Moving to the UK: Start here
Good news for Canadians renting in England
Moving to the UK without a British credit history has become a little easier. New rental rules introduced in May 2026 give tenants stronger protections and remove some of the biggest hurdles previously faced by newcomers.
For Canadians planning a move to London, the changes make the rental process fairer and more transparent — but preparation still matters.
No more six months upfront
Since 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents cannot ask for rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed. Once it is signed, they can generally ask for no more than one month’s rent in advance.
This is particularly important for newcomers. In the past, someone without a UK credit history or guarantor might have been asked to pay three or six months upfront simply to secure a property.
That route has largely disappeared.
You should still arrive prepared. An employment contract or job offer, proof of income or savings, previous landlord references, international credit information and a suitable guarantor can all help strengthen your application.
Your financial history still matters
There is an important qualification. The new rules do not require landlords to ignore affordability or referencing. You should still expect to demonstrate that you can comfortably afford the property.
For Canadians moving to London, that makes preparation particularly important. An employment contract or job offer, proof of salary or savings, previous landlord references and international credit information can all help demonstrate that you are a strong prospective tenant.
A UK guarantor can also strengthen an application, but many newcomers simply do not have someone in Britain who can take on that responsibility.
CIL has therefore partnered with RentGuarantor, which can act as a professional UK rent guarantor for eligible tenants. Applicants who are new to the UK can apply using photo ID and evidence of regular income, with approval subject to RentGuarantor’s assessment and acceptance by the landlord or agent.
In the past, applicants without a suitable guarantor could sometimes overcome the problem by offering several months of rent upfront. Since May 2026, that can no longer be used in the same way, making good preparation and access to a guarantor solution considerably more relevant.
More flexibility when London is new to you
Most private assured tenancies in England now operate on a rolling periodic basis rather than being tied to a fixed end date.
Tenants will generally need to give two months’ notice if they want to leave, although a shorter period can be agreed with the landlord in writing.
That flexibility can be particularly useful when you are new to London.
The neighbourhood that looked perfect from Canada may turn out to be wrong for your commute. Your job may change, a partner may join you, or you may simply discover that London life is happening on the other side of the city.
The new system gives newcomers more ability to adapt once they understand how they actually want to live here.
Build a strong application
The reforms have removed some of the financial advantages previously available to applicants who could simply offer more money upfront.
That makes the quality of your application increasingly important.
Have your documents organised, respond quickly to referencing requests and be ready to show that you are a reliable prospective tenant.
Preparation is now your advantage.
Plan your London move
Finding the right home is about much more than the monthly rent. Think about commute time, transport connections, Council Tax and your total monthly costs when comparing different areas.
Some neighbourhoods farther from central London offer faster direct journeys than places that look much closer on a map.
Our Renting & Property Guide covers where to search, avoiding scams, transport, Council Tax, renting without UK credit history and buying property in London.
No more bidding above the advertised rent
Another significant change is the end of rental bidding.
Landlords and letting agents must advertise a specific asking rent and cannot ask for, encourage or accept an offer above that advertised amount.
London rentals can still be highly competitive and several applicants may want the same property, but prospective tenants should no longer feel pressured to offer increasingly higher rents simply to beat somebody else.
For newcomers arranging accommodation from overseas, this also makes the true asking price of a property much clearer from the outset.
Rent increases are more controlled
Rent increases are also subject to clearer rules.
A landlord can normally increase the rent only once a year, and generally not during the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
They must follow the prescribed process and give at least two months’ notice.
Tenants can also challenge an increase if they believe it is above the open-market rent.
For someone arriving from Canada and establishing a new life in London, that provides a little more predictability when planning the first year’s housing budget.
Families and people receiving benefits
Landlords and agents cannot operate blanket policies refusing tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits.
Normal affordability and referencing checks still apply, so this does not mean every application must be accepted.
It does mean applicants should be assessed on their circumstances rather than being automatically excluded because of their family situation or source of income.
