An idiot's guide to renting in London

[SilverHawk]

I live out in the Sticks but need to help a foreign friend.
What paper work will they need? Will it be just proof of income?
What's normal for a deposit? One month?
The timeline is very tight.

Same as anywhere in England and wales, point them at the how to rent guide on gov.UK.

They need to pass right to rent checks. They need to be sure their landlord meets their legal obligations.

Some ask for one months deposit and 2-3 months in advance! Depends what sort place and compition. Places get snapped up v quickly

Plus some estate agency's will charge fee for credit search and references which can mount up to £2-300 on top. I know tried rein it in but still a lot of people getting ripped off

Thank you everyone. I didn't know that the Government produced a rent guide so that is a good starting place.
Would it be best to have references and bank statements ready in order to speed things up or is that always done independently by the estate agents?
Any other things to have ready?

Is your friend looking to rent their own place, or wanting a room in a flat or house share - which could be speedier and a better short term option.

Tell them to check out OpenRent. We managed to get a really nice landlord, and paid something like £60 fees in total.

Enrique, it would not be for a share.

6-8 weeks deposit, plus first month upfront.

Agency fees.
Same as out of London just higher costs I think

I've moved recently.

Never had to produce bank statements but I have had to undergo a credit check and have a reference from my employer confirming income and also whether I'm employed on a permanent contract etc

They also asked for a character reference.

Often ask for a landlord reference too.

My fees were circa £300.

Inventory fee typically £150.

I put down one months rent and deposit equivalent of six weeks rent.

What with all that plus removals etc I was several grand down immediately

Friend moved from abroad recently and did similar.

Hope that helps.

Should said the first months rent covers you from day you move in for one month

So if your friend moves on 13 July for example they'll have to pay the deposit and first month now and upfront, and their next rent date will be 13 August

Oh and pps - sharing often subject to same checks and costs, just smaller numbers

cupidstunts that's very helpful.
When your friend started renting, were the landlords/agencies okay about income in a different currency?

Ooh I don't know that unfortunately