Moving to London to study is an exciting opportunity, but understanding the UK rental market can sometimes be challenging. If you're searching for student accommodation in London, you'll quickly come across unfamiliar terms such as guarantors, tenancy agreements, deposits, and HMOs.

To help make your accommodation search easier, we've put together this guide to some of the most common UK rental terms every international student should know.

At London Studentpad, we help thousands of students find safe and suitable accommodation every year. As part of the wider Studentpad network, we work in partnership with over 100 universities, students' unions, and accommodation services across the UK, helping students navigate the accommodation process with confidence.

Whether you're looking for a student house, private accommodation, homestay, or purpose-built student accommodation, understanding UK rental terminology is one of the first steps towards finding the right home.

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Deposit

A deposit is a refundable amount paid before you move in. It acts as security for the landlord in case of damage or unpaid rent.

In most cases, your deposit should be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.

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Bills Included

When a property is advertised as "bills included", it means some or all household bills are covered within the rent.

This may include:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet
• Contents insurance

Always check exactly which bills are included, as this can vary between properties, and if they are limited or unlimited.

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Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement is the legal contract between you and your landlord.

It will include:

• The rent amount
• Payment dates
• Your responsibilities as a tenant
• The landlord's responsibilities

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Always read your tenancy agreement carefully before signing and check out the latest Renter’s Rights guidance  that covers the changes in place as of the 1^st May2026.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69bc04b8f7b1c24d8e23ce60/The_Renters__Rights_Act_Information_Sheet_2026.pdf

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Understanding the Renters' Rights Act

If you're renting in England, it's important to understand the Renters' Rights Act, which introduced significant changes for tenants from May 2026.

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Key changes include:

• Greater protection against unfair eviction
• New rules around tenancy agreements
• More transparency for renters
• Changes to rent increases and notice periods

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The rules can vary depending on whether you're renting:

• A private student house
• A shared HMO
• University-managed accommodation
• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)

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Before signing any contract, make sure you understand which type of accommodation you're booking and what rights apply.

We also offer advice on our housing advice pages (https://www.studentpad.co.uk/housing-guide)

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Guarantor

A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent if you are unable to make payments.

Many private landlords and letting agents require students to provide a UK-based guarantor. If you do not have a UK guarantor, don't panic. There are alternative options, such as:

• Using a guarantor service
• Choosing accommodation providers that do not require a guarantor

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Always check the guarantor requirements before applying for a property. This can be found in the advert section on the Studentpad listing

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HMO(House in Multiple Occupation)

An HMO is a property where multiple unrelated people live together and share facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Many student houses in London, or other big cities operate as HMOs and must meet additional safety regulations.

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Letting Agent

A letting agent acts on behalf of a landlord to market properties, arrange viewings and manage tenancies.

You may communicate with either the landlord directly or through a letting agent during your accommodation search.

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Inventory

An inventory is a detailed record of a property's condition when you move in.

It often includes:

• Photos
• Furniture lists
• Notes about existing wear and tear

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Review the inventory carefully when you move in to avoid disputes when you move out.

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Holding Deposit

Some landlords may request a holding deposit to reserve a property while references and paperwork are completed.

Before paying any holding deposit, ensure you understand:

• Whether it is refundable
• Under what circumstances it may be retained

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References

Landlords often request references before offering a tenancy.

These may include:

• Previous landlord references
• Employer references
• Student status confirmation

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As an international student, universities can sometimes provide supporting documentation where required.

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Council Tax

Council Tax is a local government charge paid by most UK households.

The good news is that full-time students are generally exempt from paying Council Tax.

If you are living with non-students, different rules may apply, so always check your situation.

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Contents Insurance

Contents insurance protects your personal belongings against theft, loss or damage.

Some student accommodation providers include contents insurance within the rent, while others do not.

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Right to Rent

Landlords in England are legally required to verify that tenants have the right to rent in the UK.

You may be asked to provide:

• Passport details
• Visa documentation
• Student status information

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This is a standard legal requirement.

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Viewing and Virtual Viewings

A viewing allows you to inspect a property before signing a tenancy agreement.

If you are overseas, many providers now offer:

• Virtual tours
• Video walkthroughs
• Live video viewings

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These can help you make informed decisions before arriving in London.

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How to Stay Safe When Renting in London

Unfortunately, international students can be targeted by accommodation scams.

To stay safe:

• Never send money before verifying a property
• Use trusted accommodation platforms
• Request virtual tours if you cannot visit in person
• Read tenancy agreements carefully
• Check landlord and agent credentials

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If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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Find Student Accommodation in London with Confidence

Understanding UK rental jargon can make your accommodation search significantly easier. From understanding what a guarantor is to knowing what bills are included, being informed helps you make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

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At London Studentpad, we're committed to helping students find safe, secure, and suitable accommodation. Through our partnerships with more than 100 universities and students' unions across the UK, we've helped thousands of students successfully find their home away from home.

If you're starting your accommodation search, explore London Studentpad today and discover trusted student accommodation options across London.

Looking for student accommodation in London? Start your search with London Studentpad and find a home that's right for you.

Studying Outside London?

London isn't the only UK city popular with international students.

Cities such as:

• Manchester - https://www.manchesterstudenthomes.com/Accommodation
  
• Bristol - https://www.uwestudentpad.co.uk/Accommodation
• Edinburgh - https://www.edinburghstudentpad.co.uk/Accommodation
• Sheffield - https://www.smartmovesheffield.com/Accommodation and https://www.shustudenthousing.co.uk/Accommodation‍
• Liverpool - https://www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org/Accommodation

These are home to thriving student communities, universities, and a wide range of accommodation options. Through Studentpad, students can access trusted accommodation services in many of these locations, helping them find suitable housing wherever they choose to study in the UK.

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Post by Laura Walker (Marketing and Research Manager)

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