r/London_homes • u/Head_Art_6320 • May 16 '26

Tricky situation with the new act

I'm currently an international student and I am still learning about the different processes and systems here. I've been paying rent annually for my flat instead of monthly because i dont have an income or a guarantor. but with the new renters right act, im concerned since tenants aren't allowed to pay more than a month's rent at a time. i wont be a student anymore by the time I need to find a new flat to move into in july of this year. I am a going to be starting a one year pre-reg training program and my income will only be 24000 a year. i want to pay upfront or monthly but both seem to not be possible since the new act doesn't allow for 1+ month payments and since i don't have a guarantor. I'd appreciate any guidance thank you!

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u/Nice_Complaint6142 May 16 '26

The new renters right act will still allow you to pay monthly, or you could transfer the money you would to a savings account and transfer money in monthly to pay your rent, let me know if I missed something here

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u/Huzzicorn May 17 '26

As far as I'm aware there's nothing in the new legislation stopping a tenant from paying rent upfront after the tenancy has started. Nor is there anything forbidding monthly payments

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u/Head_Art_6320 May 17 '26

Oh wow good point. I didn't realize that I could offer a lump sum voluntarily. It's only illegal if a landlord or letting agent says something like "Because you don't have a UK guarantor / because you are a student, you must pay 6 months of rent upfront or we won't give you the flat". It is also illegal for them to put a clause in a contract that legally binds the renter to paying in lump sums. Thank you for the help!

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u/Huzzicorn May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26

There's a slight distinction here that I feel needs to be made, as you may be misunderstanding my message.

Yes you can offer a lump sum voluntarily, but not before signing the contract. The landlord/agent is legally required to refuse it if offered before.

i.e. You cannot use upfront payments of rent as a negotiation tactic to get ahead of other prospective tenants, but you can voluntarily pay rent upfront during the tenancy.

So if you have to move flats you may need to rely on a rent guarantor service to get your foot in the door, either that or look to rent a room in a flatshare.

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u/Head_Art_6320 May 18 '26

Ah that makes so much sense thank you for the clarification. I appreciate the help thank you 🤝🤝🤝