Finding suitable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges for Nigerians newly arriving in the UK. The rental market is competitive, especially in major cities, and landlords often require UK references and credit history that new arrivals don't have. This guide shares practical strategies for finding your first UK home.
Types of Accommodation
Room Share / House Share
Most new arrivals start here:
- Rent a room in a shared house or flat
- Share kitchen, bathroom, and living areas
- Bills often included in rent
- Cheaper than renting alone
- Less strict requirements
Typical costs:
- London: £600-£1,000+/month
- Outside London: £350-£700/month
Private Rental (1-bed/Studio)
- Your own space
- More expensive
- Usually requires references, guarantor, larger deposit
- Better suited once you're established
Employer-Provided Accommodation
- Some employers (especially NHS, care homes) offer initial accommodation
- Ask during job offer stage
- Often temporary (1-3 months)
- Gives you time to find permanent place
Where to Search
For Room Shares
- SpareRoom: Most popular for room rentals
- Rightmove (Rooms): Rooms section
- Zoopla (Rooms): Room listings
- Facebook Groups: "Nigerians in [City]", "[City] Room Rentals"
- OpenRent: Direct from landlords
For Whole Properties
- Rightmove: Largest property site
- Zoopla: Alternative major site
- OnTheMarket: Another aggregator
- OpenRent: No agent fees
What Landlords Require
For Room Shares (Less Strict)
- Proof of identity (passport, BRP)
- Proof of income (employment contract)
- Deposit (usually 1 month rent)
- First month's rent upfront
For Private Rentals (More Strict)
- Right to Rent check (passport + BRP)
- Proof of income (3x rent usually required)
- References (employer, previous landlord)
- Credit check (may be N/A for new arrivals)
- Deposit (capped at 5 weeks rent)
- Guarantor (UK-based, often required)
Overcoming New Arrival Challenges
No UK Credit History
- Offer to pay several months rent upfront
- Provide employer reference letter
- Start with room shares that don't require credit checks
No UK References
- Provide Nigerian employer references
- Get character reference from professional contacts
- Show employment contract for UK job
No UK Guarantor
- Use guarantor services (e.g., Housing Hand, Guarantor My Rent)
- Offer higher deposit or rent upfront
- Target landlords who don't require guarantors
Tips for Nigerian New Arrivals
- Book temporary accommodation first: Airbnb, hotel, or hostel for 2-4 weeks
- Start searching immediately: The market moves fast
- Be prepared to view quickly: Good rooms go within days
- Bring documents to viewings: Be ready to apply on the spot
- Avoid scams: Never send money before viewing; meet landlords in person
- Consider areas outside city center: Better value, good transport links
- Connect with Nigerian community: They often know available rooms
Understanding UK Rental Terms
- AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy): Standard rental agreement
- Deposit: Protected in government scheme, returned at end if no damage
- Notice period: Usually 1-2 months to leave
- Break clause: Option to leave early (usually after 6 months)
- Bills included: Some rentals include utilities and council tax
Scam Warning Signs
- Requested to pay before viewing
- Landlord is "abroad" and can't meet
- Price significantly below market rate
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Unusual payment methods (wire transfer, crypto)
Always: View in person, meet the landlord or agent, verify they own/manage the property.
Conclusion
Finding accommodation as a new arrival takes patience and flexibility. Start with temporary lodging, aim for room shares initially, and be prepared with documents. Once you have UK references and credit history (after a few months), moving to your own place becomes easier.
The Nigerian community in the UK is generally helpful—don't hesitate to reach out through Facebook groups and connections for leads and advice.