Rental costs guide
Build a rental budget that survives the first month
Calculate the rent, bills and move-in cash before a listing creates pressure.
Know your monthly ceiling and the cash required to collect the keys.
- Set the monthly baseline
- List every upfront payment
- Keep a repair and delay buffer
Set the monthly baseline
Add rent, service costs, utilities, internet, insurance, transport and recurring building charges. Use a higher winter utility estimate where relevant.
List every upfront payment
Include deposit, first rent, prepaid rent where lawful, moving, furniture, connections and temporary overlap between homes.
Keep a repair and delay buffer
A move can slip and a new home can need immediate basics. Keep the buffer separate from the deposit so one surprise does not break the move.
Stress-test the ceiling
Check the budget after a rent increase, higher energy bill or reduced income month. A workable rent leaves room for ordinary bad luck.