How to rent from a private landlord or letting agent
Where to look for properties
You could find a private rented home by:
renting direct from a landlord
using a letting agent
searching online
Landlords and agents carry out checks on tenants who want to rent from them.
Some landlords give priority to long term tenants with a good renting history.
Some people rent as a property guardian. This can be cheaper but could mean you have fewer rights.
A lack of affordable places to live means you might feel pressured.
Do not offer more rent than you can afford or sign an agreement before you're ready.
Do not pay a holding deposit unless you've seen the property and are serious about taking on the tenancy.
Renting direct from a landlord
An advantage of renting direct is you can talk to the landlord yourself. You do not have to rely on going through a letting agent.
This can make it easier to agree a tenancy and raise or explain any issues.
Private landlords who rent directly sometimes advertise properties on:
social media or online forums
local noticeboards or newspapers
You can also post your own ads in these places. Say how many rooms you need and how much rent you can pay.
Private landlords are not regulated, but in some areas they need a licence.
Ask your council if the landlord needs a licence.
Using a letting agent
The service you get from letting agents can vary.
Take these steps to protect yourself:
check the agent is a member of a redress scheme
choose an agent with a good reputation if you can
search forums and social media to see what other people say about them
Letting agent redress schemes look into customer complaints about agents. All agents must be a member of a redress scheme.
Look out online for reports of letting agents who encourage rent bidding wars, or who say they can help landlords to evict tenants for people who will pay more.
Most letting agents fees are banned. Find out what to do if a letting agent tries to charge you banned fees.
Never pay any money without seeing the property. Try to take someone with you when you're viewing.
Online searches
Landlords and letting agents post places for rent on sites like:
Rightmove
Zoopla
Spareroom
Search for LGBTQ+ friendly house shares.
Social media
Landlords and agents advertise in facebook and whatsapp groups.
Make sure you check that ads are legitimate before you pay any money. Check the landlord out online and ask for a viewing in person.
Do not fall for online rental scams.
Fraudsters sometimes advertise properties that do not exist or have already been rented. They ask for an upfront fee and then disappear with your money.
Do not be pressured into sending or transferring money without viewing the property.
If you get benefits
Letting agents must not discriminate if you claim benefits. Use our guide and letter templates if you are refused a viewing or home you can afford.
Your local council may have:
details of rent deposit or bond schemes in the area
lists of local landlords who rent to people on benefits
Last updated: 17 July 2024
