# How to Find Housing in the UK as a Newcomer (Part 2: Securing Your Home) **Category:** Housing **Source:** https://www.muveazy.co.uk/learn/how-to-find-housing-in-uk-part-2 > From viewing properties to signing your tenancy agreement—everything you need to know about actually securing a home as a newcomer to the UK. --- In Part 1, we covered the basics—understanding your housing options, why it's harder for newcomers, and where to search. Now comes the crucial part: actually securing a property. This is where many newcomers hit obstacles. You've found properties you like, but how do you stand out in a competitive market when you don't have UK rental history? How do you handle viewings? What do you do about the guarantor requirement? In this guide, I'll walk you through the entire process—from booking your first viewing to signing your tenancy agreement and moving in. Let's dive in. ## Viewing Properties ### Booking Viewings Once you've found properties that interest you on Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, it's time to arrange viewings. **Act quickly.** Good properties in cities get snapped up within days—sometimes hours. When you see something promising, contact the agent or landlord immediately to request a viewing. **Book multiple viewings.** Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Schedule several viewings in the same area on the same day if possible. This saves time and lets you compare properties while they're fresh in your mind. **Be flexible with timing.** Agents and landlords have busy schedules. The more flexible you are about viewing times, the faster you'll get in to see the property. ### What to Look for During Viewings A viewing isn't just about seeing if you like the place—it's about spotting potential problems before you commit. **Check the basics:** - Does everything work? Test taps, flush the toilet, check the heating, turn on lights. - Is the property clean and well-maintained? Signs of neglect now mean problems later. - What's included? Confirm which furniture and appliances come with the property. - Is there enough storage? Open wardrobes and cupboards. - How's the water pressure? Turn on the shower. - Does the property get natural light? Visit during the day if possible. **Assess the area:** - Is it safe? Walk around the neighbourhood. Trust your instincts. - How's the noise level? Listen for traffic, neighbours, nearby pubs or clubs. - Where's the nearest transport? Check how long it actually takes to walk to the station. - Are there shops nearby? You'll need groceries, pharmacies, and basics. **Think about practicalities:** - Can you get furniture up the stairs if you buy anything? - Is there parking if you have a car? - Where will you do laundry? Is there a washing machine, or will you need a launderette? - How's the mobile phone signal? Take photos and notes. After viewing several properties, they'll blur together. Photos and notes help you remember which was which. ### Questions to Ask Don't be shy about asking questions. This is your chance to get clarity. **About the property:** - How much is council tax for this property? - When is rent due each month? - What's the deposit amount? - How long is the tenancy agreement? - Is there a break clause? - What bills are included? - Are there any additional costs (building service charges, parking fees)? **About the landlord/agent:** - How quickly do you respond to maintenance issues? - Can I see a copy of the tenancy agreement before applying? - What's the application process? - How long does referencing typically take? **About practicalities:** - When is the property available? - Can I decorate or make small changes? - Are pets allowed? - Is the deposit protected in a government-approved scheme? If the agent or landlord is evasive or refuses to answer, that's a red flag. ### Red Flags to Watch For Walk away if you see or hear any of these: - Landlord or agent pressuring you to pay before viewing the property - Request for cash payments only - No written tenancy agreement offered - Deposit won't be protected in an approved scheme - Property in significantly worse condition than photos - Landlord refusing to provide contact details or proof of ownership - Price far below market rate (too good to be true usually is) - Agent asking for illegal fees beyond deposit and rent Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. ## The Application Process ### How Applications Work Once you've found a property you want, you'll need to apply. Here's the typical process: 1. Express interest to the agent or landlord 2. Submit your documents (passport, visa, bank statements, references, proof of income) 3. Referencing check — the agent or landlord verifies your information (2–5 days typically) 4. Right to rent check — they confirm your immigration status (required by law) 5. Credit check — they assess your financial reliability (this is where newcomers often hit obstacles) 6. Decision — you're offered the property, asked for more information, or rejected The whole process can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. ### Standing Out as a Newcomer You're competing with people who have UK rental history and references. Here's how to strengthen your application: **Provide a comprehensive application pack:** - Cover letter explaining your situation (new to UK, stable employment, reliable tenant) - Employment contract showing salary and start date - Bank statements from the past 6 months showing savings and regular income - Employer reference letter confirming your position - Overseas landlord reference (translated to English if needed) - Proof of any significant savings **Be proactive and responsive:** - Reply to messages quickly - Provide documents immediately when requested - Be professional in all communications - Show up on time for viewings **Offer solutions to common concerns:** - Offer to pay multiple months' rent upfront if you