Accommodation: Costs and legal rights
Rental costs
Rental prices in the UK vary significantly depending on location, property type, and whether you are renting privately or through university accommodation. As a guide:
- The average monthly rent in the UK for new tenancies is approximately £1,263 (HomeLet Rental Index, June 2025).
- A one-bedroom flat typically costs:
£1,900–£2,300 in London
£900–£1,200 in other major cities (e.g. Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff)
£600–£900 in smaller towns or rural areas A room in a shared house or flat generally costs:
£700–£900 per month in cities
£400–£600 in lower-cost regions or university-managed accommodation
In addition to rent, most tenants are responsible for:
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, water, internet)
- Council Tax (exemptions apply for full-time students)
- TV licence if watching or recording live broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer
To explore up-to-date rental data for your region, visit the HomeLet Rental Index.
Different legal systems across the UK
The UK is made up of four nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—each with distinct housing laws, tenancy rights, and procedures.
In England and Wales, most private rentals are offered as Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs).
In Scotland, private renters typically hold a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) with no fixed end date.
In Northern Ireland, tenancies follow a separate legal framework and may use Standard Tenancy Agreements.
Key differences include:
- The way deposits are protected
- Notice periods for ending tenancies
- Rules about rent increases and repairs
Access to redress or complaints services
Make sure you check the specific legal guidance for the part of the UK you’ll be living in:
- England – GOV.UK: Renting from a private landlord
- Scotland – mygov.scot: Private renting rights and responsibilities
- Wales – Rent Smart Wales: Information for Tenants
- Northern Ireland – Housing Advice NI
Deposits and fees
Landlords or letting agents usually require a security deposit, typically equivalent to five weeks' rent. This deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme, which varies by country.
Since recent reforms:
- Letting fees are banned across the UK
- You may still be asked for a holding deposit (up to one week's rent) to reserve a property
- Your first month’s rent is usually payable in advance
Always request written confirmation of where your deposit is being held and check that it is registered with an approved protection scheme.
Tenancy agreements
You should receive a written tenancy agreement before you move in. This will outline:
- Start and end dates
- Monthly rent and what is included
- Responsibilities for maintenance
Rules around notice periods and deposits
If you live with your landlord as a lodger, your legal rights are more limited, and you may not have a formal tenancy agreement.
Do not pay any money or sign a contract without verifying the legitimacy of the landlord or letting agent, especially if arranging accommodation before arriving in the UK.
Your rights and responsibilities
As a tenant, you have the right to:
- Live in a safe, well-maintained property
- Have your deposit protected
- Receive adequate notice before the landlord enters or ends the tenancy
Dispute unfair rent increases or evictions
You are responsible for:
- Paying rent on time
- Keeping the property reasonably clean and reporting repairs
- Respecting neighbours and communal spaces
Complying with the terms of your agreement
Further support and advice
For information about your housing rights and support if problems arise, see:
If you are renting through your university or research organisation, their accommodation or HR team may also provide direct support and guidance.