No Installation Required—Take It When You Move
Best Budget
ZeroWater Jug — £35
Best Convenience
Brita On Tap — £50
Best Overall
AquaTru — £400
Renting in the UK and want cleaner tap water? You're not alone. About 4.5 million households rent privately in England alone, and most tenancy agreements don't allow plumbing modifications.
The good news: you don't need to drill holes or touch pipes to get filtered water. There are excellent options that sit on your counter, attach to your tap, or just live in your fridge—and you can pack them up when you move.
I've tested dozens of these "renter-friendly" filters over the years. Here's what actually works, what's a waste of money, and which one is right for your situation.
| Type | Upfront Cost | Yearly Running | Installation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Jug | £20-50 | £60-100/year | None | Budget-conscious renters, small households |
| Tap-Mounted Filter | £30-70 | £40-80/year | Screws onto tap | Convenience seekers, standard taps |
| Countertop Filter | £80-200 | £30-60/year | Connects to tap | Better filtration without plumbing |
| Countertop RO | £300-500 | £50-80/year | None (fills manually) | Maximum filtration, health-conscious |
£20-50
Upfront
£60-100/year
Per Year
Removes: Chlorine, taste, some heavy metals
Top Pick: ZeroWater 12-Cup
Pros:
Cons:
£30-70
Upfront
£40-80/year
Per Year
Removes: Chlorine, sediment, some lead
Top Pick: Brita On Tap
Pros:
Cons:
£80-200
Upfront
£30-60/year
Per Year
Removes: Chlorine, lead, some PFAS, bacteria
Top Pick: Doulton Countertop
Pros:
Cons:
£300-500
Upfront
£50-80/year
Per Year
Removes: Everything: lead, PFAS, fluoride, TDS
Top Pick: AquaTru Classic
Pros:
Cons:
Get a ZeroWater jug. It's the only jug filter that removes dissolved solids (TDS) and comes with a meter to prove it's working. About £35 for the jug, and filters last 2-3 months depending on your water quality.
Compare Filter JugsA tap-mounted filter gives you instant filtered water without waiting. The Brita On Tap is solid if your tap is compatible. Check the fitting guide before buying—they don't work with pull-out or designer taps.
If you're in an older property with potential lead pipes, or you want to remove PFAS and other hard-to-filter contaminants, the AquaTru countertop ROis the best no-installation option. It's expensive, but it's essentially a portable reverse osmosis system.
RO vs Carbon: Which Do You Need?If you move every year or two, stick with a filter jug. It's the most portable option—just empty it, pack it, and set it up in your new place. No adapters to worry about, no tap compatibility issues.
For the options in this guide, you generally don't need landlord permissionbecause you're not modifying the property. However, I'd always recommend:
If you want to install an under-sink system, always get written permission first. Some landlords are fine with it if you agree to restore the plumbing when you leave.
Yes, but you need to choose the right type. Filter jugs, tap-mounted filters, and countertop systems require no plumbing modifications and can be removed when you move. Under-sink filters typically require drilling and plumbing changes, which most landlords won't allow without permission. Always check your tenancy agreement first.
A filter jug like Brita Maxtra+ (around £25) is the most budget-friendly option. It removes chlorine taste and some contaminants, fits in your fridge, and you can take it when you move. Running costs are about £5-8 per month for replacement filters. For better filtration, consider a ZeroWater jug (£35-45) which removes more contaminants including dissolved solids.
Yes, tap-mounted filters are a good middle ground between filter jugs and under-sink systems. They provide instant filtered water, don't take up counter space, and can be removed easily. However, they don't fit all tap types (especially pull-out or designer taps), and some people find them visually unappealing. Brands like PUR and Brita make decent tap-mounted options for £30-60.
Filter jugs, tap-mounted filters, and countertop systems are fully portable—just pack them with your kitchen items. Under-sink systems can technically be removed, but you'd need to restore the plumbing to its original state. Whole-house systems are essentially permanent fixtures and would typically stay with the property.
For filter jugs, tap-mounted filters, and countertop systems—no, these don't modify the property. For under-sink filters that require drilling or plumbing changes, yes—you should get written permission from your landlord. Installing without permission could breach your tenancy agreement and affect your deposit.
Countertop reverse osmosis systems like the AquaTru (around £400) remove the widest range of contaminants including lead, PFAS, fluoride, and heavy metals—without any installation. They sit on your counter, connect to your tap when needed, and can be packed up when you move. They're expensive but offer near under-sink performance without the plumbing.
Tell me about your rental situation and water concerns, and I'll recommend the best option for your specific needs.
Get Personalised AdviceWater Filtration Specialist | 24+ Years Experience
Keith has helped hundreds of renters find the right water filter for their situation. He believes everyone deserves access to clean water, regardless of whether they own their home.
Read full bioPrices are approximate and may vary. Always check your tenancy agreement before making any modifications to your rental property. Last updated January 2026.