You will normally be expected to pay a deposit and one month's rent in advance. Your deposit should be returned to you when you leave your accommodation, as long as you have kept the place in good shape. Expect landlords to deduct at least some of it for cleaning purposes; they will always find something to charge you for!
From April 2007, landlords and property companies have to store your deposit in a government scheme called the Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme, to protect you (the tenant) from being ripped off. Find out more about how the scheme works here.
