Before you rent
A private rented property can be any type of residential property such as a house or a flat. The property is owned by a landlord (an individual or private company) who then allows someone to live in it for a monthly rent payment.
There’s a good supply of private rented properties in the BCP area, ranging significantly in rent charges. Work out how much you can afford before starting your enquiries.
Benefits of private renting
The benefits of private renting include:
- properties usually available immediately
- a greater choice of where to live
- a choice of furnished, unfurnished or part-furnished
- ease in ending the tenancy if you decide to move.
Finding somewhere to rent
Landlords often advertise properties available to rent online, in local newspapers or newsagents’ windows. Letting agents and estate agents can also let and manage properties for private landlords. An agency will normally charge for this service, and you should consider keeping money aside to pay for this.
If where you live now is not suitable for you or your family, you may be able to get assistance with paying the deposit. If you would like further information on this scheme and details of available properties, you’ll need a housing options interview.
Request a housing needs assessment.
Before you start renting
Landlords are required to provide a copy of the government-produced How to Rent guide to all new tenants at the start of their tenancy. Read it now for a useful checklist on what you should consider before renting.
Affordability
If you’re on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
The amount of housing benefit paid for private rented tenancies is capped at what is known as Local Housing Allowance rates. Benefits calculators can give you an idea of how much benefit you may be entitled to.
Rent and tenancy fees
Landlords can make the following types of charges:
- premium – a non-returnable sum of money which the landlord can charge simply for giving you the tenancy
- returnable deposit - this can be up to two month’s rent.
You must leave the property in the same condition in which it was let to you, allowing for wear and tear.
When you move in, you should make a detailed list of all the property's contents and record their conditions. Taking photographs will help. Check the tenancy agreement for circumstances in which your landlord could refuse to return your deposit when you move out.
If you have an assured short-hold tenancy, your landlord must protect your deposit with a tenancy deposit scheme.
Rent
Rent is the amount of money you agree to pay the landlord for the right to live in your home. The amount you pay will depend on your agreement with the landlord and what you can afford. You can get an idea of what rents are being charged locally by looking at the register of determined rents on GOV.UK, held by the Valuation Office Agency.
Bills
Find out whether payments for gas, electric, water and phone services are included in the rent or whether you will need to pay the suppliers yourself.
Benefits and help paying rent
If you get Universal Credit, or if you are on a low income, you can claim Local Housing Allowance to help you pay your rent. These pay for accommodation only and do not cover charges for heating, lighting, food or care that may be included in your rent. Before agreeing to take on a tenancy you should check the amount of Local Housing Allowance you will get for the size of property you are planning to rent.
For more information about benefits and help you may be able to get, read about Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. You can also get advice from Citizens Advice.
Failing to pay rent
It’s your responsibility to pay your rent on time. If you pay weekly, the landlord must give you a rent book. If you pay fortnightly or monthly make sure you get receipts for the payments you make.
If you do not pay the rent, the landlord can start possession proceedings to evict you from the property. You should not withhold rent to try to make the landlord carry out repairs.
If the landlord does not collect the rent, you should make every effort to pay it. Write to the landlord, saying that you want to pay and keep a copy of the letter. If you try to pay the rent and the landlord refuses to accept it, make sure that you have an independent witness. Keep the rent money in a separate account, so that you can pay it when asked. Then, if the case goes to court, you will be able to show that it was the landlord, not you, who acted wrongly.
Furnishing your home
Help may also be available from various organisations including: