This guide is general information, not legal advice. The legal sections below apply to private renting in England. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
The cost of moving into a rented home is not just the monthly rent. You may need a holding deposit, a tenancy deposit, the first rent payment, removals and utility setup costs.
Since 1 May 2026, the rules around rent in advance in England are also clearer.
Holding deposit
A landlord or agent can ask for a refundable holding deposit to reserve a property while checks are carried out. Government guidance says the maximum is one week’s rent.
Tenancy deposit
For tenancies covered by the Tenant Fees Act, the maximum refundable tenancy deposit is up to five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000 and up to six weeks’ rent where annual rent is between £50,000 and £100,000.
The deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Rent in advance
Government guidance says a landlord or agent must not ask for or accept rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed. After signing, they can usually ask for a maximum of one month’s rent before the tenancy starts if rent is paid monthly.
What about zero-deposit schemes?
A deposit-replacement product can reduce the cash you need upfront, but the fee is normally non-refundable and you remain responsible for valid tenancy liabilities. Compare the full cost with the standard refundable deposit before choosing.
Other moving costs to budget for
- Removal van or moving service.
- First utility or broadband payments.
- Pet transport, new gates or permitted safety equipment.
- Contents insurance if you choose it.
- Cleaning materials and small household essentials.
What should make you pause?
Be cautious if somebody asks you to transfer rent before a tenancy is signed, demands an unexplained pet fee, or pressures you to buy a particular insurance or deposit product. Ask for the payment request in writing and check what it is for.
A simple example
If a home is £1,500 per month, your move-in budget might include a holding deposit during the application, a protected tenancy deposit, and the first month’s rent after the tenancy is signed. The holding deposit may later be returned or agreed towards another permitted payment, depending on the circumstances.
The exact totals depend on the rent and tenancy, so calculate them before you apply rather than after you have emotionally committed to the property.
Paw Keys listings show the advertised rent and deposit information prominently, and can also flag when a zero cash deposit option is available.
Work out the weekly rent correctly
Deposit caps are expressed in weeks of rent, while most adverts show a monthly figure. Do not simply divide the monthly rent by four. A common calculation is annual rent divided by 52. If you are unsure what amount is being requested, ask the landlord or agent to show the calculation.
Do pet owners pay a bigger tenancy deposit?
The normal statutory deposit cap still applies. A landlord cannot simply exceed the cap because a tenant has a pet. Valid pet damage can be dealt with through the normal deposit process at the end of the tenancy.
Budget for the overlap between homes
Even when rent-in-advance rules limit what a new landlord can ask for, moving can still create a short period where money is tied up in more than one place. Your old deposit may not have been returned yet, you may have removals to pay, and you may need to cover travel or temporary pet care. Build that overlap into the moving budget.
Keep every payment traceable
Use the payment method specified in genuine tenancy documents and keep receipts or bank records. Avoid cash where it is unnecessary, and be particularly wary of somebody who changes the payment destination at the last moment or asks you to send money to an unrelated third party.
