New to the UK > How to Navigate the UK Rental Market as an Overseas Tenant

How to Navigate the UK Rental Market as an Overseas Tenant

Wollit Team2 minute read · Updated 13th August 2025

Finding your first rental property in the UK can feel daunting when you're new to the country. The UK rental process for foreigners has specific requirements, but once you understand the basics, it becomes much more manageable.

Proving Your Right to Rent

Every landlord in the UK must check that you're legally allowed to rent. This is called a right to rent check, and it's the law. You'll need to show documents that prove your immigration status.

The documents you need depend on your situation:

Your passport and valid visa
Biometric residence permit (if you have one)
EU settled or pre-settled status documents (for EU citizens)

The government's share code system makes this easier. You can generate a code online that proves your right to rent without sharing physical documents. This speeds up the whole process.

Documents Needed to Rent in the UK as a Foreigner

Beyond proving your right to rent, you'll need several other documents. Most landlords ask for similar paperwork, so it's worth getting these ready before you start viewing properties.

Essential documents include:

Bank statements from the last three months
Employment contract or job offer letter
Proof of income (like payslips)
Previous rental reference (if you have one)

If you're new to the UK and don't have UK bank statements yet, some landlords accept overseas statements. However, this varies, so it's worth opening a UK bank account as soon as possible.

Understanding UK Rental Deposits

Most landlords ask for a deposit of one to six weeks' rent. In expensive areas like London, this can be higher due to demand. Your deposit must be protected in a government scheme, which means you're legally protected if disputes arise.

You'll also pay the first month's rent upfront. Thanks to recent law changes, most letting agent fees have been banned in England, but always ask for a full cost breakdown to avoid surprises.

The Challenge of No UK Credit History

Having no UK credit history makes renting more difficult. Landlords use credit checks to assess whether you're likely to pay rent on time. Without this history, you might need to:

Pay extra months' rent in advance
Find a UK-based guarantor
Accept higher deposits

This lack of credit history doesn't just affect renting. It also impacts getting phone contracts, loans, and eventually mortgages.

Building Credit While You Rent

The good news is you can start building your UK credit history immediately. Since rent is usually your biggest monthly expense, it makes sense to use these payments to build your creditworthiness.

Rent reporting services, like Wollit’s, can report your monthly payments to credit agencies. This means your reliable rent payments start building a positive credit history from day one. The sooner you start, the stronger your financial foundation becomes.

Making Your Application Stand Out

The UK rental market moves fast, especially in popular areas. Good properties often receive multiple applications within days of being advertised.

To improve your chances:

Get all your documents ready before viewing properties
Be prepared to pay deposits immediately
Consider offering extra rent in advance if you lack UK credit history
Use letting agents who understand overseas tenants' situations

Your Financial Future in the UK

Securing your first rental is just the beginning. As you settle into UK life, focus on building the financial foundation that will support your long-term goals here.

Starting to build your credit history early opens doors to better rental options, mobile phone contracts, and eventually mortgages. The UK financial system rewards consistency and reliability, so the sooner you begin building that track record, the more opportunities you'll have.