The 2025 London Renting Guide for Internationals: Documents, Referencing, Deposits and ASTs • CasaPay Blog

New to London? This practical guide walks you through the paperwork, checks and decisions you’ll meet between first viewing and move‑in.

Tip: Keep clear scans/photos of all documents in a single cloud folder. Agents move fast; having everything ready helps you secure the place you want.

Quick snapshot

Right to Rent: digital share code (if applicable) or passport/visa
Referencing: income proof OR student status + alternative evidence
Deposit: legally capped (usually 5 weeks’ rent) and must be protected
Contract: most tenancies are ASTs (Assured Shorthold Tenancies)
Keys: never pay or collect keys before you see and sign the AST

Required documents (Right to Rent)

In England, landlords/agents must check a tenant’s “Right to Rent.”

UK/Irish citizens: passport or other accepted documents
Visa holders: generate a digital share code for landlords: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
Students: CAS/Letter of enrolment may be requested (in addition to Right to Rent)
Address proof: initial address proof can be tricky; see bank/set‑up tips in our checklist post

If you cannot be present, ask how remote checks are handled (video call; certified copies; agent’s policy).

Referencing without a UK credit history

Many internationals won’t have a UK credit file. You still have options:

Income verification: offer letter/contract, recent payslips, employer reference
Student route: enrolment confirmation, scholarship/maintenance evidence, guarantor or alternative support
Bank statements or open banking: show affordability and regular income
Savings evidence: show funds covering 6–12 months of rent
Previous landlord reference: from your last country

If a traditional guarantor is required but you don’t have one, see our guide: Rent in London without a UK guarantor.

Deposits, holding deposits and protection

Holding deposit: usually up to 1 week’s rent to reserve a property (deducted from first rent/deposit if you proceed). Ask for written terms and timelines.
Tenancy deposit cap: under the Tenant Fees Act, deposits are capped at 5 weeks’ rent (6 weeks if annual rent > £50,000).
Deposit protection: landlords/agents must protect deposits in an approved scheme (DPS, TDS or MyDeposits) and share prescribed information.
Inventory: ensure a dated, photo‑rich inventory at check‑in. Disputes hinge on evidence.

AST basics (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)

Term: commonly 6–12 months fixed; some offer break clauses (e.g., 6‑month break in a 12‑month term)
Names on contract: anyone living there and paying rent should be named (important for HMOs/house shares)
Bills: clarify what’s included (council tax, energy, water, internet)
Renewals: rolling periodic tenancy vs renewal fee/term – ask early

Read the full AST. Query clauses about fees, professional cleaning, subletting, guest stays, and early termination.

Viewings, red flags and scams

Never transfer rent or deposit to a private account with no contract
Be wary of deals that skip viewings “because demand is high”
Keys only after you sign the AST and payment is receipted
For HMOs (house shares), ask about licensing and safety certificates

Costs to plan for (guide only)

Upfront: holding deposit, first month’s rent, tenancy deposit
Recurring: rent, council tax (students may be exempt), utilities, internet, TV Licence
Moving: furniture, kitchen/small appliances, bedding, insurance

See our deep‑dive: Council Tax and bills in London.

Useful official links

Right to Rent: https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents
Prove your Right to Rent (share code): https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
Deposit protection (DPS/TDS/MyDeposits): https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection

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What next?

Compare areas by commute and budget: Neighborhoods playbook
No UK guarantor? Options explained: 7 proven paths
Getting set up in week one: Expat setup checklist

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information in 2025. Policies and prices change; always check current rules on GOV.UK and with your agent/landlord.