Private renting offers you greater freedom to find the type of accommodation you require in the area you wish to live but, because of the high demand for properties, rents can be higher than in the private sector.
Private landlords offer a wide range of accommodation, often in areas that councils and housing associations cannot. They tend to offer properties on six monthly tenancies, which can be renewed if they are happy with the way you have managed your tenancy. You don't have the same security of tenure, but the shorter tenancies and higher mobility works well for people who need to move frequently.
Private rented accommodation can include lodgings, renting your own flat or house or shared accommodation. Your landlord will be a private individual or company and you will have either a tenancy or licence agreement.
For a guide to Private Rental Tenancy agreements follow this link.
If you find a home you want to rent, you will usually need a deposit and one month's rent in advance. If you don’t have money for a tenancy deposit, there may be rent deposit schemes, rent guarantee and bond schemes available in your area that can help. For more information, follow this link.
More information on Private Rented Accommodation can be found at these links:
Rents can be higher than in social housing so if you are on a low income or if you receive benefits, you may be able to claim housing benefit to help with the cost of your rent. Follow this link for more information.
Guides to help you work out your rental budget are available at the following links:
If you get behind with your rent, your landlord may evict you and you could lose your home therefore paying your rent must always be your top priority. If you are unable to pay your rent, don’t ignore the problem, speak to your landlord as soon as possible.
For information on dealing with Rent Arrears follow the following links:
The Tenants Voice
Founded in 2012, The Tenants Voice are the biggest tenant community in the UK ofering several types of free content and resources to help tenants learn their rights and responsibilities, manage their tenancies and rental properties and maintain good relationships with their landlords and letting agents. Details of what they provide are available at these links:
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