Finding a new tenant: the 2026 rules

Finding a new tenant: the 2026 rules

1. 1

   Advertise with a fixed rent

   State the rent. Rental bidding is banned: you can't ask for, encourage or accept offers above it.

2. !

   No "No DSS", no "No children"

   You must not discourage people because they get benefits or have children. Fair affordability checks for everyone are fine.

3. 2

   Reference everyone the same way

   Right to Rent checks on every adult. If someone can't pass, a guarantor is an option — you can't make the tenant pay for insurance.

4. 3

   Take the money

   Holding deposit up to 1 week's rent. Deposit up to 5 weeks' rent (6 if rent is £50,000+ a year). Rent in advance: no more than 1 month, and only after the tenancy is agreed.

5. ✓

   Tenancy agreed

   Next: see "Starting a tenancy".

Checked against official sources on 2 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice · landlordwala.com/diagrams/finding-tenant