Finding a place to rent

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

This section gives information about how to find a place to rent from a private landlord. It explains the process of finding a suitable place and the costs you are likely to have to pay up front.

If you're thinking of renting privately, you need to find out:

Where private rented places are advertised

There are many different types of housing available to rent privately. You might be looking to rent a self-contained flat or house, or just a room. Information about private rented accommodation is often available:

• by word of mouth
• in local newspapers and magazines
• in shop windows and notice boards
• through letting agencies and accommodation agencies

You could also place an advert in a local newspaper, shop window or notice board. The advert should say what you are looking for and how much rent you can afford to pay.

What sort of place are you looking for

Private housing for rent can vary greatly in quality, size, price and services. Think carefully about the sort of place that will suit you before you start looking around. You might want a place that is:

• near your family and friends
• shared with other people
• shared with the landlord
• furnished or unfurnished
• in a particular area
• available for a short or a long time
• cheap
• on the ground floor

You need to be realistic about what you are prepared to accept. In some areas of the country it is easy to find affordable places to rent but in other areas there may be very little available within your price range.

How to follow up an advert

Private places are often let fairly quickly so if you find somewhere you might be interested in:

• ring the number given in the advert straight away
• ask as much as possible about the property to decide whether it is suitable
• if you're still interested, arrange to visit the accommodation as soon as possible - before you agree to anything
• get another person to go with you to view the property and let someone else know where you are going
• have details of referees or references ready
• be prepared to supply a deposit (but don't carry large amounts of cash and always get a receipt)

What to look for when viewing places you are interested in

As a safety precaution, get another person to go with you to view the property and let someone else know where you're going. Check that:

• it is secure and that the heating, lighting and plumbing works
• make sure any furniture is in a good state of repair
• if other people live there, try to meet them to see if you will get on with them

Often private accommodation is available straight away. You might have to be prepared to move in (or start paying the rent) quickly. You might be able to get the landlord to agree to hold the accommodation for a short period.

What each place will cost each week (or month)

You should find out as much as you can about the costs of the accommodation before you agree to move in or sign anything. This includes:

• how much the rent is
• whether the rent includes bills
• how much the council tax is
• how much the bills are (in winter and in summer)
• whether the bills are shared with other people

Renting privately can be very expensive. The amount you have to spend usually depends on the size, location and condition of the property. It's worth finding out if you are entitled to housing benefit or other help with housing costs.

How much you have to pay in advance

It is usual to have to pay a deposit and rent in advance, before or at the same time as you sign the tenancy agreement. Landlords normally ask for one month's rent in advance and one month's deposit, although it can be more than this, especially if the property is of high value.

If you find a home through a letting agent, you may have to pay agency fees. Some charge tenants and some don't, so it may be worth shopping around.

Some landlords and agencies do not accept personal cheques as deposits or rent in advance. You might have to pay in cash or organise a banker's draft. If you need to use cash get another person to go with you and always get a written receipt. You may also need to have a bank account as some landlords want rent to be paid by standing order.

Whether you can get housing benefit

If you are on benefits or have a low income you may be able to get housing benefit to help you pay the rent. If your income isn't too high you may be able to get housing benefit even if you are working. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find a landlord who lets accommodation to tenants who claim housing benefit.

It is possible to check how much housing benefit you will get before agreeing to move in. You can do this by getting a pre-tenancy determination if your landlord agrees.

Whether you need references

Landlords often ask potential tenants to provide references to prove that you are reliable and will be able to afford the rent. This usually means providing bank details and/or a letter from your employer confirming employment. Sometimes landlords request character references or references from former landlords. If you are taking on a tenancy for the first time, a landlord might accept a reference from a parent or guardian.

You might be asked to provide a guarantor for the rent. This is more common for young people. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you do not.

What kind of tenancy agreement you would have

When you have found a suitable place and paid the necessary charges, you will usually be given a tenancy agreement to sign before you move in. This states the rights and responsibilities that you and your landlord will have during the tenancy. You should check it carefully before you sign it, and get advice if you are unsure about anything it says.

Private tenants usually have fewer rights than people who rent from councils or housing associations, but all tenants have certain basic rights under the law, even if they don't have a written agreement. Your landlord can't take away these basic rights, regardless of what your tenancy agreement says. Even if the landlord doesn't give you a written tenancy agreement, you still have legal rights.

Most new private tenancies are assured shorthold tenancies but there are other types of tenancy in the private sector. Use our tenancy checker to work out what rights you would have. If you're still not sure what type of tenancy you have, use the Advice Services Directory to find an agency in your area that can explain the rights your tenancy gives you.