UK renting guide for Italians: simple steps and templates
HOUSING

UK Renting for Italians — 2025: Right to Rent, Referencing & Deposits (Easy English)

Why this guide (and how to use it)

Renting in the UK can feel complex, especially if your English is average and you do not have UK history yet. This guide explains each step in simple words. We also give you templates and checklists you can copy and send. Follow the order below and you will move faster, avoid scams, and protect your money.

  • Short sentences, simple vocabulary, important words in bold.
  • Real actions: what to say, what to show, how to reply.
  • Printable checklists and email templates you can use today.

1) Budget: how much rent is safe?

A simple rule: take your net monthly income (after tax) and multiply by 0.35. This should be near your maximum rent. Then add council tax and utilities. Many agents use income multiples, for example your income should be at least 30× the monthly rent per year. If your income is lower because you just arrived, use an alternative like a guarantor or paying rent in advance.

Example A

Income £2,000/month → safe rent ≈ £700.

Add bills: £250–350. Total ≈ £950–1,050.

Example B

Couple income £3,600/month → safe rent ≈ £1,250.

Bills: £350–450. Total ≈ £1,600–1,700.

Quick checklist

  • Set a hard limit before you search.
  • Ask if council tax is included (rare).
  • For HMOs (house shares) bills are often included.

Prices change by city and area. If a place is much cheaper than similar homes nearby, check carefully for problems or scams.

2) Areas & types of housing (simple overview)

In big cities you will see many property types. Learn the words agents use, so you can search better:

Common types

  • Studio: one main room + bathroom. Kitchen is inside the same room.
  • 1-bed/2-bed flat: separate bedroom(s), living room, kitchen, bathroom.
  • HMO / house share: room in shared house. Bills often included. Check the license if >3 tenants.
  • Terraced/Semi-detached house: more space, good for families, higher bills.

Important words

  • Furnished/Unfurnished: furniture included or not. “Part-furnished” = some furniture only.
  • EPC rating: energy efficiency A (best) to G (worst). Better EPC → lower bills.
  • Council tax band: A–H. Lower letter = cheaper tax.
  • Leasehold/Freehold: ownership words; not a big concern for tenants but can affect building rules.

3) Documents to prepare (before you book viewings)

Put everything in one folder on your phone and laptop. Name files clearly. This makes agents take you seriously and speeds up offers.

Identity & status

  • Italian passport or Carta d’Identità.
  • Share code / visa evidence (if applicable).
  • UK phone number and email address.

Money & work

  • Job offer or employer letter (simple English is fine).
  • Recent bank statements or payslips (UK or Italian).
  • Reference from previous landlord (Italian is ok + short translation).

If you are new in the UK, prepare one alternative from the section about guarantors and rent in advance.

4) Right to Rent (EU/Italian citizens)

Landlords must check that every adult can live in the UK. This is called Right to Rent. They ask for your documents, see them in person or online, and keep a copy.

How to show it

  • Use a government share code (if you have digital status).
  • Or show immigration documents/visa as requested.
  • Bring your passport or national ID at check-in.

Tips

  • Ensure your names match exactly across documents.
  • Keep copies and the share code result page.
  • Right to Rent check is not discrimination; it is the law.

6) Viewing checklist (simple English — save and print)

Inside the home

  • Windows shut well? Any condensation or mould?
  • Heating works? Ask to turn it on for 2–3 minutes.
  • Water pressure in shower and kitchen.
  • Smoke alarm and CO alarm present.
  • Fridge, cooker, washing machine included?

Outside & rules

  • Transport: bus/metro stops and time to work.
  • Noise levels at night; look for bars/clubs close by.
  • Rubbish collection days; bike storage; parking permit?
  • Building rules: pets, smoking, deliveries.

Take photos or short videos. If you later find problems, your photos will help you discuss repairs or negotiate.

7) Referencing without UK credit history

Agents check if you can pay rent and if you respected past tenancies. If you just arrived from Italy, do not worry—you have options. Be honest and proactive.

