rent a room in a shared house, or temporarily stay with family or friends while searching for permanent accommodation.
Renting a room in a shared house can be a practical option if you are arriving with limited savings. You may share the kitchen, living room and sometimes bathroom with other tenants, but the overall cost can be lower than renting an entire property.
Another option is a studio flat, which gives you more privacy but may cost more than renting a room. Families may prefer a one-bedroom, two-bedroom or larger property depending on their circumstances.
If you are a new immigrant with a limited budget, consider starting with a room or short-term accommodation while you establish yourself financially.
This can be especially useful if you are arriving in the UK without a job, without UK rental references or without a long-established UK bank account. However, always check the type of agreement you are entering into and understand whether you are renting as a tenant or living as a lodger.
3. Prepare Your Documents Before You Start Searching
Having your documents ready can make the rental process much easier. Landlords and letting agents may want to check your identity, immigration status, income and ability to pay the rent.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need documents such as your passport, visa or immigration status information, proof of employment, employment contract, recent payslips, bank statements and references.
If you are a student, you may need to provide evidence of your university admission or student status. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide additional evidence of your income.
You should also prepare contact details for previous landlords if you have rented accommodation before. New immigrants may not have UK rental references, but you can explain your situation and provide other evidence of your ability to pay.
If you have just arrived in the UK, your employment contract, salary information, savings evidence and immigration documents may help demonstrate your circumstances when a landlord or letting agent carries out affordability or referencing checks.
4. Understand the Right to Rent Check in England
If you are renting a private property in England, you will normally need to prove that you have the legal right to rent. The process depends on your nationality and immigration status.
If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you may be able to prove your status using a share code or eligible immigration documents. Your landlord or letting agent will use the appropriate process to check your eligibility.
It is important to understand that the Right to Rent requirement is specific to England. The same check does not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Before paying money for a property in England, make sure you understand what documents or digital status information you will need to provide.
Landlords in England are required to check the Right to Rent of adult tenants before a new tenancy begins, and the rules are designed to apply without discriminating based on nationality or appearance. If your immigration permission is time-limited, additional follow-up checks may apply.
5. Find a Property Through Reliable Sources
Once your documents are ready, you can begin searching for accommodation. Many people search through established property websites, local letting agents and property management companies.
You can also search for rooms and shared accommodation through reputable platforms and local community groups. However, you should be particularly careful when dealing with private landlords or individuals you have never met.
Never assume that a property is genuine simply because someone has posted pictures online. Always verify the property, landlord or agent before transferring money.
If possible, arrange a viewing before making any payment. If you are still outside the UK, consider having a trusted person view the property on your behalf or use a reputable professional letting agent.
When comparing properties, look beyond the headline rent. Check the location, property condition, transport links, council tax position, energy costs and whether utilities are included.
6. Be Prepared for Upfront Costs
One of the biggest challenges for new immigrants is having enough money available when they find a suitable property.
In England, a landlord or letting agent may ask for a holding deposit of up to one week’s rent to reserve a property while checks are completed. A tenancy deposit can also be required, subject to legal limits. For most properties where the annual rent is below £50,000, the maximum tenancy deposit is generally five weeks’ rent. For properties with annual rent of £50,000 to £100,000, the maximum is generally six weeks’ rent.
For private assured periodic tenancies in England beginning on or after 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents must not ask for, encourage or accept rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed. After the agreement has been signed and before the tenancy begins, a landlord can generally ask for up to one month’s rent in advance when rent is paid monthly.
For example, if your monthly rent is £1,000, you should budget for potentially paying a tenancy deposit of up to about £1,154 based on five weeks’ rent, plus up to £1,000 for the first month’s rent in advance. A holding deposit of up to about £231 may also be requested during the application process, although it is normally returned or credited towards your tenancy costs when the tenancy proceeds. The exact amount you pay depends on the property and the landlord’s arrangements.
You should also budget for moving expenses, furniture if the property is unfurnished, utility bills, internet and other household costs.
