Due to the high demand for social housing, you may find that looking for privately rented accommodation is your best option.
Renting privately often gives you more choice over the type of accommodation available and the area in which you live.
Before you start looking for somewhere to live, you should think about:
- where you would like to live
- the size and type of accommodation you would like
- the cost of the accommodation each week or month
- whether you will have to pay a deposit
- whether you can get Housing Benefit
- how long the accommodation is available for
- whether the accommodation is furnished or unfurnished
- what type of tenancy you will have
Finding accommodation
Private rented accommodation is advertised in various ways, but is most commonly available through letting or accommodation agencies, local newspapers, shop windows and by word of mouth.
Types of accommodation
There are lots of different types of accommodation to rent privately and they will vary greatly in quality, size, price and the services available depending on where and what type of accommodation you are looking for. Some areas have less accommodation available so this may limit your choice. It may also be difficult if you limit yourself to only a certain type of property in a particular area. It will be easier if you are prepared to be flexible.
Housing Benefit
You need to know that you are able to meet the rent payments on the property. If you are on a low income or receiving state benefits you might qualify for Housing Benefit to help with the rent. Before entering into any agreement for a property, it is always advisable to check if the rent falls within the Local Housing Allowance. If you do not do so you may find that you have to pay any shortfall between the Local Housing Allowance and the contractual rent
For more information on the factors to consider when claiming benefits please see Claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
Deposit
A lot of private landlords and letting agencies require a rent deposit, which will often be at least one month’s rent. If a landlord takes a deposit, they must put your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme and give you details of how the deposit is protected.
References
You may also be asked to provide references, which will mean giving bank details or a letter from your employer confirming your income, and often a character reference that could be given by a former landlord or if you are taking on a tenancy for the first time, a parent or guardian.
Rental agreement
Most new tenancies now are set up as assured shorthold tenancies and are generally for either an initial six or twelve-month period. You should make sure that before you sign an agreement that you read it carefully and agree with the terms that are set out. You should get advice about anything that you are unclear about.
More guidance
How to rent: the checklist for renting in England (GOV.UK)
Contact us
Housing Options
3rd Floor
Civic Centre
Morden
SM4 5DX
Telephone: 020 8545 3636
Email: housingadvice@merton.gov.uk