Privately renting

Looking for a property to rent

One of the most common ways to secure accommodation is through private renting. Finding affordable privately rented accommodation can be difficult, particularly for households receiving housing-related benefits and without a guarantor. There are many ways to look for privately rented properties including the local press, shop noticeboards and by word of mouth. Some useful website addresses are also listed below:

Due to the very high demand, accommodation is usually let very quickly. It is therefore important to be actively looking on a regular basis.

Lettings Agents

There are numerous lettings agents in the Borough, most of which advertise their vacancies through Rightmove or Zoopla. If you are on a low income, lettings agents may require a guarantor. A guarantor is usually a close friend or family member who is willing to agree to be legally responsible for any costs incurred throughout your tenancy.

References

Before renting a property to you, many landlords will require a reference. If you have rented before you could ask your previous landlord or lettings agent. The reference will contain information around how you conducted your former tenancy, such as whether you paid your rent on time and how well you looked after the property. If you have a positive tenancy history, it may benefit you to obtain a reference from your landlord to take to future viewings. This may improve your chances of being offered a property.

Rental costs

Before offering you a tenancy, most landlords will ask for fees to secure the property. This most commonly consists of a security deposit and rent in advance, both of which are often in the region of one month’s rent.

Tenant Fees Act 2019

The Tenant Fees Act was introduced in June 2019 and places restrictions on the fees that landlords and lettings agents can charge to new and existing tenants. If you identify a property to rent and are advised of charges over and above the holding deposit, security deposit and rent in advance, please contact our housing team for advice on 023 8068 8000.

Deposit Protection Scheme

When you pay your landlord a security deposit for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, the landlord must, by law, secure your deposit in a government backed Tenancy Deposit (TDP) scheme. You will be notified by the TDP that your deposit has been secured.

At the end of the tenancy, both parties must agree the sum that is to be returned to you. Your landlord may claim on the deposit for issues such as:

  • rent arrears
  • damage to the property
  • cleaning costs
  • missing items

If you do not agree with the sum suggested by your landlord, your deposit will remain in the TDP until the dispute is resolved.

If you require any further guidance in terms of seeking and securing accommodation in the private rented sector, please contact us. Our team of Housing Case Management Officers can provide advice and assistance to help you look for suitable vacancies.

Contact our housing team