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Renting guide

Before you start renting

There are so many things to consider when you're renting, from costs and fees to knowing your rights. We've done the hard work for you and put together some useful tips and answers to the most common questions.

Here you can find guidance on the things you should consider before you start your rental journey, or even if you're already on it!

  1. 01

    On-going costs

    It's important to take all of costs into account when you’re thinking of renting a property. Here's some costs you should take in to consideration before renting:

    Monthly rent

    Council tax

    Utility bills 

    Broadband and line rental

    Budget like a boss

    Any renter should start with getting a handle on their finances, with a good understanding of what's coming in and going out.
  2. 02

    Keeping up with the fees

    Before making any decisions on a property, it's important to ensure and check that payments expected from you are in line with the Tenant Fees Act. 

    Letting agents or landlords in England, Scotland and Wales aren’t allowed to charge you for:

    Admin 

    References 

    Credit checks

    Renewing your contract

    The Tenant Fees Act 2019

    For more information on the Tenant Fees Act and a breakdown of payments a tenant must pay, check out the guide on gov.uk.
  3. 03

    Know your rights

    You have a number of rights when you move into your rented property. Here's a list of some basic rights that you have as a tenant:

    Your rented property should be safe to live in

    Your landlord should not enter the property without your consent - only in an emergency

    Your deposit should be sent back to you when your tenancy ends, unless there’s a good reason for the landlord to keep some of it (e.g. damages or unpaid rent)

    To not be treated unfairly because of your disability, gender, pregnancy, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation

  4. 04

    Property viewing checklist

    Once you've found a property that you are interested in, book an appointment to go and view it. Viewing a property can be really overwhelming. It's your new future home, so it's important you ask all the right questions. 

    Here's a useful checklist from Zoopla

  5. 05

    Questions for the landlord

    Ask your landlord or letting agent as many questions as possible before moving into your new rented property. Some examples may include:

    Is the property safe and secure? 

    Who do I contact for maintenance issues?

    What's included in the rent?

    What utilities are included in the property?

Get your finances in order

Our financial health check could assess your financial needs and let you know if you're in good shape. If you need or want more help, we can point you in the right direction.

Banking made easy with the mobile app

If you are considering taking the next step, either moving rental properties or thinking about ownership, here are some key aspects you should be thinking about as soon as possible and how we can help.

App available to personal and business banking customers aged 11+ using compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Saving up for a deposit

If you find you've been spending way too much on certain things, you can set yourself budgets in different categories. Setting spending limits can determine how much you have spare to save each month.

Available to customers aged 16+. Only available for Personal and Premier Current accounts.

Stay motivated with a savings goal

Start setting a goal, whether it’s towards a deposit or a comfy new sofa. On average, customers save twice as much when they save towards a goal.

Available to customers aged 16+. Only available for Personal and Premier Current accounts.

View your credit score for free

Most lenders, landlords or letting agents will check your credit score before deciding to lend or rent to you.

Credit score available once opted in through the app, to customers aged 18+, with a UK address and is provided by TransUnion.

Download the app

Downloading the NatWest app couldn't be easier, follow these three simple steps below.
  1. On your mobile or tablet, go to the App Store if using Apple or Google Play if using Android
  2. Search for 'NatWest Mobile Banking'
  3. Tap to download the app 

Get the app

Experience the quickest way to manage your money.

Get the app

Experience the quickest way to manage your money.

Becoming a home owner

If you're currently renting and looking to take your first step onto the property ladder, we could help you lay those future foundations. Get the ball rolling with our first time buyer guide. Your road to home ownership starts here!

Frequently asked questions