The Easiest Way to Settle in the UK
- Expat-friendly Providers
- Flexible Terms Available
- No UK Credit History Options
If you’re new to the UK, traditional car leasing isn’t always straightforwards. Many of the providers require UK credit history for at least 3 years and proof of address, something that Expats cannot provide.
The great news is that we work with a number of providers who specialise in offer Expat Car Leases, utilising a number of different services, these include:
- Short-Term Car Leases
- Car Subscriptions
- Flexible Car Leasing
- Expat Car Leases
In most cases, the monthly costs are no higher as a UK resident vs. an Expat for the same service, the only difference is that some of the providers charge a higher application or documentation fee. A security deposit may also be required.
The majority of the expat leasing providers can carry out credit checks in your home country, so qualifying for a car lease can be much easier than you think.
Available Leasing Options
Short-Term Car Leasing
These short-term car leases are ideal if you’re staying in the UK for less than a year, but looking for a more stable contract. Offering a range of cars both new and used (provider dependent) vehicles and quick delivery where required.
Positives of Short-Term Car Leasing
- Lower monthly costs than car rental
- Fixed Pricing for the duration
- New or Pre-registered Vehicles
Negatives of Short-Term Car Leasing
- Limited Flexibility, many cannot be extended or reduced
- Higher Initial Rentals
- Limited Choice of Vehicles
Car Subscriptions
Car Subscriptions are an over looked option when it comes to running a car in the UK, but they are ideal for expats who need a car on flexible terms. Many providers offer an ‘all-inclusive’ service where rental, maintenance, servicing, warranty, breakdown cover and road tax is included, some even offer insurance although there are more restrictions for Expat customers.
Positives of Car Subscriptions
- Quick Delivery on in-stock vehicles
- No long-term commitments
- Extremely Expat Friendly
Negatives of Car Subscriptions
- Can be more expensive per month than leasing
- Less ownership-style control
- Some providers swap their cars every 6/12 months
Flexible Car Leasing
Flexible Car Leases are really long-term car rental dressed up, you provide your own insurance and agree to take the vehicle for 1 month plus and you can return the car when you’ve done with it. It is a more flexible alternative to traditional leasing, similar to a car subscription, allowing shorter commitments.
Positives of Flexible Car Leasing
- Minimal Commitment
- Easier Approval
- Great for new arrivals to the UK
Negatives of Flexible Car Leasing
- Higher Monthly Cost
- Limited Vehicle Choice
- Many providers provide Used Vehicles
Contract Hire & Leasing
Car Leases are always best value for the long-term, but as an Expat you may not qualify with the funders without at least 3 years good credit history and 6 months residential stability, even then you may not get accepted. Some providers offer Expat Car Leases over 2, 3 and 4 years but the prices are not as competitive as those you may find on the internet and might still be worth looking at a car subscription service.
Positives of Car Leasing
- Lowest Monthly Cost
- Brand New Cars
- Predictable Payments
Negatives of Car Leasing
- Requires UK Credit History
- Long Commitment with no Flexibility
- Long Lead Times for many of the vehicles
The Easiest Way to Settle in the UK
Renting is the most common option for expats when they first arrive in the UK. It offers flexibility and allows you to settle into a new area before making long-term decisions.
While the process may feel unfamiliar, understanding how it works will make finding a home much easier.
Where to search for Rental Properties
The easiest way to find a property is via an online portal, there are quite a few in the UK to use, here are some of the best:
Property Portals
Rightmove
Rightmove is one of the best places to find property to rent in the UK, it’s free to use and offers filters to refine area and property type.
Zoopla
Zoopla offers powerful searching tools when it comes to renting properties in the UK and is one of the major property platforms in the UK
OnTheMarket
OnTheMarket is the third-largest property portal in the UK, offering a large amount of properties to rent in the country.