can afford it - Suggest rent guarantee insurance as an alternative to a guarantor - Provide additional references (character references from professional contacts) - Explain your visa length and show it covers the tenancy period **Build rapport:** - Be friendly and personable - Show genuine interest in the property - Explain why you want to live there specifically - Demonstrate you'll be a responsible, long-term tenant ### Dealing with Rejections You will likely face rejections. It's not personal—it's just the reality of being a newcomer without UK history. When you get rejected: - Ask for feedback if you feel comfortable - Don't take it personally - Apply to more properties - Consider whether you're targeting properties that are too competitive - Look at flatshares or less popular areas where competition is lower Keep going. Many newcomers apply to 5–10 properties before securing one. Persistence pays off. ## Overcoming the Guarantor Requirement This is often the biggest obstacle for newcomers. Many landlords require a UK-based guarantor who earns 2.5–3 times the annual rent and will cover your payments if you can't. If you don't have a UK guarantor (and most newcomers don't), here are your alternatives: ### Offer to Pay Rent in Advance If you have the savings, offering to pay 3–6 months' rent upfront can eliminate the need for a guarantor. It shows financial stability and gives landlords confidence. How to approach this: "I understand you typically require a guarantor. As I'm new to the UK, I don't have a UK-based guarantor available. However, I can pay six months' rent in advance as security. Would this be acceptable?" Make sure you can genuinely afford this without leaving yourself financially vulnerable. ### Use a Rent Guarantee Insurance Service Companies like Housing Hand, Reposit, and UK Guarantor provide rent guarantee insurance. You pay a fee (typically one week's rent or a percentage of annual rent), and they guarantee your rent to the landlord. This costs money, but it's far cheaper than paying 6–12 months upfront and makes you a viable tenant without a guarantor. ### Target Private Landlords Private landlords (found via OpenRent or direct listings) are often more flexible than agents. You can explain your situation directly and negotiate terms. Many are happy to waive the guarantor requirement if you pay several months upfront, provide strong references, demonstrate stable employment, and seem trustworthy in person. ### Consider Flatshares Initially Flatshares typically have less stringent requirements. Starting with a flatshare lets you build UK rental history. After 6–12 months, you can apply for your own place with a reference from that landlord. ### Be Transparent Don't hide the fact that you don't have a guarantor. Bring it up proactively and suggest alternatives. Landlords appreciate honesty and problem-solving. ## Understanding the Tenancy Agreement Once your application is accepted, you'll receive a tenancy agreement to sign. Read it carefully before signing. ### What Should Be in the Agreement A standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement should include: - Names of tenant(s) and landlord - Property address - Start date and length of tenancy (usually 6 or 12 months) - Rent amount and payment date - Deposit amount - Notice period required from both sides - Responsibilities (who pays for what, who handles repairs) - Rules (pets, subletting, decorating) - Break clause (if applicable) ### Key Clauses to Understand **Length of tenancy:** Most initial agreements are 6 or 12 months. After this, they often become "rolling" (month-to-month) unless you sign a new fixed term. **Break clause:** This lets you end the tenancy early (e.g., after 6 months of a 12-month agreement). You typically need to give 1–2 months' notice. **Notice period:** How much notice you must give before leaving (usually 1–2 months). Also states how much notice the landlord must give you. **Rent increases:** Check if and how rent can increase during the tenancy. For fixed-term agreements, rent usually can't increase unless stated in the contract. **Repairs and maintenance:** Clarifies who's responsible for what. Landlords must handle structural repairs, heating, and water. You're typically responsible for minor issues and keeping the property clean. **Restrictions:** Can you have pets? Can you decorate? Can you sublet a room? These will be stated clearly. ### Red Flags in Agreements Walk away if you see: - Clauses that seem to waive your legal rights - Unreasonable restrictions (e.g., can't have guests) - Unclear terms about deposit return - Automatic rent increases beyond reasonable amounts - Requirements to use specific (expensive) contractors for repairs - Clauses that contradict UK tenant law If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before signing. Consider having a friend or adviser review it. ### Your Rights as a Tenant UK law protects tenants. Your landlord must: - Protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits) - Give you at least 24 hours' notice before entering the property - Ensure the property is safe and habitable - Handle repairs for structural issues, heating, and water - Not evict you without proper legal process You have the right to live in the property without harassment, challenge unfair terms, request repairs, and be treated fairly regardless of nationality. If a landlord violates these rights, you can seek help from Shelter or Citizens Advice. ## Paying Your Deposit and First Month's Rent ### How Much You'll Pay Upfront **Deposit:** Up to 5 weeks' rent (6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000, which is rare) **First month's rent:** Due before you move in **Example:** - Monthly rent: £1,200 - Deposit: £1,380 (5 weeks) - First month: £1,200 - Total upfront: £2,580 You won't pay this again—it's just the initial cost. After this, you pay rent monthly. ### Deposit Protection