Your First Rental? 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Sign Anything

Renting your first home can be exciting, overwhelming—and at times, confusing. From understanding your rights to avoiding unexpected costs, there's a lot to take in. Whether you're moving out for the first time, relocating for work or uni, or just ready for your own space, here are five essential things every first-time renter should know.

1. You’re Not Just Renting a Home—You’re Entering a Legal Agreement

Signing a tenancy agreement is a legal commitment. Read everything carefully, and ask questions about anything you’re unsure of.

• Length of the tenancy

• Break clauses

• Responsibilities (repairs, bills, garden maintenance)

• Renewal terms

Update: New Tenant Rights Are Coming
With the upcoming Renters (Reform) Bill, all tenancies in England are expected to move to rolling monthly contracts. You’ll be able to leave with just two months’ notice—no fixed term needed.

2. Your Upfront Costs Can Vary—But They Shouldn’t Be a Mystery

Typically, you’ll need a deposit (5 weeks’ rent) and your first month’s rent in advance. Some agents still charge questionable fees.

At Homesty, because it’s person-to-person, landlords list directly—so there are no hidden agent charges or surprise markups.

3. Person-to-Person Renting Gives You a More Human Experience

• Ask honest questions directly to the landlord

• Get quicker answers without admin bottlenecks

• Build trust and transparency early

It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about cutting out confusion. You don’t have to "go through the office" just to report a broken tap.

See the Homesty Tenant process >

4. Maintenance and Repairs Are the Landlord’s Responsibility (Mostly)

Landlords are legally responsible for heating, plumbing, electrics, and structure. You're responsible for day-to-day upkeep.

With Homesty, person-to-person communication often leads to faster resolutions.

5. It’s Okay to Ask for What You Need

• Pets

• Furnished spaces

• Flexible move-in dates

Person-to-person renting makes room for human conversations and agreements.

Final Word: Renting Shouldn’t Feel Complicated

Your first rental is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is communication, knowing your rights, and choosing a setup that puts you in control.

That’s why Homesty exists—to make renting more transparent, more flexible, and more human.

📌 What’s the Renters (Reform) Bill?

The Renters Reform Bill is a major change expected in 2025:

• Bans no-fault evictions

• Replaces fixed-term contracts with rolling ones

• Improves tenant protections and fairness

Homesty already supports this model—flexible tenancies, direct communication, and fair terms.