Quick answer: Ask your council about rent deposit schemes and Discretionary Housing Payments, and ask about a Universal Credit advance if you need one.
Finding the money to move in is one of the biggest barriers. Here are the main places to ask for help in England.
Key points
- Rent deposit, bond and guarantee schemes help you pay a deposit or rent in advance. Your council or a charity may run one. Most are aimed at people who are homeless or need to move urgently.
- Some schemes give grants you do not repay. Others are interest-free loans you repay in small amounts. If your landlord keeps some of the deposit, you may have to repay the scheme.
- Discretionary Housing Payments from your council can help if your housing benefit or Universal Credit housing costs do not cover your rent. They are limited and not guaranteed.
- A Universal Credit advance may be available in some circumstances. You usually have to pay it back through future payments.
- After you sign a tenancy, a landlord can ask for a maximum of one month's rent in advance. They cannot ask for rent before you sign.
What to do
- Ask your council whether it runs a deposit or rent-in-advance scheme, and whether it knows of charity schemes.
- Search Crisis's Help to Rent database for schemes in your area.
- If you could become homeless within 8 weeks, ask your council for homeless help. See Start here.
- Ask about a Discretionary Housing Payment. Our DHP letter template can help.
- Ask your work coach about the advance that fits your situation, if you need money to bridge the wait for a payment.
- Think about a guarantor (a relative or close friend who agrees in writing to pay your rent if you cannot).
- Be careful with "zero deposit" products. You may pay other costs and you do not get that money back when you leave.
Limits of this guide
Schemes differ by council, and funds can run out. Always check the conditions before you agree.
Questions people ask
Can a landlord ask for a deposit and a lot of rent in advance?
After you sign a tenancy, they can ask for a maximum of one month's rent in advance. They cannot ask for rent before you sign.
Sources and official help
- Shelter England: Rent deposit, bond and guarantee schemes
- Citizens Advice: Rent arrears (Discretionary Housing Payments)
- GOV.UK: Universal Credit, advance or financial support
- GOV.UK: Renters' Rights Act overview for tenants
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.