Renting in South West London
Browse current homes and rooms, understand the application process and find support for an existing tenancy.
Tenant Fees
The Tenant Fees Act limits the payments a landlord or letting agent can require. The figures below apply to relevant private tenancies in England.
No separate administration fees
We do not add a separate tenant administration fee for:
- ✓Submitting an application
- ✓Application and referencing administration
- ✓Preparing the tenancy agreement
- ✓Registering a tenancy deposit
- ✓Standard tenancy set-up administration
Holding Deposit
Maximum one week's rent
Usually held for up to 15 calendar days and refunded unless a lawful retention reason applies
A holding deposit reserves the property while pre-tenancy checks take place. It is refundable or may, with your agreement after signing, be put towards the first month's rent or tenancy deposit. We give written reasons if a lawful retention applies.
Security Deposit
Up to five weeks' rent below £50,000 annual rent; up to six weeks from £50,000 to £100,000
Protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme when a deposit is taken
Rent before the tenancy starts
We will not ask for, encourage or accept rent before the tenancy agreement is signed. After signing and before the tenancy starts, a tenant can be asked for a maximum of one month's rent in advance.
Referencing (included at no extra cost)
Depending on the application, information requested may include:
- •Identity and Right to Rent information
- •Affordability and employment information
- •Previous landlord information where requested
- •Guarantor information where relevant
Permitted payments during tenancy
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the following payments may apply where the legal and contractual conditions are met:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tenant-requested change to the tenancy | Up to £50; more only where reasonable costs are evidenced |
| Ending without the correct notice | No more than the rent that would have been due during the correct notice period |
| Lost key or security-device replacement | The evidenced reasonable replacement cost, where the tenancy agreement permits it |
| Late rent payment (14+ days overdue) | Up to 3% above Bank of England base rate on the overdue amount, where the tenancy agreement permits it |
Current government guidance: fees that can be charged as part of a tenancy.
Key rules from 1 May 2026
- Most private assured tenancies are periodic and do not have a fixed end date.
- A landlord or agent cannot encourage or accept an offer above the advertised rent.
- A tenant normally ends an assured periodic tenancy by giving two months' notice in writing, timed under the current rules.
- A landlord cannot refuse to rent solely because an applicant receives benefits or has children.
Protection details before you pay
Letting agents that hold client money must belong to an approved client money protection scheme. We provide the current protection details that apply before accepting protected funds.
Tenancy deposits must be handled under an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme. Your tenancy paperwork will identify the scheme and explain how the deposit is protected.
Living in South West London
We cover a wide area across Merton and Wandsworth. Here are some of our most popular neighbourhoods.
Wimbledon Village
Picturesque streets, boutiques and quick access to Wimbledon Common. Expect premium rents and period homes with character.
Wimbledon Town & Broadway
Excellent transport (District line, Thameslink, Tramlink) and a vibrant restaurant scene. Popular with young professionals and sharers.
South Wimbledon & Merton Park
Residential roads, Victorian terraces and great value compared with the Village. Northern line within walking distance.
Raynes Park & Motspur Park
South Western Railway services, neighbourhood amenities and a mix of flats and houses with outdoor space.
Preparing for moving day
Stay organised with this practical plan from first viewing to key collection.
6–8 weeks before move
Clarify budget (including council tax and utilities), gather proof of income and references, and shortlist neighbourhoods aligned to commute and lifestyle.
4 weeks before move
Arrange virtual/in-person viewings, submit applications promptly and prepare referencing documents (passport, visa, payslips, landlord reference).
2 weeks before move
Review and sign the tenancy agreement. Only after it is signed can you be asked for up to one month’s rent in advance. Arrange moving, broadband and any insurance you choose.
Move-in week
Attend key handover, check inventory carefully, set up council tax and utilities, register with local GP/dentist and explore the area.
Manage your tenancy
Need to report a repair or check your documents? Use our secure portal or contact the team.
Tenant portal access
Where portal access is enabled for your tenancy, use it to send maintenance information and view the documents made available to you.
Responsive maintenance
Report the issue with enough detail for the property manager or landlord to assess responsibility, urgency and the appropriate next action.
Transparent referencing
We guide you through application paperwork and reference checks so move-in day is stress free.
Tenant questions answered
Still unsure about the process? Our team is on hand to guide you.
How much deposit will I need?
A tenancy deposit can be up to five weeks’ rent where annual rent is below £50,000, or up to six weeks where annual rent is between £50,000 and £100,000. If a deposit is taken, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
Can I offer above the advertised rent?
No. A written property advertisement or offer must state a specific asking rent, and a landlord or agent cannot encourage or accept an offer above it.
How long does referencing take?
The timing depends on the information required and how quickly third parties respond. We will explain what is outstanding and whether lawful guarantor information is needed; we do not promise a fixed completion time.
What about utility transfers?
Your tenancy information should identify which bills are included. Where you are responsible, record the opening meter readings and contact the relevant suppliers and council after the tenancy begins.
Ready to find your new home?
Register your requirements for relevant new instructions, or browse the properties currently available through Rentals & Sales.