Most private landlords ask for a bond or tenancy deposit of at least 4 weeks' rent in advance. The bond is returnable unless there has been any damage to the property or there is any outstanding rent.
When you pay a tenancy deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy, the landlord or letting agent must protect your deposit through a Government-backed tenancy deposit scheme. With these schemes, an independent service is available to helps resolve disputes about deposits at the end of a tenancy. This service is free for tenants.
If you are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support, it may be possible to get a loan for up to 4 weeks rent in advance from the Social Fund this is then deducted from your benefits over a period of time. However, this is not an automatic payment. Your situation will be assessed as they only have a fixed amount of money to help people every year.
