First Time Renter Gloucester & Cheltenham 2025?

Here’s What You Need to Know

3 Minutes

First Time Renter Gloucester & Cheltenham 2025?

First Time Renter Gloucester & Cheltenham? Here’s What You Need to Know

Renting for the first time Cheltenham or Gloucester is an exciting milestone, full of independence, but also a little overwhelming. Between tenancy agreements, deposits, and the legal jargon, it can feel like a lot to take in. The good news is you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

At RA Flatt Residential Lettings, we’ve been helping tenants in Gloucester and Cheltenham settle into their first homes for years. This guide pulls together everything you need to know before you pick up the keys, from the legal basics to local tips only a Gloucester or Cheltenham renter would need.

Understanding Tenancy Agreements

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. It sets out the rules of your tenancy: how much rent you’ll pay, how long you’ll be renting, and what responsibilities fall to you versus your landlord.

Key things to check:

The rent amount and payment schedule: usually monthly.
The length of the tenancy: typically six or twelve months at the start.
Break clauses: some agreements allow you to leave earlier under certain conditions.
Repairs and maintenance: landlords are legally responsible for most structural repairs, but tenants must keep the property in good order.

Local tip: Renting for the first time Cheltenham, where many properties are period homes, tenancy agreements often include clauses about fireplaces, sash windows, or listed building restrictions. In Gloucester, new-build flats near the Quays may include rules around shared spaces or parking permits. Always read carefully, and if anything is unclear, ask before signing.

Deposits and How They’re Protected

For most properties under £50,000 a year in rent, the maximum deposit a landlord can request is five weeks’ rent. For higher-end properties, it’s capped at six weeks.

Your deposit must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. In most cases, this will be the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

This means:

Your money is protected throughout the tenancy.
At the end of your tenancy, the deposit will be returned in full unless there’s damage or unpaid rent.
If there’s a dispute, the scheme provides a fair resolution service.

Tenant tip: Tenant responsibilities Gloucester and Chetenham. When you move in, take dated photos of the property, carpets, walls, appliances. This evidence can save you hassle later when getting your deposit back.

Rent Payments and Budgeting

Rent in Gloucester tends to be more affordable than Cheltenham. As of 2025, average rents for a one-bedroom flat in Gloucester sit around £850–£950 per month, while Cheltenham often ranges from £950–£1,200 depending on location.

Most tenancies require you to:

Pay rent monthly in advance.
Set up a standing order so payments are never late.
Keep proof of payments, this is useful for credit history.

Local insight: In Cheltenham’s town centre, competition for properties can be high. Be prepared to show proof of income and references quickly so you don’t miss out. In Gloucester, properties often move just as fast around the Docks and Quays area.

Utilities and Bills

Some rentals in Gloucester and Cheltenham include bills, but most don’t. Make sure you ask exactly what’s covered in your rent. Common bills to expect:

Gas and electricity
Water
Council tax
Internet and TV licence

Gloucester tip: Many riverside properties fall into higher council tax bands, factor this into your budget.

Cheltenham tip: Some older properties may be less energy efficient, so utility bills can be higher. Check the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) before committing.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Being a tenant means more than just paying rent on time. You’re also responsible for:

Keeping the property clean and in good condition.
Reporting maintenance issues quickly: for example, a leaky tap could become serious if ignored.
Respecting your neighbours: noise complaints are common in shared flats.
Following the tenancy agreement: using the property only as agreed (e.g. not subletting without permission).

At RA Flatt, tenants can log issues through our Tenant Maintenance Portal, making it quick and easy to report repairs.

Getting Your Deposit Back

At the end of your tenancy, your deposit will be returned via the deposit protection scheme, minus any agreed deductions. Common reasons for deductions include:

Unpaid rent
Damage beyond fair wear and tear
Missing items from the inventory

Cheltenham tip: If you’re in a shared house near the University, make sure all housemates agree on how to get deposit back in Cheltenham and how it is divided before moving out.

Gloucester tip: For flats near the Quays, check your tenancy for rules about leaving common areas tidy, charges can sometimes apply for excess rubbish.

Take photos when you move out, just like when you moved in. This creates a clear record to avoid disputes.

Legal Rights and Changes Coming in 2025

Renting rules are changing. The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025, currently in Parliament, is set to reshape renting across England.

Key proposed changes include:

Abolishing no-fault evictions (Section 21).
Capping rent increases at once per year.
Stronger rights for tenants with pets.
New minimum housing standards to ensure safe and decent homes.

You don’t need to worry about the legal complexities, we stay on top of these changes so our tenants know exactly where they stand. For updates, see our Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 guide.

Local Life: Gloucester vs Cheltenham