- Yes, you can start renting in the UK before arriving, but you will still need to pass checks, provide documents and prove your right to rent.
- International renters often struggle because they may not have UK credit history, UK landlord references or a UK-based guarantor.
- If you do not have a UK guarantor, Rentmigo can help by acting as your professional rent guarantor, helping you secure your dream UK rental.
Yes, you can rent in the UK before arriving, but the process can be more difficult if you do not have UK credit history, a UK-based guarantor or the ability to view properties in person.
If you are planning to move to the UK, finding somewhere to live is probably one of the first big things on your mind, and understandably so.
You may be starting a new job, moving for university, relocating with family or coming to the UK for a fresh start. Whatever the reason, having accommodation sorted before you arrive can make the whole move feel much less stressful.
But renting in the UK from overseas is not always so simple.
The rental market moves quickly, especially in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds. Good properties can get enquiries within hours, and landlords often want tenants who can move quickly, provide the right documents on demand and pass referencing without too much back and forth.
For international renters, that can be tricky.
You may not have a UK credit history yet. You may not have previous UK landlord references. And, increasingly, you may be asked for a UK-based guarantor.
That is where things can get difficult.
If you are trying to rent in the UK before arriving but do not have someone who can act as your guarantor, Rentmigo can help by acting as your professional rent guarantor.
Get started with Rentmigo today.
Can you agree to rent a property before you arrive in the UK?
Yes, you can agree to rent a property before arriving in the UK, but there are still checks that need to happen before you sign on the dotted line.
In many cases, you can:
- Look for properties online
- Speak to letting agents
- Arrange virtual viewings
- Submit an application
- Provide documents online
- Agree to a tenancy in principle
However, landlords and letting agents still need to make sure you can legally rent the property. In England, this means completing a right to rent check.
In short, what this means is that if you are not a British or Irish citizen, you will usually need to prove your immigration status using either your original immigration documents or a share code from the GOV.UK system.
This does not mean you cannot start the process from abroad. But it does mean you might have trouble securing the rental before you're on UK soil.
What is a right to rent check?
A right to rent check confirms that you are legally allowed to rent a property in England. Landlords and letting agents are legally required to provide this when renting a property to a new tenant.
If you are an international renter, you may be asked to give them:
- Your passport
- Your visa details
- Your eVisa information
- Your Biometric Residence Permit, if you have one
- A right to rent share code
- Travel details, if you have them already
In many cases, you can generate a share code through the GOV.UK “prove your right to rent” service. Your landlord or letting agent can then use that share code, along with your date of birth, to check your status online.
If you are still overseas, some landlords may agree to the tenancy in principle, then complete the final right to rent check online or shortly before your tenancy starts.
The main thing is to have your documents ready early. If you are missing documents or cannot provide the share code quickly, it can slow the process down and might mean you lose out on your dream property.
Where can you find UK rentals before arriving?
Most international renters start their search online.
In the UK, the main platforms for finding property include:
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
- OpenRent
- SpareRoom
- OnTheMarket
- Local letting agency websites
Rightmove and Zoopla are usually best for whole flats and houses, whereas SpareRoom is useful if you are looking for a room in a shared house or flat, which can be a good option when you first arrive the country.
You can also contact letting agents directly in the area you want to live. This can be helpful if you are moving to a competitive city and want to hear about properties before they are uploaded online. A simple Google Search and emailing relevant landlords should do the trick here.
Is it harder to rent before arriving in the UK?
Yes, it can be harder to rent before arriving in the UK because landlords often prefer tenants who can view the property, provide UK references and move through checks quickly.
This does not mean it is impossible, but it does mean that you need to be realistic.
Some landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone they have not met or who has not viewed the property in person. Others may be happy to do a video viewing and accept online documents.
It depends on the landlord, the letting agent and how competitive the property is.
In busy rental markets, landlords may have multiple applicants to choose from. If one tenant is already in the UK, can view immediately and has a UK guarantor ready, they may feel like the easier choice. That can put international renters in a difficult position.
What documents do you need to rent before arriving?
To rent in the UK before arriving, you should try to have your documents ready before you start applying.
You may need:
- Passport
- Visa or eVisa details
- Right to rent share code
- Proof of employment
- Job offer letter
- Employment contract
- Bank statements
- Proof of savings
- Previous landlord reference, if you have one
- University offer letter, if you are a student
- Guarantor details or professional guarantor confirmation
The exact documents will depend on your situation.
If you are moving for work, landlords may want to see your job offer or contract.
If you are moving to study, they may ask for your university offer, CAS letter or proof of student status.
