Private Rented Housing

Private rented housing takes various forms from bedsit, flat to a house. It can be furnished or unfurnished. The rents tend to be higher in private rented accommodation and the landlord will usually require a deposit and bond.

Most private landlords/ladies ask for a bond or tenancy deposit of at least 4 weeks rent in advance. The bond is returnable unless there has been any damage to the property or there is any outstanding rent. When you pay a tenancy deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy, the landlord or letting agent must protect your deposit through a Government-backed tenancy deposit scheme. With these schemes, an independent service is available to helps resolve disputes about deposits at the end of a tenancy. This service is free for tenants. If you are claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support, it may be possible to get a loan for up to 4 weeks rent in advance from the Social Fund this is then deducted from your benefits over a period of time. However, this is not an automatic payment. Your situation will be assessed as they only have a fixed amount of money to help people every year.

if you are receiving Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance (if you are renting private accommodation,) then this is usually restricted for single people under 25 to the cost of a single room or bedsit (see your local council web site for information and calculation). This restriction applies in the private rented sector (this restriction does not apply to all housing providers or housing associations) regardless of what your landlord will charge you for rent. This means if you choose to move into an expensive property you would have to pay the rest of the rent from your benefits. Please note there maybe exceptions e.g. if you have left care or are a single parent. Check with a Housing Aid Agency/Access point www.lhadirect. www.voa.gov.uk   for information on private renting.

Tips

• Beware of agents who try to charge you money before finding you a property, as this is illegal. They can only charge you after they have found you somewhere to live. Before signing a tenancy agreement (an agreement between you and your landlord/lady stating who is responsible for such things as repairs, decorating, bills, and how muchnotice you must give before leaving the accommodation etc.), it may beuseful to have this checked by a Housing Adviser.

•  Ask the landlord/lady for an inventory list (list of contents in the accommodation).

•  Make sure you get a receipt for any money handed over. It may be useful to have a rent book to record all the rent paid. If there is any disrepair in your home, ask your landlord to carry out any necessary repairs. If he does not do as you ask, contact your local Housing Aid Centre/ Access point who will be able to advise you of your rights or contact the Council.

•  Try not to get behind with your rent as your landlord may take action to get you out of the property. If you do get into arrears with your rent, you should get advice quickly from your local Housing Advice Centre/ Access point or CAB.

www.tenantserviceauthority.org