The rules around rent in advance changed significantly in England from 1 May 2026. A landlord or letting agent cannot require or accept rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed, so new immigrants should be particularly careful if someone demands an early payment as a condition of simply considering their application.
7. What If You Do Not Have a UK Credit History?
This is a common concern among new immigrants.
A landlord may want evidence that you can afford the rent, but you may not yet have a UK credit history because you have only recently arrived.
You can strengthen your application by providing evidence of your employment, salary, savings or immigration status. A signed employment contract showing your salary can be particularly useful if you have just started a new job.
Some landlords may also ask for a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to meet certain financial obligations if you fail to meet your responsibilities under the tenancy agreement.
If you do not have a UK-based guarantor, ask the landlord or letting agent whether they accept alternative arrangements. The requirements can vary significantly between landlords.
Do not assume that having no UK credit history means you cannot rent. The landlord’s affordability and referencing requirements will vary, so it is worth asking what alternative evidence they will accept before paying a holding deposit.
8. Consider Renting a Room First
If you have just arrived in the UK and are struggling to rent an entire property, renting a room can be a practical first step.
A room in a shared house may require less money upfront than renting a whole flat or house. It can also give you time to open a UK bank account, start your job, build your financial history and learn more about the local area.
However, you should still check the agreement carefully before moving in. Make sure you understand how much rent you will pay, what bills are included and what rules apply to the accommodation.
Never hand over a large amount of money without understanding exactly what you are paying for.
If you are renting a room from a homeowner who lives in the same property, you may be a lodger rather than a tenant, and different legal rules can apply. Ask questions about your legal status before signing anything.
9. Understand What Is Included in the Rent
When viewing a property, do not focus only on the advertised monthly rent.
Ask whether the rent includes electricity, gas, water, heating, internet or other services. Some shared accommodation arrangements include certain bills, while many standard house and flat rentals require tenants to arrange and pay their own utilities.
You should also ask about council tax. Depending on your circumstances, you may be responsible for paying council tax, although exemptions or reductions may apply in certain situations.
Your total monthly housing cost is therefore likely to be higher than the advertised rent if bills and council tax are not included.
Before signing a tenancy, ask for a clear breakdown of your expected monthly costs. This can help you avoid choosing a property that appears affordable but becomes difficult to maintain after adding household bills.
10. Read the Tenancy Agreement Carefully
Never rush into signing a tenancy agreement simply because you are worried that someone else will take the property.
Read the agreement carefully and make sure the information matches what you were told during the viewing. Check the rent amount, payment schedule, deposit, tenancy length, notice requirements and responsibilities for repairs and bills.
Ask questions about anything you do not understand before signing.
You should also keep copies of your tenancy agreement, receipts, payment records and communications with the landlord or letting agent.
It is also important to understand the latest tenancy changes in England. From 1 May 2026, new private tenancies covered by the Renters’ Rights Act are generally assured periodic tenancies rather than fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. These tenancies operate on a rolling basis, and landlords must follow the new legal processes when seeking possession.
This means that new immigrants renting in England in 2026 should not rely on older online articles that describe the previous Section 21 system or assume that every private tenancy will have a traditional fixed end date.
11. Make Sure Your Deposit Is Protected
If you rent a property in England or Wales and pay a deposit that is subject to the tenancy deposit protection rules, the landlord must protect it through an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme and provide the required information. Government-backed schemes are designed to protect tenants’ deposits and help resolve disputes.
Keep all documents related to your deposit. When you eventually leave the property, the condition of the property and whether you have met your tenancy obligations can affect how much of your deposit is returned.
Taking photographs or videos of the property when you move in can also be useful. Make sure the date is recorded and keep the images safely.
For England, the current rules also limit the maximum tenancy deposit in most cases to five weeks’ rent where annual rent is below £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where annual rent is between £50,000 and £100,000. The landlord must protect the deposit in an approved scheme where the rules apply.
12. Be Careful of Rental Scams
New immigrants are often targeted by rental scammers because they may be unfamiliar with the UK housing market.