By law, your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. You should receive a certificate with the deposit amount, which scheme it's protected in, and how to get it back at the end of the tenancy. This is non-negotiable. If your landlord doesn't protect your deposit, you can take legal action and claim compensation. Keep the certificate safe. ### What You Should NOT Pay Agents and landlords CANNOT charge you for application fees, admin fees, referencing fees, credit check fees, inventory fees, or check-out fees. The only legal charges are deposit and rent. If anyone asks for anything else, refuse and report them to your local council's trading standards team. ## The Move-In Inspection Before you move in, you'll do an inventory check with the landlord or agent. This is crucial. ### Why the Inspection Matters The inventory documents the condition of the property when you move in. At the end of your tenancy, it's compared to the condition when you leave. If there's damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can deduct from your deposit. ### How to Conduct the Inspection **Take photos and videos:** Every room from multiple angles, close-ups of any existing damage, appliances and furniture, carpets, walls, and fixtures, outdoor spaces if applicable. **Note everything on the inventory:** Mark down every scratch, dent, stain, or issue you see. Don't skip minor things—document them all. If the agent says "don't worry about that," note it anyway. **Test everything:** Turn on all appliances, check all taps and toilets, test the heating, open and close all windows and doors. **Get it in writing:** Both you and the landlord/agent should sign the inventory. Keep a copy for your records. If they don't provide an inventory, create your own and send it to them. What happens if you skip this? When you move out, the landlord could claim you caused damage that was already there, and deduct from your deposit. Your photos and inventory are your evidence against false claims. ## After You Move In ### Setting Up Utilities and Council Tax Once you're in, you'll need to set up: **Council Tax:** Contact your local council within a few days of moving in. Register to pay—they'll send you a bill (usually monthly or annually). **Gas and Electricity:** If these aren't included in your rent, set up accounts with energy suppliers. Compare prices on sites like MoneySuperMarket or Uswitch. **Water:** Contact the water company for your area. Set up an account. **Internet:** Shop around for broadband providers. Installation can take 1–2 weeks, so do this quickly. **TV Licence:** If you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you legally need a TV licence (£159/year). You can buy one online at tvlicensing.co.uk. ### Know Your Responsibilities As a tenant, you're responsible for paying rent on time, paying council tax and bills, keeping the property clean and in good condition, reporting repairs promptly, not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear, and giving proper notice if you want to leave. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure of the property, repairing heating, water, and sanitation systems, ensuring the property is safe and habitable, and protecting your deposit. If something breaks, report it to your landlord in writing (email is fine). They're required to fix it within a reasonable time. ## What If Something Goes Wrong? **If your landlord isn't doing repairs:** - Report the issue in writing and keep records - Give them reasonable time to fix it - If they still don't act, contact your local council's environmental health team - Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice **If you want to leave early:** - Check your tenancy agreement for a break clause - If there's no break clause, you're committed for the full term unless the landlord agrees - You could find a replacement tenant (with landlord approval) - Leaving without permission means you're still liable for rent **If you have a dispute about your deposit:** - Try to resolve it directly with the landlord first - If that fails, use the dispute resolution service provided by whichever scheme holds your deposit (it's free) - They'll review evidence from both sides and make a decision ## Final Tips for Success **Start early.** Good properties move quickly. Begin your search 4–6 weeks before you need to move in. **Be realistic.** You might not get your first choice. Be prepared to compromise on location, size, or price. **Stay organised.** Keep all documents, emails, and agreements in one place. You'll refer back to them. **Build relationships.** Be a good tenant. Pay rent on time, keep the property well, and communicate professionally. This leads to good references for your next rental. **Don't rush.** It's better to stay in temporary accommodation for an extra week than to sign a lease you'll regret. **Ask for help when needed.** There's no shame in finding this process difficult. Shelter, Citizens Advice, and local council housing teams can all provide guidance. ### You've Got This Securing housing as a newcomer is challenging, but it's absolutely achievable. Thousands of international students and skilled workers do it every year. The key is preparation, persistence, and knowing how to position yourself as a strong candidate despite not having UK history. Follow the steps in this guide, stay organised, and don't get discouraged by rejections. Your home is out there. ## Need Expert Help? If you'd rather have someone handle the complexity for you, Muveazy's concierge service provides hands-on support throughout the entire housing search and application process. We can search for properties that match your needs, coordinate viewings (in-person or virtual), handle communication with landlords and agents, advise on applications and negotiations, guide you through contracts and move-in, and support you even before you arrive in the UK.