When renting a flat in Birmingham, check the total monthly cost, including rent, council tax, energy, water, broadband and any service charges. Ask the landlord or letting agent for the tenancy agreement, confirm which deposit protection scheme will be used, and check whether the property has a valid gas safety record and Energy Performance Certificate where required. In England, landlords normally carry out right to rent checks, and a tenancy deposit is usually capped at five weeks’ rent for properties below a specified annual rent threshold. Visit GOV.UK for current renting rules, and never transfer money until you have verified the agent, property and payment details.