If you are self-employed, you may need to provide bank statements, accounts or proof of income.
The more organised you are, the easier the process usually feels.
Will you need a UK credit history?
Not always, but not having one can make things harder. Many international renters do not have UK credit history when they first arrive. That is completely normal.
You may never have had a UK bank account, phone contract, utility bill or tenancy before.
The problem is that some referencing systems rely heavily on UK financial records. If there is not much information available, the landlord may find it harder to assess your application.
That does not mean you are a bad tenant, it just means you are harder to check through the usual UK systems.
This is one reason landlords often ask international renters for extra reassurance, like a stronger proof of income, savings or a guarantor.
Why landlords increasingly ask international renters for guarantors
Landlords are increasingly asking renters for guarantors because they want extra reassurance that rent will be paid. This is becoming even more common in 2026, especially since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force.
Landlords are now not allowed to ask for big upfront rent payments anymore, which used to be one way international renters could secure properties without a UK guarantor.
Previously, some international tenants were asked to pay 6 or 12 months of rent upfront.
Now that route is much more limited in most private tenancies. As a result, landlords are relying more heavily on guarantors.
This can be a problem if you are moving to the UK from overseas.
You may have:
- A good job
- Savings
- A strong rental history abroad
- A confirmed university place
- A genuine ability to pay rent
But still not have someone based in the UK who can act as your guarantor.
That is where Rentmigo can help.
If you can afford the rent but do not have a UK-based guarantor, Rentmigo can act as your professional rent guarantor and help landlords feel more confident approving your application.
Get started with Rentmigo today.
Who can usually be a guarantor in the UK?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover rent payments if the tenant cannot pay.
Most landlords want guarantors who:
- Live in the UK
- Have a stable income
- Pass credit checks
- Have a strong financial history
- Can prove they can afford the rent if needed
- Sometimes own property in the UK
This is why many international renters struggle. Your parents, relatives or employer overseas may be financially secure, but many landlords still prefer someone based in the UK.
From their point of view, a UK-based guarantor is easier to verify and easier to contact if something goes wrong.
For many international renters, a professional rent guarantor service is one of the easiest options if they do not have someone in the UK to act as a guarantor for them.
Rentmigo was built for tenants who can afford the rent but do not have someone in the UK who can act as guarantor.
Instead of relying on family or friends, you apply online. If approved, Rentmigo acts as your guarantor and helps give landlords the reassurance they need.
Get started with Rentmigo today.
Should you book temporary accommodation before renting in the UK?
For many international renters, yes, it's a good idea to book temporary accommodation first. Even though you can rent before arriving, booking temporary accommodation for the first few weeks can make the process much easier.
This gives you time to view properties in person, explore different areas, open a UK bank account, speak to letting agents directly and avoid rushing into a bad tenancy.
It can feel annoying to pay for temporary accommodation, but it may save you from signing for a property that is not right for you and be much better in the long-term.
Is renting before arriving in the UK a good idea?
It depends. Renting before arriving in the UK can work well if you are confident in the property, the landlord or agent is legitimate, and you have all your documents ready.
It may be a particularly good option if:
- You are moving with family
- You need to start work quickly
- Your employer is helping with relocation
- You have already researched the area
- You have done a proper virtual viewing
- You have a guarantor solution ready
But if you are unsure about the area, the property or the landlord, temporary accommodation may be safer. This gives you more time and control once you arrive, reducing the risk of any bad long-term decisions.
How to make your rental application stronger before arriving in the UK
If you want to rent from overseas, try to make the landlord’s decision as easy as possible.
You can do this by preparing:
- Your right to rent documents
- Proof of income or job offer
- Bank statements
- Previous landlord references
- A short introduction explaining your move
- Guarantor details or Rentmigo approval
- Move-in date
- Deposit and first month’s rent
You want the landlord or agent to feel that you are organised, serious and ready to move. In a competitive market, that can make a real difference.
Why Rentmigo helps international renters moving to the UK
Rentmigo helps international renters who can afford the rent but do not have a UK-based guarantor to back up their tenancy.
The good news is that you can rent in the UK before arriving, but you need to be prepared.
You will need to understand right to rent checks, have your documents ready, be careful with remote viewings and know that many landlords may ask for a UK guarantor (so have someone in mind or a service set up!)
For international renters, that guarantor requirement can be one of the biggest hurdles, but it does not have to stop you renting.
If you are moving to the UK and do not have family or friends here who can act as your guarantor, Rentmigo can help.
Get started with Rentmigo today and make renting in the UK from overseas feel a little easier.
