Use this calculator to estimate the full upfront cost of moving to a new rental property. Enter the costs that apply to your situation. Leave any fields blank that do not apply. The total updates as you add figures.
How to use this tool
- Enter your monthly rent. This is used to calculate your first month’s rent and can also inform your deposit estimate.
- Enter the deposit amount you have been quoted, or enter your own figure.
- Add any other moving costs you expect: removal van, professional removals, storage, furniture, cleaning, utilities set-up, broadband, parking permit, and anything else.
- The total appears at the bottom. The calculator shows your full upfront cost and your moving costs separately from rent and deposit.
Understanding your results
The total upfront cost includes rent, deposit, and all other moving costs. The moving costs figure shows everything except rent and deposit, which can help you understand how much you need beyond the headline tenancy costs.
This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary. Removal van prices depend on distance, volume, and timing. Furniture costs vary widely depending on whether you buy new, second-hand, or a mix. Utility deposits are sometimes required from new tenants by energy suppliers, particularly if there is no credit history at the address.
If you have been asked to pay a referencing fee by a letting agent in England, that charge is banned under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Referencing, credit checks, and tenancy renewal fees cannot lawfully be charged to tenants in England. If you have been asked to pay one, you may be able to reclaim it. Report the charge to Trading Standards.
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Legal context
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, letting agents and landlords in England cannot charge tenants for referencing checks, credit checks, tenancy renewal, or administration fees. Permitted payments are: rent, tenancy deposits (within the statutory cap), holding deposits (up to one week’s rent), and default charges for events such as lost keys. Any payment request not on this list may be unlawful. If you are unsure whether a charge is permitted, check the Tenant Fees Act 2019 guidance on GOV.UK or contact Citizens Advice.
The deposit cap under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 sets the maximum at five weeks’ rent for tenancies with an annual rent under £50,000, and six weeks’ rent for those at £50,000 or more. Use the Deposit Cap Calculator to verify whether the deposit you have been quoted is within the legal limit.
Frequently asked questions
What costs are typically included when moving to a new rental?
The main upfront costs are the first month’s rent, the tenancy deposit, and any moving costs. Moving costs typically include a removal van or professional removals company, packing materials, storage if needed, utility connection fees, broadband setup, and any furniture you need to buy. The exact mix depends on the distance of the move and whether the new property is furnished or unfurnished.
How much does a removal company typically charge for a flat move in the UK?
Removal company costs vary widely by distance, volume of belongings, and time of year. A local move for a one or two-bedroom flat typically costs between £300 and £600, while a longer-distance move can reach £800 to £1,500 or more. Quotes from at least three companies are worth obtaining before booking. Weekend moves tend to cost more than weekday ones.
Can letting agents in England still charge fees when I move in?
No. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, letting agents in England cannot charge tenants for referencing, credit checks, tenancy setup, or administration. The permitted payments are rent, the tenancy deposit within the statutory cap, a holding deposit of up to one week’s rent, and default charges for specific events such as a lost key. Any charge not on this list may be unlawful. Report it to Trading Standards if an agent asks you to pay a prohibited fee.
Is it cheaper to hire a van and move yourself or use a removal company?
Van hire for a day typically costs between £60 and £150 depending on van size and location. For a small flat, self-moving is often cheaper than hiring a removal company. However, the cost gap narrows once you factor in petrol, the time needed, and the risk of damage to furniture without professional packing. If you have heavy or fragile items, professional removals are worth comparing against van hire costs.
Do I need to pay a deposit for energy and broadband when moving to a new property?
Energy suppliers can request a deposit from new customers, particularly where there is no credit history at the address or a poor credit record. This is not universal. Broadband providers generally do not charge a setup deposit, though there may be a connection fee with some providers. Check directly with the supplier before your move so you can budget for it if required.
What happens to my council tax when I move to a new rental?
Council tax follows the property. You are liable for council tax at your new address from the date you move in. You are also liable at your old address until you formally end the tenancy or hand back the keys. If you are moving between councils, notify both. You may also be eligible for a council tax discount at the new property if you live alone (25 per cent single person discount) or meet other qualifying criteria.
How do I redirect my post when I move?
Royal Mail offers a mail redirection service that forwards post from your old address to your new one. The standard service costs around £33 for three months for one person, rising to £57 for 12 months at the time of writing. Update your address directly with banks, HMRC, the DVLA, and any other services as soon as possible, as redirection is not a substitute for updating records and does not cover all senders.
Can I move in with pets and are there additional costs involved?
Landlords in England and Wales cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a well-behaved pet under model tenancy agreement terms, though standard tenancy agreements may still restrict pets. Where a pet is permitted, landlords can ask for a higher monthly rent to cover potential damage, but they cannot charge a separate pet deposit on top of the statutory cap. Always get written confirmation that a pet is permitted before signing.
Should I get a storage unit between tenancies and what does it cost?
If there is a gap between leaving one property and moving into the next, self-storage is a practical option. A small unit suitable for a one-bedroom flat’s contents typically costs between £60 and £150 per month. Compare prices from local and national operators. Some removal companies offer combined move-and-store packages that can reduce overall costs if you need storage for a short period.
What utility costs should I budget for when moving into an unfurnished flat?
For an unfurnished property, budget for energy (gas and electricity), broadband, and any water charges if they are metered and not included in the tenancy. You may also need to buy appliances such as a washing machine or fridge if the property does not have them. Utility costs for a typical one-bedroom flat average around £80 to £120 per month for energy, though this depends on usage and current tariff rates.