Private rented accommodation

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you may want to look for rented accommodation with a private landlord. There is more private rented accommodation available than social housing so it will increase your chances of finding a home quickly. 

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you may want to find accommodation with a private landlord as it will be much quicker than waiting for a place in social housing.  There is not enough social housing to meet demand in the borough which means that we can only help residents in the most need.   

The number of people who apply for social housing each year far exceeds the amount of housing available.  As a result, most people applying will never be offered housing, and those who are will normally have to wait a very long time. 

A private landlord owns one or more properties that are rented out to tenants. 

A company may act as a private landlord. 

A private landlord will often advertise with an estate or lettings agency and have the property managed by that agency. 

A private landlord makes a profit upon the rent you pay. 

Anyone can rent from a private landlord, but some landlords may have their own restrictions. For example, you may be asked to prove you can afford the property. This may be difficult when you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, especially if you are not currently working, so you should contact us as we may be able to help with financial payments to help you get accommodation. 

Some landlords may try to avoid tenants who rely on benefits to pay their rent, but blanket bans are unlawful discrimination. If you can afford the property and you meet any other reasonable requirements (for example, to provide a rent deposit), you can challenge the landlord if they refuse you just because you receive benefits to pay your rent. 

Some landlords may not allow tenants with pets or children due to the nature of the property, so it is best to check the restrictions before you view a property. 

You will agree and sign a tenancy agreement with your landlord. This will state how long the tenancy is for and whether you are able to extend the period. 

If you are ever threatened with eviction by your landlord, we can help you to negotiate with your landlord. 

There is a lot of choice of accommodation types in the private rented sector. Accommodation is often available quickly and there is no waiting list. 

You can choose accommodation in any location that you can afford, for example, near work, near your children’s school or outside the borough. You can find accommodation that is furnished or unfurnished. 

Private housing usually costs more than social housing. 

You will be asked to pay a deposit, but you may be able to get help with the financial payments from us. 

Your deposit must be protected and will be returned to you when you leave, but there may be deductions if you damage or don’t look after the property. You may also be asked to pay some rent in advance. Again, we may be able to help with this. 

There will be ongoing costs of rent, utility bills and council tax (unless you are exempt from paying). 

You may have to buy your own furniture, but you may be able to get help from us with this. 

You will be responsible for the cost of minor repairs, but your landlord must pay for larger repairs and ensure that your accommodation is always suitable for you to live in. 

You could also be asked for a guarantor. A guarantor agrees to pay your rent and the cost of any damage to the property if you do not. It is usually a relative or close friend. This should not be necessary if the landlord has a rent deposit to cover those costs. 

If you extend your tenancy, the landlord has the right to put the rent up. 

If you are on a low income, Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is used to work out how much help you can receive towards your rent. How much you get is usually based on: 

• where you live
• your household size - find out how many bedrooms you’re eligible for  and your LHA rate
• your income - including benefits, pensions and savings (over £6,000)
• your circumstances 

There are lots of ways to find a privately rented property, including: 

• letting agencies
• local newspapers/magazines
• word of mouth
• shop windows and notice boards
• local advice services and centres
• online property websites and estate/lettings agents web pages
• other websites and social media sites, such as  Gumtree, Rightmove
• letting friends and family know you are looking through social media sites 

If you find a property you like, make an appointment to view it as soon as possible to ensure it’s what you want. Ask any questions you have at the viewing. 

The landlord or agent will tell you how to apply for it as this may be different for each property. 

If you need help to complete forms, we, or a local charity, may be able to help you. Please contact us for more information. 

You will be asked to provide identity documents and may be asked to pass credit checks or an affordability check. If you have a low credit rating, we may be able to help you. 

You will be asked to provide identity documents and may be asked to pass credit checks or an affordability check. 

You may be asked to provide a referee, which is someone who can comment upon whether you are a good tenant. For example, a previous landlord. 

The landlord or agent will let you know whether your application has been successful. You will sign the tenancy agreement and be given a moving in date. You must be provided with an energy performance certificate showing the energy efficiency of the building. 

You will arrange to collect the keys or to meet someone at the property to be provided with the keys. You will be asked to agree to an inventory, which lists everything in the property and whether it is in good repair. It is important that you make a note of any problems with anything at this stage, for example, if anything is not in good repair. 

If the property has gas central heating or a gas cooker, you must be provided with a gas safety certificate. 

You should check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Carbon monoxide detectors are required if there is a wood or coal fire installed. An electrical safety report (dated within 5 years) must be completed before your tenancy starts. You should get a copy of this report. 

Your landlord should give you at least 24 hours’ notice if she or he wants to access your property at a reasonable time, for example to carry out an inspection or a repair.