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Contracts, deposits and rent

Last updated:
29 April 2026

Person working on laptop
Vishala Chouhan, 2023 Business Pathway, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

Once you have found a place to live, you will need to pay the required deposits and fees and sign a contract. The contract is there to protect you in case things go wrong.

Don’t sign a contract you don’t fully understand.

Get your contract checked by us before signing. We offer a free contract checking service to help you feel confident before you commit.

  • Check for unfair terms.
  • Help you spot anything unusual or concerning.
  • Send us a PDF copy of your contract to private.accomm@arts.ac.uk
  • Include your phone number in the message. We may need to call you to discuss the details.
  • Tell us about the property you're planning to rent and give as much information as you can. For example, who you are renting from, where you found the listing and any other details you think are relevant. This helps us understand the context of the contract.

During busy times, we may not be able to check every contract, so send yours in as early as possible.

The law on renting changes on 1 May 2026. For an overview of the changes, please read this article (opens in new tab).

When you talk to landlords and agents about renting a property, you need to know what to pay for and when.

Holding deposit

  • 1 week’s rent.
  • Paid to confirm the accommodation while paperwork is done.

Damage deposit

  • Usually 5 weeks’ rent.
  • Paid after you sign the contract.
  • Held in case of unpaid rent or property damage.

If your contract is an Assured Periodic Tenancy, your landlord will need to use a Deposit Protection Scheme (opens in new tab).

First rent payment

  • The first month’s rent. Not more.
  • Paid after you sign the contract.
  • You may need a UK based guarantor.

Rent is usually advertised weekly but paid monthly. Make sure to double check the monthly cost – one calendar month is more than 4 weeks.

Most letting agent fees are now banned. Only make payment of the first months rent once you’re satisfied the landlord or agent is genuine and the contract has been signed.  Avoid making large payments by bank transfer and see if you can use a credit card instead.

After you move in, regular monthly rent payments can be made by standing order from your bank account. If you are an international student, please open a UK bank account as soon as you can. This will ensure you can receive refunds from your landlord when you move out (for example, your damage deposit).

Landlords are required by law to give tenants a written statement of terms: a contract that outlines what has been agreed. It is important that the contract reflects what you have discussed with the landlord or agent. Don’t sign a contract that you don’t understand or don’t agree to.

Documents to provide

After you’ve agreed to rent a property, the landlord or agent will ask for some documents to check you’re suitable. This includes:

  • a reference from your current or previous landlord - if you’ve been living in our halls, ask your residence manager
  • proof you can afford rent (bank statements or funding letters)
  • a copy of your offer letter or enrolment confirmation
  • passport or visa to show you have the right to stay in the UK - 'Right to Rent' checks (opens in new tab)
  • Contact details of your guarantor.

Check your contract details

Your contract should contain the following information:

  • Your name and contact details
  • Your landlord’s name and contact details
  • The agent’s name and contact details (if there is an agent involved)
  • Your guarantor’s name and contact details
  • The address of the property
  • The start date of the tenancy
  • The monthly rent amount, and when to pay rent every month (the rent day)
  • The deposit amount and what it covers
  • Your rights and responsibilities
  • Your landlord’s rights and responsibilities.

Most private landlords will ask for a guarantor – someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. This is usually a parent or guardian from the UK.

If you don’t have a guarantor, we have partnered with Housing Hand – the UK's leading guarantor service – to support you. There is a discounted price for all UK, European Union (EU) and international students.

Learn more or apply on the Housing Hand website (opens in new tab)

Support for care leavers and estranged students

We know it can be difficult to find a guarantor or co-signer if you’re a care leaver or estranged student. We partnered with Housing Hand to offer a no co-signer guarantor service for eligible students.

To access this support, contact Mark Crawley, Dean of Students on: m.crawley@arts.ac.uk

Private renting enquiries

private.accom@arts.ac.uk

Phone

Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm UK time

+44 (0)20 7514 6240

Address

UAL Accommodation Services 
Floor 4 
272 High Holborn 
London
WC1V 7EY

You can visit us in person. On arrival, you must check in at the ground floor reception.