If you rent from a private landlord, there's lots of choice - including houses, flats, studio apartments, bedsits, and rooms in shared housing
The basics
Finding a property
Properties may be managed by a private landlord, or by a letting agent, and may be furnished or unfurnished.
You can find a property by checking local newspapers, letting agents, notice boards, and the Internet. You can get free access to the Internet at the Civic Centre reception, in local libraries and even local cafes and community facilities.
Getting an idea of costs
It's important to choose a home you can afford, as rent will vary depending on the property you pick.
Ask to see the energy performance certificate to give you an idea of how much it will cost to heat your home.
Safety
- Ask to see the gas safety certificate to show that any gas appliances are safe
- Make sure that soft furniture has fire safety labels
- It's also worth checking that there is a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector
Tenancy deposits
You usually have to pay a cash deposit before renting privately. This is your landlord's security if you don't pay your rent, or the property is damaged. The deposit is returnable and you should get it back when you leave if no deductions need to be made.
Your landlord must place your deposit into a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme which will protect your deposit and deal with any disputes over deductions. If they don't you can make a court claim against them, and they will lose some of their rights to issue you notice if they want you to leave.
You may also have to pay a month's rent in advance. If you can't afford this you may be able to get help through our Discretionary Housing Payment for rent deposit and rent in advance.
Tenancy agreements
Your tenancy agreement is a legal agreement between you and your landlord, and you should read the agreement carefully before signing it. The tenancy will detail
- Who has to do repairs
- Who is responsible for bills; and,
- What happens if you want to leave.
If you don't have a written agreement, a verbal agreement is also legally binding.
There are several different types of tenancy including licences, and each gives you different rights, so you may want to check the details with a solicitor, or you can get advice from Shelter or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Inventory
Some landlords may also give you a list of items that are in the property when you move in.
This is called an inventory and will help to avoid any false claims from loss or damage to furnishings when leaving.
Paying rent
Your tenancy agreement will show you how much rent you should pay and how often.
If you pay your rent on a weekly basis, your landlord must give you a rent book. If you pay rent in cash, either weekly or monthly make sure you get a receipt. If you need help with your rent you may be eligible for Housing Benefit.
Check our Housing Benefit pages
Bills
You will need to register with:
- gas,
- electricity,
- water; and
- waste water companies.
You'll need to provide meter readings when you move in.
You'll also need to register and pay Council Tax for your property unless this is included in your rent.
When the tenancy ends
Before your tenancy comes to an end you should talk to your landlord to discuss whether you are able to extend your tenancy, or whether you need to look for a new home.
If your tenancy does come to an end, your landlord normally has to give you a legal period of notice to enable you to find a new tenancy.
Moving out
When you move out of the property if it isn't clean or you don't take all your belongings, your landlord will probably deduct money from the deposit. You should also make sure that you're up to date with your rent, or your landlord won't give you a reference for your next tenancy.
Download - Shared ownership FAQs (PDF, 802KB)