Renting With FleetMilne

For most rented properties, the tenancy deposit can be up to five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000, or up to six weeks’ rent where it is £50,000 or more. You may also be asked for a holding deposit of up to one week’s
rent while referencing and tenancy checks are completed.

You’ll normally need to complete tenant referencing and provide identification, proof of income and relevant previous landlord or employment references. All adult tenants will also need to complete the required Right to Rent checks before the tenancy begins.

Not everyone needs a guarantor. One may be requested if you are unable to meet the landlord’s affordability or referencing requirements, for example if you are renting for the first time, are a student, have recently moved to the UK or have limited income history.

A holding deposit reserves a property while the landlord or letting agent completes pre-tenancy checks. It can be no more than one week’s rent. It is normally refunded or put towards your tenancy costs, although it can sometimes be retained if you withdraw, provide materially false information or fail a Right to Rent check.

Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, a landlord or letting agent can usually ask for a maximum of one month’s rent in advance where rent is paid monthly. They cannot require rent to be paid before the tenancy agreement has been signed.

Yes, depending on the property. Since May 2026, private tenants in England can ask their landlord for permission to keep a pet, and landlords should not refuse without a valid reason. Restrictions imposed by a building or head lease can still affect whether pets are permitted, particularly in apartment developments.

This depends on when the property is available and how quickly referencing, Right to Rent checks and tenancy paperwork can be completed. If you have your identification, income information and references ready, the process can usually move much more quickly.

Landlords are generally responsible for major repairs including heating and hot water systems, the structure and exterior of the property, plumbing and sanitation. Tenants should report maintenance issues as soon as possible so they can be investigated and resolved before they become more serious.

For an assured periodic tenancy, rent can generally only be increased once a year and cannot be increased during the first year. Your landlord must normally give at least two months’ notice using the prescribed process. Tenants can challenge an increase through the First-tier Tribunal if they believe it is above the open-market rent.

Under the assured periodic tenancy system introduced in May 2026, tenants can generally end their tenancy by providing two months’ notice. Your individual tenancy documentation will explain the correct process for serving notice, so we recommend contacting the FleetMilne property management team before making arrangements to move.

You can register your requirements with FleetMilne and tell us your preferred location, number of bedrooms, budget and desired move-in date. We can then help you identify suitable available properties and arrange viewings.