What to include in a rental request if you want better replies
Better replies start with a request people can understand in under a minute.
By RentRequests team
Clarity is considerate, not oversharing
A rental request is not a personal file. It is a short, honest summary that helps someone on the other side decide, in about a minute, whether they have a home that could suit you.
You do not need to prove anything up front. You just need to make it easy to picture what you are looking for.
A simple checklist
• Monthly budget (a range is fine).
• Ideal move date and the latest date that would still work.
• Two or three areas you would genuinely consider.
• Number of bedrooms and property type (flat, house, studio).
• Who will live there (for example: a couple, one adult and a child, two flatmates).
• Work or income position in general terms (for example: employed full-time, self-employed, student with a guarantor). You do not need to share payslips or bank details at this stage.
• Pets, if any.
• Any accessibility needs.
• A short list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
• When you are usually free to view.
A short example
"Couple, both employed, looking for a one or two-bed flat in Walthamstow or Leyton, up to £1,650 pcm including bills where possible. Move date flexible from early October, latest end of November. Small cat, house-trained. Would prefer good natural light and a proper kitchen. Weekday evenings and Saturdays for viewings."
That is enough for someone to reply usefully—or to say honestly that they do not have anything suitable right now.
Keep your private information private
Only share what is needed to describe your search. Keep identity documents, bank statements and full references for later, once you are dealing with a landlord or letting agent you have spoken to and understand why they are asking.
On RentRequests, your contact details are hidden from public view. Registered landlords or letting agents may use an access token to reveal the details you supplied.
What this means for you
Spend a few minutes writing your request the way you would explain it to a friend. Cover the essentials above, keep it honest, and leave out anything you would not want a stranger to know.
Ready when you are
When your notes feel clear, post a rental request. You can edit it any time as your search changes.
Common tenant questions
Quick answers to the questions UK renters ask most often.
What are my rights as a tenant in the UK?
→
Rental law differs across the UK. In England, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 and abolished Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, ended fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for most new lets, and strengthened rules on rent increases and pets. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate regimes. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
Can a landlord evict me without notice?
→
No. In England, after 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer use Section 21 and must rely on statutory grounds under Section 8 with the correct written notice and, if you don't leave, a court possession order. Notice periods vary by ground. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What should I do if my landlord doesn't return my deposit?
→
In England and Wales, your tenancy deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (TDS, DPS or MyDeposits) within 30 days. If you disagree about deductions, use the scheme's free dispute service. If the deposit was never protected, you may be able to claim compensation of between one and three times the deposit through the courts.
How much can a landlord ask for as a deposit or rent in advance?
→
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 in England, a tenancy deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, and 6 weeks' rent where the annual rent is £50,000–£100,000. A holding deposit is capped at 1 week's rent. From 1 May 2026 in England, landlords and agents can't request, encourage or accept rent in advance before a tenancy is signed, and after signing they generally can't ask for more than one month in advance.
Can I end my tenancy early?
→
You can leave early if your agreement has a break clause and you meet its conditions, or if your landlord agrees in writing to a surrender. Under the Renters' Rights Act in England, new tenancies are periodic and you can generally end them by giving two months' written notice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What maintenance is the landlord responsible for?
→
Landlords must keep the structure and exterior in repair and keep heating, hot water, gas, electrics and sanitation in working order (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985). Repairs should be carried out within a reasonable time after being reported.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
→
Pay rent and bills on time, keep the property reasonably clean and ventilated, report repairs promptly, avoid damage beyond fair wear and tear, follow your tenancy agreement, and give the required notice when leaving.