Plan your London move
Finding the right home is about much more than the monthly rent.
Think about commuting time, transport connections, Council Tax, utilities and your total monthly cost when comparing different areas.
Some neighbourhoods farther from central London have excellent direct rail connections and can offer considerably better value than locations that appear closer on a map.
Our Renting & Property Guide covers where to search, avoiding scams, transport, Council Tax, renting without UK credit history, deposits, tenant rights and the real cost of living in London.
Read the full Renting & Property Guide
https://www.canadiansinlondon.com/rentingproperty
Moving to London? Prepare before you arrive.
The new rules provide stronger protections, but they do not remove affordability checks or the need for good references. Organise your banking, employment information, proof of savings, rental history and guarantor arrangements before you begin your search.
Moving to London?
Our Canadians in London Renting Property Guide covers average rents across all 32 London boroughs, Council Tax, commuting costs, deposits, guarantors, scams, shared houses, HMOs, pets and the practical steps involved in finding your first London home.
READ THE RENTING IN LONDON GUIDE →
This article provides general information about private renting in England and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Whether you're moving solo or with a family, planning is key to making your Expat journey a success
Moving from Canada to the UK can feel overwhelming, especially if you are trying to organise visas, banking, housing, healthcare, tax, jobs and shipping at the same time. This guide gives Canadians a practical starting point for planning a move to London or the wider UK, with links to deeper Canadians in London resources and trusted partner introductions where relevant.
Last updated: June 2026 For: Canadians moving to London or the wider UK.
CIL role: General information, community resources and introductions only
Relocation Checklist for Moving from Canada to the UK
1. Pre-Move Planning
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Research and Budgeting:
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Understand living costs (housing, healthcare, transport, education).
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Set a budget for moving services, visa fees, temporary accommodations, and unforeseen expenses.
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Apply for the correct visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Spouse, Student).
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Ensure passport validity (minimum six months recommended).
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Prepare documents (work permits, family identification, certifications).
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2. Choosing a Relocation Company
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Look for companies experienced in Canada-to-UK moves.
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Read reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and specialized forums.
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Confirm comprehensive insurance coverage for belongings.
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Compare quotes from at least three providers and verify customs handling expertise.
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Research neighbourhoods near work or schools.
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Arrange temporary accommodations while securing permanent housing.
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Budget for a rental deposit (4-6 weeks’ rent typically).
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Up to 6 months up front if you do not have any UK credit or a job is a standard practice.
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For more info visit our section on housing (here)
4. Education
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Research school options (state vs. private) and enrolment processes.
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Understand application deadlines.
5. Healthcare
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Register for NHS services after arrival.
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Additional Information
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Healthcare (GP Registration)
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Use the NHS GP finder tool (www.nhs.uk) to locate local practices.
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Provide proof of identity (passport) and address (rental agreement, utility bill).
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Complete a GMS1 form and, if required, attend an initial health check.
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Bring medical records and vaccination histories.
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Consider travel health insurance for transition coverage.
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Open a UK bank account before you travel
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Notify Canadian banks and credit card providers of your move.
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Plan for currency exchange or use multi-currency accounts.
7. Packing and Shipping
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Declutter and decide what to bring, sell, or store.
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Label items for air freight (urgent) or sea freight (non-urgent).
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Check UK customs regulations for restricted or prohibited items.
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Notify your Canadian employer and provide notice.
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Obtain reference letters and update your CV/resume.
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Familiarize yourself with UK workplace culture.
9. Settling In
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National Insurance Number (NIN):
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Apply via the National Insurance helpline (0800 141 2075).
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Prepare documents (passport, visa, proof of address).
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Attend an in-person appointment if required.
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Use a temporary reference number for work while waiting.
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Utilities and Connectivity:
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Set up electricity, water, internet, and mobile phone plans.
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Community:
10. Cultural Adjustment
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Learn British etiquette, driving rules, and public transport systems.
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Explore local attractions and participate in community events.
Tips for National Insurance Number
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Gather required documents (passport, proof of address, visa/work permit).
