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Contracts, deposits and rent

Last updated:
11 September 2025

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 and how contracts work is likely to change soon. For information on what will change, read the Renters Rights Bill guidance (opens in new tab).

When signing your tenancy agreement, you will need to understand what to pay and when.

Holding deposit

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

Damage deposit

  • Usually 5 weeks’ rent.
  • Held in case of unpaid rent or property damage.

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

First rent payment

  • If you have UK guarantor, usually first month’s rent.
  • If you don’t, you may be asked to pay 6 months’ rent in advance.

Rent is usually advertised weekly but paid monthly. Make sure to double check the monthly cost.

Most letting agent fees are now banned. Only make large advance rent payments once you’re satisfied that the landlord or agent is genuine. Avoid making large advance rent payments by bank transfer and see if you can use a credit card instead.

After you move in, regular rent payments can be made by standing order from your bank account.

Landlord refunds are also usually done by bank transfer, or refunding to your debit or credit card. If you don’t have a UK bank account, getting your deposit refund may be difficult after you move out.

You may need to decide quickly whether you want to accept the property or room. Any responsible landlord or agent will give you some time to think about it.

It’s important that the contract matches what you have discussed and agreed with the landlord or agent. Don’t sign a contract that you don’t understand or don’t agree to.

It’s good to have a written contract document so you and your landlord can remember what has been agreed.

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)
  • your name and landlord’s name and contact details
  • address of the property
  • the rent amount, how and when it’s paid
  • the deposit amount and what it covers
  • start and end dates, and how to end the contract
  • your rights and responsibilities
  • your landlord’s rights and responsibilities.

Check your contract details

  • Your name and landlord’s name and contact details.
  • Address of the property.
  • The rent amount, how and when it’s paid.
  • The deposit amount and what it covers.
  • Start and end dates, and how to end the contract.
  • 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.