London’s housing scene is exciting but daunting, especially for first-time renters. That’s why King’s runs Private Sector Renting Week. Taking place Monday 24 – Friday 28 March 2025, the week is packed with advice sessions where the Money and Housing Advice Service and King’s Student Money Mentors are on hand to help you navigate finding your next home.
I'm D.A., a final-year Business Management student who’s experienced the ups and downs of London housing. Let me walk you through essentials that’ll make your London renting experience smoother (and help you avoid mistakes I made!).
What to consider when looking for private housing
The essentials I wish someone had told me earlier:
- Budget: Set a realistic budget that covers rent, bills, and unexpected costs. Typically, landlords expect 4-5 weeks' rent as a deposit, and many require a UK-based guarantor.
- Location and commute: I initially went for cheaper housing further out, but quickly learned the cost and time of commuting matters—sometimes cheaper rent means pricier travel.
- Housemates: Choose carefully! I found my housemates through mutual friends and previous flatmates, ensuring we shared similar habits regarding cleanliness and noise levels.
- Contract: Most rentals last about 12 months. Always read your contract carefully—or better yet, have it checked by King’s Money and Housing Advice Service.
Common renting mistakes (and lessons learned)
Avoid pitfalls by learning from our experiences:
- Rushing or waiting too long: Find a balance. In London, you don’t need to book housing super early (1.5-4 months before is a great period), but once listings appear, the best flats go fast. Don’t grab a place that’s wrong for you out of panic, but don’t procrastinate on a good opportunity.
- Not viewing or reading everything: Many students regret not seeing the property or reading the contract fully before committing. A flat can look great online but be a dump in real life – always view it if you can. And read the lease (yes, even the boring parts) to avoid nasty surprises later. Top tip: upload your lease to an AI tool to help you digest it quicker if you ever need to rush.
How to avoid rental scams
Stay vigilant to common scams:
- Upfront money requests: Never pay before viewing the property or signing a contract. Scammers often pressure students to wire funds to "secure" a property.
- Other red flags: Unrealistically cheap rent, landlords avoiding meetings, or vague listings are suspicious. Use trusted agencies or housing listings recommended by University of London Housing Service.
Read our article What accommodation scams are there, and how can I avoid them?
Know your rights as a tenant
These essential rights protect you:
- Deposits: Landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme. You’re entitled to its return (minus legitimate deductions) when you move out. When you move in, document the property’s condition thoroughly by taking detailed pictures and check the inventory to protect yourself from deposit disputes later.
- Repairs and safety: Your landlord must ensure the property is safe and maintained (e.g., gas safety certificates).
- Eviction protection: Landlords can’t evict without proper notice and following legal procedures. Harassment or illegal eviction is unlawful—seek help immediately if this occurs.
Where to find support
Don't forget to check out Private Sector Renting Week (24 – 28 March 2025) for drop-in advice and support sessions!
With the right preparation, your London renting journey can be a smooth and rewarding experience.