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Call 0800 141 2075 to book an appointment or check for online application options.
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Protect your NIN once issued; avoid sharing it unnecessarily.
Shipping Your Belongings Between Canada and the UK
Planning a move across the Atlantic? Whether you're heading to the UK or returning to Canada, here’s a simple guide to shipping your belongings using full or shared containers.
🚚 Two Main Options
1. Full Container Load (FCL)
You rent the entire container. Best for full household moves or shipping a vehicle.
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20ft: 1–2 bed flat
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40ft: 3–4 bed house
2. Less than Container Load (LCL)
You share a container and pay only for the space you use.
Ideal for smaller moves or budget-conscious expats.
✅ How It Works
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Estimate Volume – Make a list of what you're shipping. Movers help calculate space.
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Get Quotes – Use a company experienced with international/expat moves. Ask about packing, insurance, and customs help.
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Packing & Pickup – You can self-pack or use pros. Items are collected from your home or dropped at a warehouse.
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Shipping & Delivery – FCL ships direct; LCL is grouped with others. Transit usually takes 3–6 weeks.
🛃 Customs & Docs
You may need:
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Passport copy
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Proof of residency
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Detailed inventory
Your mover should help with customs clearance on both ends.
💷 Costs (Estimates)
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FCL (20ft): £3,000–£6,000
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LCL (shared): £500–£2,500
Ask about extra fees: port charges, customs, final delivery.
🧠 Tips for Canadians
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Label boxes & keep an inventory
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Insure high-value items
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Use a mover who knows expat logistics
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Declare Canadian-made goods where possible
Top Tips for Choosing a Relocation Company for Moving from Canada to the UK
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Experience with International Moves
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Check if they have expertise in UK customs, immigration logistics, and navigating international shipping regulations.
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Comprehensive Services
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Packing and unpacking.
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Shipping (air or sea freight options).
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Customs clearance.
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Temporary storage solutions.
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Licensed and Insured
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Verify that the company is licensed for international moves.
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Ensure they provide comprehensive insurance coverage for your belongings during transit, including accidental damage or loss.
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Transparent Pricing
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Request detailed, itemized quotes that clearly outline all fees, including:
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Packing and transportation costs.
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Customs duties and taxes.
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Any potential surcharges or additional charges (e.g., for bulky items or delays).
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Customs Expertise
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Choose a company that handles UK customs clearance and offers guidance on:
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Required documents.
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Prohibited or restricted items (e.g., certain foods or plants).
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Duties or taxes applicable to your belongings.
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Tracking and Communication
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Look for a relocation company with robust tracking systems, allowing you to monitor your shipment in real time.
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Ensure they have excellent customer service with clear communication throughout the move.
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Professional Accreditation
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Check for membership in reputable organizations, such as:
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International Association of Movers (IAM).
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Harmony Relocation Network
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International Federation of Movers
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European Relocation Assoc
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The International Relocation Assoc
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Free Pre-Move Survey
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Reputable companies often provide a free pre-move survey (in-person or virtual) to assess your belongings and provide an accurate estimate.
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Flexibility and Personalization
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Choose a company that can tailor their services to your specific needs, such as handling fragile or high-value items, offering partial packing services, or accommodating special requests.
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Icon relocation does the legwork & can provide a useful report with key data points on any area of London or the UK including:
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Locating a new property to rent
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Choosing schools & afterschool activities
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Childcare
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Healthcare and GP surgeries
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Shipping & Packing
Partner Interview with Mark Sultana CIL & Michael Jackson - Icon Global Mobility
Partner and service notice: Canadians in London provides general relocation information, community resources and introductions to selected providers.
We do not manage your move, insure your belongings, provide customs advice or guarantee provider availability, pricing or service levels. Costs, timelines, insurance cover and service terms vary by provider and destination. Please check all terms directly with the provider before booking.
Canadians in London may receive a referral fee, sponsorship fee or other commercial benefit from selected partners featured on this page.