Tenant Guide: Deposits, Referencing and Moving In

Renting for the first time — or the first time in a while? Here’s exactly what happens between finding a property you like and getting the keys.

1. The holding deposit

To reserve a property you’ll pay a holding deposit of up to one week’s rent. It takes the property off the market while referencing completes, and counts toward your first payment. It’s only at risk if you withdraw or fail checks you could have foreseen.

2. Referencing checks

Expect a credit check, employer reference confirming your income (usually 30× the monthly rent annually), and a previous landlord reference. If your income falls short, a UK-based guarantor is the usual solution.

3. Your deposit is protected

Your tenancy deposit — capped at five weeks’ rent — must be registered in a government-approved protection scheme within 30 days, and you’ll receive the certificate. At the end of the tenancy, deductions must be evidenced against the inventory.

4. Moving in

You’ll sign the tenancy agreement, receive the How to Rent guide, EPC and safety certificates, and check the inventory carefully — photograph anything it missed within the first week. Then the keys are yours.