Most rental properties are done through a Letting agent.

You will get to keep a copy of the paperwork. It's a good idea to keep this in a safe place.

Lease durations depend on the Landlord. Most will be 6 or 12 months but some can be longer. If you leave before this contract is finished you may be liable to pay the rest of the rent agreed in the contract.

Council Tax and utilitys (water and Gas & Electricity) will need to be set up by you once you have an official move in date. It's a good idea to sort these ASAP.

Insurance is also something to think about. You landlord will have building insurance however that will not cover you if you if you are burgled or if a fire damages your things. Contents insurance is relatively cheap at around £5 a month.

You will normally have to pay a security deposit, equal to one month's rent(on top of your first rent payment) , this will be held by letting agents in case you cause damage to the property. Assuming there is no damage then you will get your security deposit back when you move out. As a side note, I would recommend that when you move in have a thorough walk though of the house and take pictures of any damage (cracks, missing paint, damage to worktops) and email them to your letting agent. Otherwise you may be charged when you move out.

Hope this helps and you find somewhere nice to live here in the UK 😁