A Complete Guide to Renting in London for the First Time — For Japanese Expats and International Tenants

Renting in London for the first time can feel daunting, especially if you are moving from overseas. This guide is written with Japanese expats and international tenants in mind, but the process applies to anyone renting in London for the first time. It walks you through the entire process from start to finish.

Start Your Search Early

The London rental market moves fast, and popular properties can be let within days of being listed. Set up alerts on property portals and register with agencies like JSLA to receive new listings as soon as they become available. For Japanese-speaking applicants, registering with a bilingual agency saves time on translation and reduces the risk of miscommunication during the offer process. If you are still deciding where to focus your search, our West London and Ealing market update outlines current conditions across the areas we cover.

Understanding the Referencing Process

When you find a property you like, you will need to go through a referencing process. This typically includes proof of identity, proof of income (usually showing you earn at least 30 times the monthly rent), a reference from your employer, and a previous landlord reference if applicable. Tenants without a UK credit history can often satisfy the affordability check via a UK-based guarantor or a letter of guarantee from a corporate employer. Landlords can read how these corporate-backed lets work from their side in our guide to letting to Japanese corporate tenants.

Deposits and Deposit Protection

The deposit is typically five weeks' rent and must be protected in a government-approved deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt. At JSLA, we use MyDeposits to protect all tenant deposits, and we send you the official certificate so you have written evidence of where your money is held.

Signing Your Tenancy Agreement

Before signing, make sure you understand the terms of your tenancy agreement. Pay particular attention to the notice period and any restrictions on the property. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all tenancies are now periodic, meaning either party can end the tenancy by giving the required notice — there are no longer fixed-term tenancies in the way there used to be. JSLA can provide documentation in both English and Japanese where helpful, so nothing is lost in translation.

Moving In: The Check-in Inventory

Once everything is agreed, you will sign the tenancy agreement, pay the deposit and first month's rent, and receive the keys. We always arrange a thorough check-in inventory carried out by an independent inventory clerk, to protect both landlord and tenant. Take your own photos on move-in day as well — a quick walk-through with your phone covers you if any condition disputes come up at check-out.