Wed. 22 July 2026
Finding a place to rent as an international student can be stressful. You may be unfamiliar with UK tenancy laws, deposits, letting agents and your rights as a tenant.
Unfortunately, some landlords and agents take advantage of that. Here are 10 things every international student should know before renting in England or Wales.
1. Never pay before verifying the property
Rental scams are real, even in the UK. Always view the property, verify who you're dealing with and keep the original advert and messages. Be especially careful if you're told: “Pay today or you'll lose the property.” Pressure to transfer money immediately is a major red flag.
2. Know what you're paying
Before transferring money, ask for a clear breakdown of:
Rent
Deposit
Bills
Any permitted fees
Holding deposit, if applicable
In England, landlords and agents cannot simply invent administration or application fees. Wales has its own restrictions on payments that can be demanded from tenants. If you don't understand a charge, ask what it's for before paying it.
3. Your deposit has legal protections
In England, most tenancy deposits must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. In Wales, deposits under occupation contracts generally also have to be protected through an authorised scheme. Never assume “the landlord keeps the deposit themselves” is normal. Keep your deposit receipt and all related paperwork.
4. England and Wales have different rental laws
This is important. England and Wales are not governed by exactly the same housing laws. For example, Wales uses the Renting Homes (Wales) Act framework, while England has its own tenancy rules. So don't rely on a random “UK tenant rights” article without checking which country your property is actually in.
5. International students still have tenant rights
Being an international student doesn't mean your landlord can simply make up the rules. In England, landlords normally have to carry out Right to Rent checks on relevant tenants. That's different from being allowed to impose arbitrary conditions because you're foreign. If something seems discriminatory or unusual, investigate before agreeing to it.
6. Read the contract BEFORE paying
Check the Rent. Deposit. Bills. Length of tenancy. Guarantor requirements. Ending the tenancy. Don't sign something you don't understand simply because the landlord says: “Everyone signs this.” If you don't understand a clause, get it explained before signing.
7. Photograph everything when you move in
Take photos and videos of:
Walls and floors
Furniture
Appliances
Bathroom and kitchen
Existing damage
Meters
Keep them somewhere safe. That evidence can become extremely important if your landlord later claims you caused damage that was already there.
8. Check whether the property needs a licence
Some shared properties may require an HMO licence or another local authority licence. Check your local council's housing information, particularly if you're renting a room in a shared house. A property being advertised online doesn't automatically mean everything about it is compliant.
9. Keep EVERYTHING
Save:
Your tenancy/occupation contract
Property advert
Deposit information
Rent payments
Emails
WhatsApp messages
Photos
Repair requests
Think of it as your rental evidence folder. If something goes wrong later, these records can make a huge difference.
10. Don't ignore red flags
Walk away or investigate further if you're told: “You have to pay immediately.” “There is no contract.” “The deposit doesn't need protecting.” “Don't contact the council.” “You can't see the property before paying.” “This fee is just our standard administration charge.” One red flag doesn't necessarily mean something is illegal. Several together should make you stop. The Golden Rule Before paying thousands of pounds to a landlord or letting agent, make sure you know:
Always remember to Check. Verify. Document. Then pay.
This information is for educational purposes, general guidance and is not legal advice. The rules can differ depending on where your property is located and the circumstances of your tenancy.
Right To Rent Checklist
View all the obligations your estate agent, landlord must follow