Rent in advance

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What it really means

Paying several months' rent up front, often asked of international students who have no UK guarantor or credit history. Six months in advance is common. Get a receipt and make sure it is written into the contract.

Chinese explanation

预付几个月的房租，常见于没有英国担保人或信用记录的国际学生。预付六个月很常见。务必索要收据，并确保写进合同。

Example conversation

A: I don’t have a UK guarantor. B: In that case the landlord is asking for six months’ rent in advance.

A：我没有英国担保人。 B：那样的话，房东要求预付六个月房租。

What you could say back

“Can that be confirmed in writing in the contract?”

Related phrases

Guarantor Referencing checks

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Council Tax Explained: What Newcomers Need to Know How Renting Works in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide UK Utility Bills: Setting Up Energy, Water, Broadband and the TV Licence

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake