When you're planning to move into a rented property in Leicester, the monthly rent is just the starting point. Understanding the full picture — upfront costs, ongoing bills, and often-overlooked extras — is essential for accurate budgeting. Here's our complete breakdown for 2026.
Average Rents in Leicester
Rents vary significantly across Leicester's neighbourhoods. As a broad guide for 2026:
| Area | Studio / 1-bed | 2-bed | 3-bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarendon Park | £675.00–£850.00 pcm | £875.00–£1,100.00 pcm | £1,100.00–£1,400.00 pcm |
| Highfields | £575.00–£750.00 pcm | £750.00–£950.00 pcm | £900.00–£1,100.00 pcm |
| City Centre | £750.00–£950.00 pcm | £900.00–£1,200.00 pcm | £1,100.00 –£1,400.00 pcm |
| Stoneygate | £700.00–£900.00 pcm | £875.00–£1,100.00 pcm | £1,150.00–£1,450.00 pcm |
| Oadby | £650.00–£800.00 pcm | £850.00–£1,050.00 pcm | £1,000.00–£1,300.00 pcm |
Student properties in areas like Clarendon Park are typically priced per person per week, often ranging from £85.00–£150.00 per person per week for shared houses.
Upfront Costs
Before you can move in, you'll typically need to have the following costs covered:
1. Holding Deposit: Up to one week's rent, paid to take the property off the market while referencing is completed. This is deducted from your first month's rent if your application is successful.
2. Security Deposit: Usually five weeks' rent. This is held in a government-approved deposit protection scheme and returned at the end of your tenancy, less any agreed deductions.
Example for a £900.00 pcm property:
- Holding deposit: ~£207
- Security deposit: ~£1,038
- Total upfront (excluding first month's rent): £1,038.00
Zero Deposit Option: As an alternative to a traditional deposit, First 4 Lettings now offers zero deposit schemes through our partnership with Reposit. Instead of paying a lump-sum deposit, you pay a small annual fee. This can free up significant cash at move-in.
Ongoing Monthly Costs
Council Tax: Most properties in Leicester fall within Bands A–D. Band A costs approximately £1,350.00/year (£112.00/month); Band D approximately £2,300.00/year (£192.00/month). Full-time students are exempt. Council tax is one of the most commonly underestimated costs for first-time renters.
Gas and Electricity: A typical two-bedroom property in Leicester would expect to pay £100.00–£170.00 per month in combined energy costs, depending on energy efficiency and usage. Properties with a better EPC rating are noticeably cheaper to run.
Water: Water rates in the East Midlands (supplied by Severn Trent) for a typical two-bedroom property run at approximately £35.00–£50.00 per month.
Broadband: Standard packages from the main providers run at approximately £25.00–£45.00 per month. Full-fibre options are available across most of Leicester.
Contents Insurance: Often overlooked, contents insurance for a typical rented flat runs at approximately £10–£20 per month and is highly recommended.
Bills Included Properties
Some student and professional lets in Leicester include utilities in the rent. Whilst the headline rent may look higher, these properties can offer genuine value when you factor in the convenience and certainty of budgeting. Look out for "bills included" listings on our website.
Moving Costs
Don't forget:
- Van hire or removal service: £150.00–£400.00 depending on volume
- Cleaning at end of tenancy: if you clean thoroughly yourself this is avoidable, but professional end-of-tenancy cleans typically cost £150.00–£250.00
- Redirection of post: Royal Mail's redirection service costs approximately £35 for 3 months
Summary: What Does Renting in Leicester Actually Cost?
For a two-bedroom property at £950.00 per month in Clarendon Park, your first month total (including upfront costs) is likely to be in the region of £3,100.00 –£3,500.00 Ongoing monthly outgoings including bills are likely to be £1,200.00 –£1,400.00
For a shared student house at £110.00 per person per week (bills included), the main upfront cost is simply your share of the deposit — typically £250.00 rent per person.
Ready to get started? Use our affordability calculator or speak to our team.
0116 270 6000 | info@first4lettings.co.uk
Written by Dechlan Connell