If you have a UK job

  • Send job offer/contract and HR contact.
  • Send last 3 payslips (if available).
  • Ask HR for a short employment letter.

If you are new

  • Share Italian payslips or bank statements.
  • Offer 3–6 months’ rent in advance.
  • Provide a UK guarantor (see below).

For students

  • University letter of enrolment.
  • Parental guarantee or rent in advance.
  • Ask about student-friendly HMOs.

Be ready to answer: how long you plan to stay, who will live there, and when you can move in.

8) Guarantors, rent in advance, and other alternatives

If referencing is hard because you are new, propose one of these. Be polite and clear. Many agents will agree.

Options

  • Guarantor: a UK-based person with stable income who promises to pay if you cannot.
  • Rent in advance: 3–6 months up front to show commitment (keep proof of transfer).
  • Higher deposit: sometimes accepted, but the legal cap still applies for the official deposit.
  • Company guarantor products: some agents accept third-party guarantee services.

What to send

  • Short letter explaining you are new to the UK and your plan to work/study.
  • Evidence of savings to cover 3–6 months of rent.
  • Contact for guarantor (name, job, phone, email).

9) Make an offer & negotiate (polite and clear)

After viewing, send your offer quickly. Include your move-in date, length of tenancy, and any requests. Keep it short and friendly.

Negotiation ideas

  • Small rent reduction if you can move in fast.
  • Minor repairs before move-in (for example, broken blinds).
  • Replace “professional clean required” with “leave as clean as received”.
  • Ask for a break clause if the tenancy is 12 months fixed.

10) Tenancy types & key clauses (read before you sign)

Common tenancies

  • Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST): most common. Fixed term (for example 6–12 months) then periodic.
  • License/Room only: often for house shares with bills included. Rules set by the house manager.

Clauses to check

  • Break clause: when and how you can leave early.
  • Notice periods for tenant and landlord.
  • Who pays for professional cleaning.
  • Pet policy; sub-letting and guests rules.

Ask for the contract in advance to translate slowly if needed.

11) Deposit protection & fees (keep your money safe)

The deposit must be protected in a government scheme. You should receive the certificate and “prescribed information” shortly after payment. Keep these documents safe until the end of the tenancy.

Numbers

  • Usually 5 weeks’ rent (cap) for standard AST.
  • First month’s rent is paid separately.
  • Holding deposit (to reserve) is often 1 week’s rent.

You must receive

  • Deposit scheme certificate + reference number.
  • How to rent guide; gas safety; EPC; EICR (electrical).
  • Inventory report at move-in.

Protection tips

  • Pay only to the agent’s official account.
  • Keep receipts and all emails.
  • If you don’t get the deposit certificate, chase in writing.

12) Inventory, check-in, and meter photos (protect your deposit)

On move-in day you receive an inventory (a list with photos of the property’s condition). Check everything and send your comments within the deadline (often 7 days).

What to do

  • Take your own photos of every room and any damage.
  • Record meter readings (gas/electric/water) with photos.
  • Test smoke alarms; report if not working.

Send notes

  • Reply to the inventory email with your corrections.
  • Keep your email copy and photos in a safe folder.
  • Ask for confirmation that your notes are attached to the report.

13) Set up council tax and utilities (day-one list)

Day 1 actions

  • Send meter photos to gas/electric companies.
  • Register for council tax; ask about discounts (students, single person).
  • Arrange broadband; ask about minimum contract length.

Money tips

  • Direct debit often gives a small discount.
  • Smart meters help you track energy use.
  • Keep all account numbers and login details together.

14) Repairs, damp, mould, and disputes (step-by-step)

Homes must be safe and in good repair. If something breaks, report it in writing with photos. Be polite but firm.

Repair steps

  1. Send an email with photos and a clear description.
  2. Give a reasonable time to fix (for example 7–14 days, faster for emergencies).
  3. If ignored, escalate to the agent manager or landlord.

