How to find a rented home you can afford

Rent is just one thing you’ll need to pay – there are usually many other charges as well. And from May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act will aim to make renting fairer for tenants, including limiting the upfront costs landlords can charge.

Here’s a breakdown of common household costs to think about when looking for a rental property:

You can usually find these on the property advert:

• rent in advance, which is: 
  • a maximum of 1 month’s rent in England
  • usually 1 month’s rent in Scotland, but can be maximum of 6
  • uncapped in Wales and Northern Ireland, but landlords must follow strict deposit rules.
• the rental deposit, which can be: 
  • up to 5 weeks’ rent in England or Wales (up to 6 weeks if your rent is over £50,000 a year) 
  • up to 1 month’s rent in Northern Ireland 
  • up to 2 months’ rent in Scotland. 

You might be asked to pay a refundable holding deposit to reserve the property while checks are being made, like a credit check.

In Scotland, all fees are banned so you won’t pay this. In England and Wales, this can be a maximum of 1 week’s rent. Upfront fees for other things are not allowed, including in Northern Ireland. 

Then get local quotes for:

• removal costs – such as hiring a van or professional firm
• buying furniture or household items – if the property is unfurnished. 

Ask the agency, landlord or previous tenant to give you estimates for these bills when you have a look around the property:

• energy (gas and/or electricity)
• water.

Use comparison sites or the links below to find these costs:

• Council Tax – also check if you qualify for a Council Tax or RatesOpens in a new window discount
• internet
• TV LicenceOpens in a new window (if you watch live TV)
• contents insurance
• Satellite TV or other subscriptions – if you want to pay for certain channels.

If your tenancy agreement has ‘bills included’, this means your rental payment might cover some of these. If you’re not sure, ask the landlord or letting agent which bills you’ll need to pay yourself.

Our Budget planner lists all the things you might pay for, but could include your:

• food shop
• mobile phone, and
• travel costs – like petrol, public transport and car insurance.

The rent affordability rule - sometimes called the 30% rule - suggests you spend up to 30% of your income (before tax) on rent to avoid straining your budget.

So, if you earn £2,500 a month before tax, it suggests you only spend up to £750 a month on rent.

But this rule is just a guide and keeping to 30% isn't always possible.

Spending more than 30% on rent may be necessary, especially in bigger cities or if you’re on a lower salary. This is why it’s important to be realistic with your budget. Use our Budget planner to work out what rent you can comfortably afford.

Try to keep in mind how you would pay your rent if you couldn't work, for example due to illness or injury. If you have room in your budget, Income protection is a long-term insurance policy that makes sure you get a regular income until you’re able to return to work or retire. Explore your options in our guide How to know what kind of protection insurance you need.

Many can save by switching providers or getting the best tariff for their needs. And it’s no different if you rent.

Unless someone else takes care of certain bills, like a ‘bills included’ contract, you’re free to choose your own providers. You don’t normally need your landlord’s permission to switch unless you’re having anything physically installed, like a new fibre broadband connection.

See How to save money on household bills for more help.

Once you’ve listed all your expected costs, check if you’ll be able to afford everything. Use our Budget planner to see how much cash you’ll have left.

Even the most detailed budget can’t factor in emergency spending, like replacing a car tyre, or a drop in income that might happen if you lose your job or have your hours cut.

So it’s best to build and maintain an emergency fund. This ideally should be enough to pay all your costs for at least three months.

If you’re struggling to find affordable housing, help is available. Here’s how to check for extra funding and cut your other costs.

Each local council or authority will have their own criteria, but you’ll usually need to apply and join a waiting list. Available homes are normally given to those with the highest priority, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get one.

See how to applyOpens in a new window on GOV.UK. 

Increasing your income might mean you can find affordable private rent.

Use our Benefits calculator to see if you qualify for Universal Credit, which can include a housing costs element – it only takes a few minutes.

If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but it’s not enough to cover your rent, check if you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

If you’ve been getting Universal Credit or certain other benefits for at least six months, you might be able to apply for an interest-free loan. See Budgeting Loans and Advances for more information.      

If you can afford the rent, it’s illegal for landlords in the UK to refuse to rent to you because you receive benefits.

In England, local councils can now fine landlords and their agents up to £7,000 if they break this rule.

The introduction of a new Private Rental Sector Database in England means you’ll be able to check your landlord’s details before you rent. It will be rolled-out gradually from late 2026, but it won’t be mandatory for landlords to sign up until 2028.

Landlords and letting agents will also have to join an Ombudsman Scheme, so if they treat you unfairly, you can take your complaint to the Ombudsman for an independent decision. This is expected to launch in 2028.

Use the Turn2US Grants SearchOpens in a new window to see if you can apply for any charitable funding that you won’t need to pay back.

If you’re unable to afford the rental deposit or rent in advance, the sites below have more help. 

Another way to increase your income is to cut your spending. This might not be possible, but here are things to try:

• cancel subscriptions or services you don’t use, or could live without
• see if you qualify for cheaper low-income social tariffs for gas and electricity
• check if you qualify for a Council Tax or RatesOpens in a new window discount
• check if you can save by switching providers, including:
  • internet
  • mobile
  • gas and electricity
  • home and car insurance.
• if you pay credit card interest, consider moving it to an interest-free balance transfer card
• see if you can get cheaper water bills with a water meter (in England and Wales)
• do your food shop at a cheaper supermarket, or buy cheaper brands.

When cancelling, always check the terms and conditions of your contract as you might have to pay a fee to leave early. To help identify things you can cut down on, use our Budget planner.

If you’re able to, you might be able to consider a smaller property or one outside your ideal area.

It might also be worth considering:

• a house or flat share, rather than a full property
• finding someone else to live and share the rent with, or
• living with family or friends.

If you can be flexible, you could become a property guardian. This is where you look after a building in return for cheap rent, but it’s far from straightforward. See property guardian rightsOpens in a new window on GOV.UK and MoneySavingExpertOpens in a new window for more information.

If you’re already renting a property and are worried about how you’ll pay, see our full guide Help with rent increases, arrears and if you’re struggling to pay.

This covers your rights and practical steps, such as checking for grants and using our Benefits calculator.