Stafford is quietly becoming one of the most attractive places to rent in the West Midlands and Staffordshire corridor. With excellent rail connections, a growing town centre, and a range of neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets, more people are choosing to put down roots here — at least for now. Whether you are relocating for work, studying at Staffordshire University, or simply looking for a well-connected base, renting in Stafford in 2026 offers genuine value. But before you sign anything, here is what you need to know.
What are rents like in Stafford right now?
Rental prices in Stafford vary depending on the postcode and property type, but the town remains more affordable than nearby cities like Birmingham or Wolverhampton.
ST16 — town centre and surrounding streets
The ST16 postcode covers Stafford town centre and its immediate surroundings. In 2026, one-bedroom flats in this area typically range from £650 to £775 per month, while two-bedroom terraced houses tend to sit between £775 and £900 per month. This postcode is popular with young professionals and commuters who want to be within walking distance of Stafford Railway Station and the town’s retail and leisure offer.
ST17 — family-friendly suburbs
The ST17 postcode takes in popular residential areas including Baswich and Weeping Cross. These neighbourhoods attract families and those seeking more space, with three-bedroom semi-detached homes typically renting from £950 to £1,150 per month in 2026. The area benefits from good local schools, green spaces, and easy access to the A34 and M6.
Understanding the referencing and deposit process
Once you have found a property you want to rent, the process moves quickly. It pays to be prepared.
Referencing checks
Most letting agents, including Belvoir Stafford, will carry out a full referencing check before you move in. This typically includes a credit check, employment verification, and a previous landlord reference. If you are self-employed or recently moved to the UK, be ready to provide additional documentation such as bank statements or a guarantor.
Deposits and how they are protected
Under current legislation, your deposit is capped at five weeks’ rent (where annual rent is below £50,000). Your landlord or agent is legally required to protect it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme — such as the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme — within 30 days of receiving it. You must also receive the prescribed information confirming where your deposit is held. Keep a copy of this documentation safely.
Your rights as a tenant in 2026 — the Renters’ Rights Act explained
One of the most significant shifts in the private rented sector in a generation has arrived. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent in 2025 and introduces sweeping changes that directly affect tenants renting in Stafford and across England.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Perhaps the biggest change is the abolition of Section 21 evictions. Previously, landlords could ask tenants to leave without providing a specific reason. This is no longer permitted. Landlords must now rely on specific legal grounds — set out under a reformed Section 8 process — to regain possession of their property. This gives tenants greater security and peace of mind.
Periodic tenancies and flexibility
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have largely been replaced by assured periodic tenancies, which have no fixed end date. The tenancy period depends on the applicable statutory rules and rent-payment arrangements. This means you are not locked into a fixed term and can give notice to leave more flexibly. It also means your tenancy cannot simply end because a fixed term expires.
Other key protections to be aware of
The Act strengthens tenants’ rights to request a pet. It also provides for a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman and a digital property database, both of which are being introduced under the government’s phased implementation timetable.
What to look for when viewing a rental property in Stafford
Viewing a property is your opportunity to ask questions and assess whether it is right for you. Do not rush it.
Check the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Most privately rented homes must currently meet the minimum EPC E standard unless an exemption applies, and the government has confirmed its intention for rented homes to reach the equivalent of EPC C by 2030, subject to detailed regulations. Look for signs of damp, particularly in older terraced properties in ST16. Test all appliances, check water pressure, and ask about broadband speeds — especially relevant if you are working from home.
Ask about the heating system, the age of the boiler, and when it was last serviced. Confirm what is included in the rent — some properties in Stafford include water rates, others do not.
Choosing the right neighbourhood for your lifestyle
Stafford has a lot more to offer than many people realise when they first start searching.
If you rely on public transport, proximity to Stafford Railway Station in the town centre is a real advantage. Direct services run to Birmingham New Street in under 40 minutes and to Manchester Piccadilly in just over an hour, making Stafford a practical choice for long-distance commuters.
For students at Staffordshire University, the town centre and nearby streets in ST16 offer the most convenient base, with the university’s Stafford campus easily accessible. For families, the ST17 suburbs of Baswich and Weeping Cross offer quieter streets, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community — without straying far from the town’s amenities.
The town centre itself has seen continued investment in its retail and leisure offer, with the Riverside development and Eastgate Street providing a growing range of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants alongside established high street names.
Ready to find your next home in Stafford?
Renting in Stafford in 2026 means more choice, stronger legal protections, and access to a town that punches well above its weight for lifestyle and connectivity. Whether you are searching for a town-centre flat in ST16 or a family home in the leafy suburbs of ST17, getting the right guidance from the start makes all the difference.
Belvoir Stafford is here to help you find the right rental property and guide you through every step of the process — from your first viewing to collecting your keys.
Browse our current available properties or get in touch with the Belvoir Stafford team today to discuss your requirements. We are always happy to help.
Thinking of booking a valuation on a property you own? Contact Belvoir Stafford to book your free property valuation and find out what your home could achieve in today’s market.
