Renting in London: viewings, deposits and the real monthly cost

Test water pressure, heating, noise, mobile signal and the route from the station after dark.

Ask what is included, who manages repairs and whether licensing rules apply.

Confirm the holding deposit terms before paying.

For eligible tenancies, the landlord must use a government-approved deposit protection scheme and provide the required information.

Add rent, Council Tax, energy, water, broadband, insurance and transport.

A cheaper postcode can become more expensive when the commute and poor energy efficiency are included.

Use a dated inventory, photographs and written follow-up when you move in.

Keep the agreement, deposit information, safety records and repair conversations together.

Use the same scorecard for every property: total monthly cost, door-to-door commute, natural light, noise, heating, storage, mobile signal, security, repairs and management.

Record facts immediately after the viewing. A consistent comparison is more reliable than memory and makes it easier to reject a photogenic home that performs badly on the daily issues that will matter after moving in.

Confirm the landlord or agent, property address, payment instructions and proposed agreement through independently obtained contact details.

Be cautious when pressure, an unusually low price or a remote-only viewing is used to force a fast transfer. Read what happens to a holding deposit, ask for written receipts and never treat a professional-looking advert as proof that the person collecting money controls the property.

Good exit preparation begins on move-in day.

Keep the signed inventory, dated photographs, deposit certificate, repair messages and evidence of rent payments. Before leaving, check notice requirements, cleaning expectations, meter readings and key return arrangements.

Give the landlord a forwarding address and challenge deductions through the relevant deposit scheme when evidence does not support them.