First, check which rules apply to you
Where is the property you are renting?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 changed the system for most private renters in England from 1 May 2026. Most tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies (APTs). They run on a rolling basis - usually weekly or monthly - and do not have a fixed end date. A rental period cannot be longer than one month.
The tenancy continues until:
- you end it,
- you and the landlord agree to end it, or
- the landlord follows the legal process to regain possession.
Landlords can no longer use a section 21 'no-fault' eviction for an assured periodic tenancy; they must give a specific reason and serve the correct notice.
Not every renting arrangement is an APT. Different rules can apply if you live with your landlord, rent social housing, live in qualifying purpose-built student accommodation, or have another excluded tenancy.Private tenancies in Northern Ireland can be for a fixed term or run periodically. Your tenancy agreement should explain how long the tenancy will last, the rent you must pay, and how the tenancy can be ended. If no length has been agreed, a tenancy will normally have a default term of six months.
Your landlord should give you a written tenancy agreement when the tenancy starts. They must also provide a free Tenancy Information Notice within 28 days, setting out important information such as the rent, deposit, duration of the tenancy, responsibility for repairs, and notice requirements.
All private landlords must be registered, and any tenancy deposit must be protected in an approved scheme. Different rights apply if you share the property with the owner and are therefore a licensee, or if you have a protected or statutory tenancy dating from before 1 April 2007.
Most new private tenancies in Scotland are private residential tenancies (PRTs). This will usually be your tenancy type if the property is your main or only home and your landlord does not live with you.
A private residential tenancy does not have a fixed end date. It continues until you give notice or your landlord ends it using one of the legal eviction grounds and follows the correct process.
Before signing, check that the landlord is registered with the Scottish Landlord Register. By the end of the first day of the tenancy, your landlord must give you a signed tenancy agreement and supporting information explaining your rights. Different rules may apply if you live with your landlord or have an older tenancy.
Private renting in Wales is governed by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Under the Act, tenants are legally known as “contract-holders” and tenancy agreements are called “occupation contracts”.
Most people renting from a private landlord have a standard occupation contract. This may be for a fixed term or run periodically, for example from month to month. Your landlord must provide a written statement setting out the terms of the occupation contract within 14 days of it starting, although you should ideally receive and review it before moving in.
Private landlords must be registered with Rent Smart Wales. Landlords and letting agents carrying out letting or property-management work must also be appropriately licensed. Different rights can apply if you are a lodger, live in a house in multiple occupation, or the property is not your main or only home.
Before you look at properties to rent
Work out what you can afford
Look beyond the advertised rent. Budget for council tax, energy, water, broadband, a TV licence where needed, travel, and contents insurance. You may also need money for moving costs and deposits.
List what matters to you
Think about your non-negotiable requirements before arranging a viewing and write a list of what you need from your new home. Once you have your list, the letting agent will clarify anything you're unsure of. These suggestions will get you started:
Rental Property search
What's nearby?
Check out the local transport links if you have a daily commute and how long your journey will take, especially if you’re relying on public transport. Get a feel for the area and find out where amenities such as supermarkets are located. The letting agent should also be able to answer questions about the local area.
Look for a Propertymark Protected letting agent
Use our Find an Expert search to browse local Propertymark Protected letting agents. They will list properties they have to rent on their website or alternatively you could browse properties via a property portal. Draw up a shortlist of properties you like the look of and make a request to view them.
Viewing properties
Whilst you’re viewing a property, this is your chance to get a feel for the space, condition and safety. Landlords have many legal obligations regarding your safety whilst renting the property. They include gas safety checks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, electrical safety and energy efficiency.
Take advantage of our checklist
More information
What rights do tenants have?
UK tenants have a number of rights to cover themselves from unfair evictions, rent increases and more. This guide covers the key rights all tenants should be aware of.
Ban on fees charged to tenants
This guide outlines the rules on what fees letting agents and landlords are allowed to ask tenants to pay when they're setting up, altering, continuing, or ending a tenancy.
Private Residential Tenancies in Scotland
This guide explains what a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) is, how and when you should see a copy of it and what you can expect to find in the agreement.
Joint tenancies explained
When living in shared accommodation, where you live and the type of tenancy you have will affect your responsibilities as a tenant and what happens if someone on the tenancy wants to leave.
What to do at the end of your tenancy
If you want to move out of your rented home, you might be wondering what you have to do. This guide will help make sure everything is in order before you pack up.
Signing the tenancy agreement
What is an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT)?
An Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) is the main type of tenancy used in England’s private rented sector.
Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) explained
The Government introduced measures to make sure tenancy deposits are protected whilst they are with the landlord or letting agent. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Right to Rent explained
This guide sets out everything you need to know about how Right to Rent checks are done and what they mean for you as a tenant.
Moving into a rented home
Has an Inventory been completed?
Before you move in, an agent will conduct a professional inventory with you which records the condition of the property and its fixtures and fittings. If you can't attend the inventory then make sure you have a good look around the property as soon as you can and before you move your belongings in.
If you spot anything not highlighted in the inventory, take a photo and report it to the landlord or letting agent—regardless of how minor it is. Ideally ask for the damage to be agreed in writing in return, and keep any communication you've had. Whilst you will be eager to move in, taking the time to check the property will help to ensure that there are no deposit disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Are the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working?
In England, all alarms and detectors must be tested and working on the first day of the tenancy (as stipulated in the tenancy agreement) by law. This can be done alongside the inventory and confirmed in the report. The legal requirements concerning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors vary across the UK, our landlord safety guide goes into more detail.
Take meter readings
Make a note of the meter readings before you start unpacking so the relevant utility company can give you an accurate bill based on what you've used. You will need to notify them giving the readings for gas, electricity and water along with your move-in date, therefore it helps to know what the readings were on day one.
Find your local property expert
According to independent YouGov research, most people turn to a local agent for advice and the most trusted local agents are those who are qualified and belong to a professional body. Our members are spread across the UK so use the search below to locate your nearest agency.
YouGov research conducted on behalf of Propertymark in January 2025 with 1012 consumers involved in property transactions in the last 12 months, showed the largest proportion (55%) chose a local property agent for advice and 60% said the most important qualities were holding a regulated qualification and belonging to a professional body.