All of these platforms allow you to:
- Search by Location
- Filter by Budget and Property Type
- Contact Agents Directly
Letting Agents
Another option is using a letting agent, although you are usually restricted to the properties that they are marketing, however, they may be able to assist with properties that are suitable and open to expat customers, here are a few key points:
- Manage properties on behalf of landlords
- Arrange Viewings
- Handle Contracts and Paperwork
Relocation Services
Using a specialist relocation service is a great way to find a property, especially if you are not yet in the UK, they can provide remote viewings and take care of all of the paperwork and checks on your behalf, here are some key points:
- Help with property services
- Provide tailored support
- Useful if you've not yet moved to the UK
- Can handle the documentation and paperwork on your behalf
How the renting process works in the UK:
Step 1: Find a Property
Search online or through agents
Step 2: Arrange a Viewing
Visit the property (in person or virtual)
Step 3: Make an Offer
Confirm rent and move-in date
Step 4: Referencing Checks
Includes income, ID, and sometimes credit checks
Step 5: Pay Deposit & Sign Contract
Secure the property
What Does Renting Cost?
Typical costs include:
- Monthly Rent
- Security Deposit (usually 4/5 weeks' rent)
- Holding Deposit (to reserve the property)
Additional Costs:
- Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water, etc)
- Council Tax
- Broadband and Telephone Services
- TV and Streaming Services
Common Challenges for Expats
Challenges include:
- No UK Credit History
- No UK Guarantor
- Proof of income requirements
- Competition for Properties
Additional Costs:
- Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water, etc)
- Council Tax
- Broadband and Telephone Services
- TV and Streaming Services
These challenges are common for expats, especially in high-demand areas like London. Some landlords may request upfront rent payments if you don’t have UK references.
Understanding Tenancy Agreements
Most rentals in the UK use:
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
- Fixed-term contract (usually 6–12 months)
- Monthly rent payments
- Deposit protection required by law
Key things to check:
- Length of contract
- Break clauses
- Notice periods
- Included bills
Deposits and Your Rights
By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
This ensures:
- Your money is safe
- Disputes are handled fairly
Schemes include:
- Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
- MyDeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
Important Changes to Renting in England (May 2026)
By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
From 1 May 2026, major changes to rental laws in England came into effect under the Renters’ Rights Act, giving tenants stronger protections and more flexibility.
Key changes include:
No more “no-fault” evictions (Section 21)
Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid legal reason.
Fixed-term tenancies replaced with rolling contracts
Most private tenancies now continue on a rolling basis rather than ending after a fixed term.
Limits on rent increases
Rent increases are restricted and landlords must follow formal processes.
Ban on rental bidding wars
Landlords and agents can no longer encourage tenants to bid above the advertised rent.
Improved rights for tenants with pets
Landlords must reasonably consider requests to keep pets.
Greater protection against discrimination
Additional protections have been introduced for tenants with children or those receiving benefits.
What this means:
These changes are designed to create a fairer and more secure rental market for tenants across England. If you’re moving to the UK, it’s worth understanding your rights before signing a tenancy agreement.
There are negatives to these changes coming into effect, there are many perfectly good landlords now exiting and selling their rental properties in the UK due to the changes, this means increased competition and lack of availability.
How to Improve Your Chances
Here are some top tips on how to secure a rental property in the UK as an Expat:
- Act quickly on good properties
- Have documents ready
- Be flexible with move-in dates
- Offer upfront rent if needed
- Consider less competitive areas
Alternatives to renting
Here are a few other options to consider instead of renting:
- Short-Term Rental
- Serviced Apartments
- Relocation Services
- House Shares
- Airbnb
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats rent property in the UK?
Yes, although additional checks may apply.
Do I need a UK guarantor?
Sometimes, especially without credit history.
How much deposit is required?
Typically 4–5 weeks’ rent.
Can I rent without a UK job?
It can be more difficult, but some landlords accept upfront payments.
How long does the process take?
Usually 1–3 weeks once you find a property.