Moving between rentals can require substantial cash before the old deposit is returned. Build a payment schedule for the new rent, deposit, moving service and any overlap at the old home. Distinguish refundable money from fees and everyday spending.

List the actual requests

  • Rent due at the start and its payment frequency.
  • Security or tenancy deposit and any holding payment.
  • Removal, packing and cleaning costs.
  • Overlapping rent, utilities and temporary accommodation.
  • Essential items not supplied with the new home.

A holding payment may be credited elsewhere, so record the treatment before adding it to the total. Deposit and upfront-payment rules differ across UK nations. Use the England tenant overview, Scottish deposit guidance, Welsh letting-fee guidance or Northern Ireland deposit information.

The rental calculator separates your entered amounts from any displayed rule-based limits. Check the actual agreement and appropriate guidance before paying. Plan a scenario where the old deposit arrives later than hoped, then update the budget when its return is confirmed.

Put it into practice

Use the rental move-in cost calculator to organise your own figures or next steps. Keep its assumptions alongside your plan.