How to find a place to rent

Get clear on your needs to your search easier

It might sound obvious, but setting out what you want and need from your rental home is a good place to start. This will help you narrow down your search, so think about:

• Price
  It can be helpful to start off your search by setting an upper limit on rental amount when searching, so you’re filtering out properties outside your budget.
• Location
  Think about which areas appeal to you and why they might support your day to day routine. You can set up ‘My Places‘ when you’re logged into your account, so you can check travel times from properties to your favourite places.
• Size
  Decide how many bedrooms you need, and details like whether they should be doubles or singles.

To make this part of the process easier, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you need to be near any particular transport links?
• How far do you want to travel to work?
• How far are you prepared to travel to meet your friends?
• What do you love about your current home?
• What are the things you don’t like about your current home that you would like to avoid next time?
• What are the ‘must haves’ that will make your next property feel like home?
• What amenities do you want on your door step?
• How long do you want to stay in the next property?
• If you have hobbies, is there somewhere you need to get to regularly?
• Do you want to furnish the property yourself or have it already furnished?

These basics help you filter your search from day one, but choosing a home is also emotional. That is why exploring the details of your lifestyle is just as important.

Ask yourself:

Which transport links do you care about?

If you travel frequently, proximity to stations, bus routes or cycle paths might make a big difference. Think about how long you are comfortable spending on your commute and how predictable you need that journey to be. You can set up up to five places important to you using the My Places feature in My Rightmove. We’ll show you travel

How far do you want to travel for work, study, or to see friends and family?

Even a small shift in distance can change the rhythm of your week. Picture your typical morning and decide how much travel feels realistic and sustainable.

What do you enjoy about where you live now?

It could be natural light, quiet surroundings or convenient shops. These clues show you the features that matter most, so make a note to check these things when you’re viewing new prospective properties.

What would you avoid if you could?

Maybe you have outgrown your current layout, or want to avoid noisy roads. Identifying these frustrations helps you rule out unsuitable homes early.

Which features make a place feel like home for you?

Your must haves are personal. They might include a separate space for working from home, room for a pet, or access to outdoor space.

How important are nearby amenities?

You might want parks, gyms, cafés or a supermarket within easy reach. Think about what you use most often.

How long do you plan to stay?

Your timeline can influence the type of property that suits you. A shorter-term stay may feel different from choosing somewhere to settle for a few years.

Do you want a furnished or unfurnished home?

This decision shapes what you can consider. Some renters prefer the ease of furnished homes, while others want their own furniture to make the place feel personal. You can check the ‘furnish type’ on Rightmove listings to find out whether a property comes furnished or unfurnished. Sometimes there will also be the option to choose whether you’d like a home to be furnished or unfurnished.

How to prepare for a smoother property search

Once you know what you want, searching becomes much more focussed. Instead of browsing every listing, you can filter with purpose and spot the homes that genuinely match your needs.

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How do I pick the right neighbourhood for my lifestyle?

Start by mapping your week. Mark the places you travel to most often, then look at the areas that sit between them. Think about how you spend your weekends and where you naturally gravitate. If you love green spaces, parks might be a priority. If food and culture excite you, look for neighbourhoods with cafés, restaurants or arts venues.

How do I balance budget with the location I want?

Often people compromise somewhere with a rented home, and the trick is deciding which trade-offs feel acceptable. You might choose a slightly smaller property in a location you love or expand your search to neighbouring areas that offer better value. Set a maximum spend that covers rent plus bills and stick to it to avoid stretching yourself later.

What should I consider if I work from home?

If hybrid working is part of your life, think about whether you need a dedicated workspace, good natural light or strong broadband. Many renters find that a layout with clear separation between work and leisure makes a big difference to their wellbeing.

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How do I avoid choosing the wrong place under time pressure?

Listings can move quickly, but taking a moment to check whether a property meets your must haves helps you avoid rushed decisions. If something important is missing, trust that another suitable home will appear.

How to start your search once your criteria are set

With your requirements in place, you can begin searching with confidence. Rightmove offers tools that help you stay organised and respond quickly to new listings:

Download the Rightmove app

Browsing on the go means you can view new listings whenever you have a spare moment. Download the iOS app or the Android app.

Create a Rightmove account

This keeps your saved searches and favourite properties in one place, across all your devices.

Turn on Instant Alerts

You’ll receive updates as soon as new properties matching your criteria are added, so you can react quickly when the right home is listed online.

FAQs

• What should I look for when renting a home for the first time?

  Focus on essentials like safety, affordability, condition and location. Check heating, water pressure, natural light, storage space and the state of appliances. Make sure the area feels right when you visit at different times of day.

• How do I choose the best area to live in?

  List the places you visit most often and work out the simplest routes between them. Compare neighbourhoods based on travel time, amenities, noise levels and whether the streets feel comfortable to you. Your ideal area is the one that makes your daily life easier. Recommendations from people living locally will also give unique, first-hand insight of what it’s really like to live there.

• How much should I spend on rent?

  Many renters try not to spend more than around 30 to 35 percent of their income on rent, but what you can afford depends on your other expenses. Consider transport costs, bills, food and any financial commitments before deciding on a maximum rent. It’s worth remembering that, as part of referencing that happens when renting, 40% of your income is normally the maximum threshold allowed in order to pass referencing.

• Should I rent a furnished or unfurnished property?

  Choose furnished if you want to move quickly without buying furniture. This might also mean you don’t need as much space in a removal van if you aren’t going to be transporting furniture. Choose unfurnished if you want flexibility, already own furniture, or prefer creating your own space. Both can work well depending on your budget and how long you plan to stay.

• How can I reduce my search time when looking for a rental home?

  Set clear criteria, save your searches and turn on alerts so that you hear about new listings instantly. Being decisive on your must-haves helps you avoid scrolling through unsuitable properties.

• What documents do I need to rent a home?

  Most renters need proof of income, identification and references from previous landlords or employers. Agents may ask for additional information as part of standard checks.

• How early should I start looking for a rental property?

  Some people start searching 1-2 months before they want to move. This gives you enough time to view homes, compare your options and complete the paperwork without rushing.

• Is it normal to compromise when renting?

  Yes – many renters end up making small trade offs. The key is identifying which compromises you are comfortable with. Prioritise your must haves and stay flexible with nice to haves.

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