One common warning sign is someone demanding a large payment before allowing you to view the property. Another is a landlord who claims to be overseas and says they will send you the keys after you transfer money.
Be extremely cautious if someone pressures you to pay immediately because “many people are interested.” Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from carrying out proper checks.
Do not send money through unusual payment methods simply because someone demands it. Verify the property and the identity of the landlord or agent before making payments.
If you are using a letting agent, check that the business is genuine and look for independent information about it.
Never send money simply because someone promises to “reserve” a property without proper documentation. If you are being asked to pay a holding deposit, understand what it is for and what the rules are before making the payment.
In England, a holding deposit is generally limited to one week’s rent, and there are rules governing when it should be returned or can be retained.
13. Know Which Fees Are Legal
New immigrants should be particularly careful about unexpected charges.
In England, landlords and letting agents can charge certain permitted payments, including rent, refundable tenancy deposits and holding deposits, while many other fees are prohibited. The rules also limit the amount that can be charged for certain payments.
For example, a holding deposit is generally limited to one week’s rent, while a tenancy deposit is subject to a legal cap based on the annual rent.
If you are asked to pay an unusual fee, ask the landlord or agent to explain exactly what it covers. If you believe you are being charged a prohibited fee, you can seek advice from organisations such as Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Keep screenshots, emails, receipts and messages relating to any payment you are asked to make. Having a clear record can be helpful if you later need to challenge a charge.
14. What If You Cannot Afford the Deposit?
If you have enough money for monthly rent but cannot afford the deposit, look for local schemes that may help eligible tenants with deposits or rent in advance.
You can also consider renting a room first, choosing a less expensive area or looking for accommodation where bills are included.
Some landlords may have different deposit arrangements, but you should never assume that a property is legitimate simply because someone offers you a cheaper deal.
Always compare the total cost of the accommodation, not just the initial deposit.
If you are struggling to find a property because you do not have a guarantor, ask landlords or letting agents whether they accept other forms of evidence or whether a professional guarantor arrangement is available. Be sure to understand the cost and terms of any third-party service before signing up.
A Simple Step-by-Step Process for New Immigrants
The process can be summarised like this:
Step 1: Decide which city or area you want to live in.
Step 2: Set a realistic monthly housing budget.
Step 3: Prepare your passport, immigration documents, proof of income and other supporting documents.
Step 4: If renting in England, prepare to complete the required Right to Rent check.
Step 5: Search for properties through reputable websites and letting agents.
Step 6: Arrange a viewing and inspect the property carefully.
Step 7: Ask about rent, deposit, bills, council tax and other costs.
Step 8: Complete the landlord’s or agent’s referencing process.
Step 9: Read and sign the tenancy agreement.
Step 10: Pay only legitimate charges and keep receipts.
Step 11: Confirm your deposit protection arrangements where applicable.
Step 12: Complete an inventory or document the condition of the property when you move in.
For anyone moving to the UK in 2026, one additional step is to check whether the rules applying to your specific location have changed. The private rental rules in England have undergone significant changes from 1 May 2026, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate under different housing laws.
How Much Money Should a New Immigrant Have Before Renting?
There is no single amount that every new immigrant needs because rental prices vary dramatically across the UK.
However, you should ideally have enough money to cover your initial housing costs, including the first rent payment, tenancy deposit and potentially a holding deposit, plus money for food, transportation and other living expenses while you settle in.
You should also have an emergency fund if possible. Finding a job, receiving your first salary and setting up your new life can take time, so arriving with only enough money to pay the deposit may leave you financially vulnerable.
A good approach is to calculate your total first-month expenses rather than looking only at the monthly rent.
For example, your financial plan should consider rent, deposit, transportation, food, utility bills, internet, council tax where applicable, furniture and emergency expenses. The amount you need will depend heavily on your location and personal circumstances.
Final Tips for Nigerians Moving to the UK
If you are moving from Nigeria to the UK, start your accommodation search early. Learn the average rental prices in the city where you plan to live and compare different neighbourhoods before committing to a property.