Keep evidence

  • Photos, videos, dates, and names of people you spoke with.
  • Copy of your tenancy and inventory.
  • Maintenance tickets from the agent portal.

If still no action

  • Contact local council Environmental Health.
  • Ask for compensation or rent reduction if you lost use of rooms (case-by-case).
  • At the end, challenge unfair deposit deductions with the scheme.

15) Ending the tenancy & getting your deposit back

Read your notice period and cleaning clauses. Take new photos after cleaning and keep receipts. Hand back all keys and get a written handover. If deductions are proposed, ask for itemised costs and the check-out report. You can use the deposit scheme’s free dispute service if you disagree.

Moving-out list

  • Deep clean kitchen and bathroom; defrost freezer.
  • Fill small nail holes with filler (if allowed).
  • Return to the same condition as your inventory.

If they claim damages

  • Ask for invoices and photos.
  • Compare to move-in inventory photos.
  • Use the deposit scheme adjudication if needed.

Templates you can copy (easy English)

A) Offer email after viewing

Subject: Offer for <Property address> — <Your name>

Hello <Agent/Landlord>,

Thank you for the viewing today. I would like to make an offer for <address>.
• Move-in date: <dd mmm yyyy>
• Rent: <£amount> per month
• Tenancy length: <12 months> with <6 month break clause> if possible
• Occupants: <names, ages>, <jobs/study>
• Right to Rent: Italian citizens — documents ready
• Referencing: <UK job attached / rent in advance for 3 months / UK guarantor>

I attach my ID and employment letter. I can pay the holding deposit today if the offer is accepted.
Thank you and best regards,

<Full name>
<Phone>
<Email>

B) Guarantor introduction

Subject: Guarantor details for <Your name> — <Property address>

Hello <Agent/Landlord>,

As I am new in the UK, I will provide a guarantor to support my application.
Guarantor: <Name Surname>, <job title>, employed since <year>, annual income <£amount>.
Contact: <phone>, <email>, <address>.
They are happy to complete your checks and forms.

Kind regards,
<Your name>

C) Repair request with photos

Subject: Repair request — <Issue> at <address>

Hello <Agent/Landlord>,

I report the following problem at <address>:
• <Short description> — started on <date>.
I attach photos/videos.

Please advise the next steps. For health and safety reasons I kindly ask for repair within the usual time (for example 7–14 days; sooner for urgent issues).
Thank you,
<Your name>

D) Deposit deduction challenge

Subject: Deposit deductions — request for itemised costs

Hello <Agent/Landlord>,

Thank you for the check-out report. I disagree with the following proposed deductions:
• <Item> — please see my move-in inventory photo attached (taken on <date>).
• <Item> — fair wear and tear after <length of tenancy> months.

Please send itemised invoices/quotes. If we cannot agree, I am happy to use the deposit scheme's free adjudication service.

Kind regards,
<Your name>

Quick FAQ

Can I rent with a short-term job contract?

Yes, but the agent may ask for extra security. Offer 3 months in advance or a guarantor. Keep copies of your payslips.

Are bills included in house shares?

Often yes, but confirm which bills and any caps (for example, “energy included up to £X per month”).

What if my English is not strong?

Ask for the contract early. Translate key parts slowly. You can bring a friend to the viewing or call with you. Use our templates to write short, clear emails.

Can I sub-let a room?

Usually no unless the contract allows it. Always check the clause and get written permission first.

Want help passing referencing or checking your tenancy?

We review your offer email, check your documents, and suggest the best alternative (guarantor vs. rent in advance). We also read your contract and highlight risks in simple English.

Priority Renting Pack Review (+£20)View Resinaro Services →

This community guide is general information, not legal advice. Processes and rules change. Always follow the latest instructions from your agent, landlord, and local council. Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you; this helps keep guides free and updated for the community.

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UK Renting for Italians — 2025 Guide: Right to Rent, Referencing, Deposits, Templates