Key points
- No UK credit history? Win with <strong>proof of income</strong>, <strong>rent in advance</strong>, or a <strong>UK guarantor</strong>—in that order.
- Holding deposits are capped at <strong>1 week’s rent</strong>; tenancy deposits are typically capped at <strong>5 weeks</strong> (or <strong>6</strong> if annual rent ≥ £50k).
- Council tax is usually the tenant’s bill—budget it from day one unless explicitly included.
The IMG reality: you’re “high income, low UK footprint”
Most letting agents are not assessing you as a doctor—they’re assessing you as a data profile. With no UK credit file, the fastest route is to present clean, boring evidence: contract/offer letter, payslips (once you have them), UK bank statements, and a verifiable employer reference.
Do not pay before you verify the property and the agent
Scams target new arrivals. <strong>Never</strong> transfer money for a “holding deposit” until you have: viewed the flat (video at minimum), verified the agent/landlord, and received written terms showing the amount and conditions for refund.
Credit checks without history: three ways to pass
If referencing fails due to thin credit history, your realistic options are: (1) rent in advance (often 3–6 months), (2) a UK-based guarantor, or (3) a professional guarantor service (if accepted). Choose what minimises your risk: pay in advance only once the tenancy agreement is ready and legitimate.
Holding deposits, tenancy deposits, and what’s legal
In England, holding deposits are capped at no more than one week’s rent. Tenancy deposits are typically capped at 5 weeks’ rent (annual rent < £50,000) or 6 weeks (annual rent ≥ £50,000). A real landlord will not invent “admin fees” outside permitted payments.
Your deposit must be protected within 30 days
If you pay a tenancy deposit, the landlord/agent must put it in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within <strong>30 days</strong>. If they won’t confirm the scheme and give you the prescribed information, treat it as a red flag.
Council tax: what surprises most IMGs
Council tax is a separate bill (often the tenant’s responsibility) and varies by property band and local authority. If you live alone, you may qualify for a 25% single-person discount. Confirm this early—council tax arrears escalate fast.
IMG Renting Timeline (from zero to keys)
1
Step 1: Build your ‘tenant pack’
Passport/BRP/eVisa, NHS offer letter, proof of funds, reference contacts, and a short PDF cover note: role, start date, salary, reason for move.
2
Step 2: Filter for low-friction landlords
Prioritise listings explicitly welcoming professionals/relocations, and agents with a physical presence and reviews.
3
Step 3: Offer a clean structure
If you anticipate referencing issues, propose rent in advance or guarantor <strong>upfront</strong> to avoid wasted viewings.
4
Step 4: Pay holding deposit safely
Pay only after written confirmation and ID checks. Keep receipts and the email trail.
5
Step 5: Tenancy agreement + inventory
Read clauses on break clause, repairs, bills, and notice. Insist on a dated inventory with photos at move-in.
6
Step 6: Deposit protection confirmation
Within 30 days you should receive scheme details. If not, chase immediately.
SourceGOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act (deposit and holding deposit caps)
Open Link SourceGOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection (30-day rule)
Open Link SourceShelter England: Holding deposits (refund rules and pitfalls)
Open Link Save your place and choose what comes next
Work through this guide (6 steps)
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Passport/BRP/eVisa, NHS offer letter, proof of funds, reference contacts, and a short PDF cover note: role, start date, salary, reason for move.
Return to this sectionPrioritise listings explicitly welcoming professionals/relocations, and agents with a physical presence and reviews.
Return to this sectionIf you anticipate referencing issues, propose rent in advance or guarantor upfront to avoid wasted viewings.
Return to this sectionPay only after written confirmation and ID checks. Keep receipts and the email trail.
Return to this sectionRead clauses on break clause, repairs, bills, and notice. Insist on a dated inventory with photos at move-in.
Return to this sectionWithin 30 days you should receive scheme details. If not, chase immediately.
Return to this section
United Kingdom · Settling in · Article 2 of 9