Do not feel pressured to rent the first house you see. If you have family or friends already living in the UK, ask them about areas they know and whether they can help you inspect a property.
Most importantly, never send a large amount of money to a stranger simply because they promise to reserve a house for you. Verify the property, understand the agreement and keep evidence of every payment you make.
If you are still in Nigeria, you can also prepare your documents before travelling. Having your passport, immigration documents, employment information, university documents where applicable and evidence of your financial circumstances organised can make the process easier once you begin searching.
Remember that rental rules are not identical throughout the UK. If you are moving to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check the rules that apply specifically to your location rather than relying on general advice about “renting in the UK.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in the UK as a New Immigrant
Can a new immigrant rent a house in the UK?
Yes. New immigrants can rent accommodation if they meet the relevant legal and landlord requirements. In England, landlords must complete the required Right to Rent checks for eligible private rentals. Your ability to rent may also depend on affordability checks, references and the landlord’s requirements.
Can I rent a house in the UK without a UK credit history?
You may be able to rent without an established UK credit history. However, the landlord or letting agent may ask for alternative evidence of your income, employment, savings or ability to pay.
Can I rent a house in the UK without a job?
It may be possible, but the landlord may want evidence that you can afford the rent. Depending on the landlord, you may need to provide proof of savings, a guarantor or other acceptable evidence of your financial circumstances.
How much deposit do I need to rent a house in England?
For most properties in England where the annual rent is below £50,000, the maximum tenancy deposit is generally five weeks’ rent. If the annual rent is between £50,000 and £100,000, the maximum is generally six weeks’ rent.
How much is a holding deposit in England?
A holding deposit can generally be up to one week’s rent. Rules apply regarding when it must be returned and the circumstances in which it may be retained.
Can a landlord ask me to pay rent before signing the tenancy agreement?
For new private assured periodic tenancies covered by the 2026 rules in England, a landlord or letting agent must not ask for, encourage or accept rent before the tenancy agreement is signed. Once the agreement has been signed, up to one month’s rent in advance can generally be requested before the tenancy starts when rent is paid monthly.
Do I need a Right to Rent check?
If you are renting a private property in England, you will generally need to demonstrate that you have the legal right to rent. The rules do not apply in the same way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Can I rent a room instead of a whole house?
Yes. Renting a room in a shared property can be a practical option for new immigrants who want to reduce their initial housing costs.
What should I check before paying for a house?
You should verify the property, landlord or letting agent, arrange a viewing where possible, understand the tenancy terms, confirm the total costs and keep evidence of all payments.
How can I avoid rental scams in the UK?
Avoid sending money to unknown individuals without verifying the property and the person offering it. Be cautious of properties advertised at unusually low prices, landlords who refuse reasonable viewing arrangements and anyone who pressures you to pay immediately.
What happens to my tenancy under the new 2026 rules in England?
From 1 May 2026, most new private tenancies covered by the Renters’ Rights Act are assured periodic tenancies that run on a rolling basis rather than traditional fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. The new rules also changed how landlords can seek possession of properties.
Conclusion
Renting a house in the UK as a new immigrant is possible, but preparation is essential. Your immigration status, available funds, income, references and the location where you want to live can all affect the process.
The easiest way to improve your chances is to prepare your documents before you start searching, understand the upfront costs, know your legal rights and use reputable landlords or letting agents.
If you are arriving without a UK rental history, do not panic. Consider providing alternative evidence of your financial situation, using a guarantor where appropriate, or starting with shared accommodation while you establish yourself.
With proper planning and careful research, you can find suitable accommodation and begin your new life in the UK with greater confidence.
One final reminder: Housing rules can change, and the information in this article is primarily focused on private renting and the latest rules applying in England as of July 2026. Always check the latest official guidance before signing a tenancy or transferring money. The Renters’ Rights Act changes that took effect on 1 May 2026 mean that older articles about UK renting may no longer accurately describe the process in England.
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