Viewing a property - Private Renters in Camden

Viewing a property

There are many steps you can take to make the most out of viewing a new property. It's a good idea to view a property in person before agreeing to move in. You should carry out a thorough inspection and never agree to pay money in advance of a viewing. Remember that once you sign a tenancy agreement, you are responsible for paying the rent. 

What to look for and what to ask

When visiting a new property, prepare your questions beforehand. The Shelter website has a useful checklist to help you.

Note down the answers to your questions and do not to let the landlord or letting agent rush you - it's fine to take your time. Use your phone camera to record any issues you raise and note any remedies agreed.

If repairs or decoration are to be carried out before you move in, ask for this in writing and only accept the tenancy on the condition that the work is completed. 

Virtual Viewings

Sometimes an in-person viewing is not possible and a virtual viewing can be arranged instead. Try to be cautious, as what you are shown may not always be accurately represent the property. Live virtual tours are preferable as they are harder to edit and allow you to ask questions in real time.

If you view a property virtually, you may be able to agree to take the tenancy subject to an additional physical viewing before signing, or agree a break clause allowing you to withdraw before the tenancy start date.

Asking for rent in advance

A landlord or agent can ask a tenant to pay a deposit before the tenancy agreement is signed, however they cannot ask for, encourage or accept rent before a tenancy agreement has been signed by both parties. The landlord or agent can ask a tenant to pay their first month's rent after the contract has been signed and before the start of the tenancy (the pre-tenancy period), but they cannot ask for more than one month (or 28 days if the rent is paid weekly). 

Rental bidding is banned

From 1 May 2026, rental bidding is unlawful. Landlords and letting agents must state a specific asking rent for any property they advertise. It is illegal for a landlord or agent to:

• invite or encourage you to offer more than the advertised rent;
• accept an offer from you that exceeds the advertised rent.

The price advertised is the price at which the property must be let. You should not feel pressured to bid against other prospective tenants or offer more than the asking rent to secure a property. If a landlord or agent does this, they are breaking the law.

Your right not to be discriminated against

From 1 May 2026, it is illegal for a landlord or letting agent to prevent you from finding out about a property, viewing it, or entering into a tenancy because you have children or because you receive housing benefit or other benefits.

Landlords and agents can still assess whether you can afford the rent — but they must take all of your income into account, including any benefits, when making that assessment. A blanket policy of refusing tenants on benefits or with children is unlawful.

Discrimination can take many forms, including:

• advertising with phrases such as 'no DSS' or 'no children';
• refusing to let you view a property or withholding information about its availability;
• rejecting your application solely because you receive benefits or have children.

How to report excessive rent in advance, rental bidding or discrimination

If you believe a landlord or letting agent has charged you excessive rent in advance, asked you to bid above the advertised rent or discriminated against you, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm. Your complaint will be passed to the relevant local Trading Standards Service.

Camden residents can also report a landlord or letting agent through the Mayor of London Report a Rogue Landlord webpage. 

Penalties for breaching the rental bidding ban can reach £7,000 for a first offence, rising to £40,000 for repeated or serious breaches.

What if the property is not as described 

If the landlord or agent incorrectly describes the property, or refuses to carry out work that you agreed, you may have a right to cancel your tenancy agreement or claim a discount on your rent.

Consumer Protection Rights

You have rights as a consumer under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

The right to cancel your tenancy applies in limited circumstances for unfair business practices and is only available within the first 90 days of the contract being signed. This includes situations where you were misled before entering into the contract, or where an aggressive business practice took place - such as harassment, coercion or undue influence.