How to find an LGBTQ+ friendly private rented home
LGBTQ+ renters can face discrimination from landlords, letting agents or housemates.
You can leave this site quickly with the EXIT SITE button, or tap Esc on your keyboard twice.
This will:
open BBC Weather in a new tab
take your original tab to a Google search for the weather
Shelter's website might still show in your internet history.
Find out more about how to stay safe online.
Practical advice on this page
Find out about:
LGBTQ+ friendly house shares
safety tips when searching for rooms online
adverts, viewings and paying money up front
tenancies and renting a room in someone's home
What do we mean by LGBTQ+ friendly homes?
LGBTQ+ friendly housing can mean:
living with other people who identify as LGBTQ+
sharing with people who might not be LGBTQ+ but are welcoming and accepting
having a landlord or agent who does not discriminate against LQBTQ+ people
You might see adverts that say things like 'LGBTQ+ friendly' or 'trans friendly house'. Landlords and other renters might give their pronouns.
Search online for LGBTQ+ friendly house shares
You can find LGBTQ+ friendly flat shares or rooms to rent on:
Create a profile with as much information as you want to share.
Say what you need in a home so other renters or landlords can contact you.
Check social media and online forums
Social media and forums can be a good place to:
get offers of viewings or rooms
find LGBTQ+ friendly flatmates or landlords
get tips and advice from other LGBTQ+ renters
Homes for Queers is popular on Facebook with groups in many areas of the UK.
University towns and cities usually have LGBTQ+ friendly house share adverts. These could be for students and other people.
Safety tips when looking online
Use the website to message landlords or other renters.
Do not give out your personal details until you are sure the person is who they say they are.
Go to see the room before paying any money or signing a tenancy agreement.
Trust your feelings. Do not go ahead if things do not feel right.
Replying to adverts
It might be clear from the advert that a house share or landlord is LGBTQ+ friendly.
If you feel safe, you could ask questions before a viewing.
You could ask if they've had an LGBTQ+ housemate before and how they feel about this.
Your sexual orientation or gender identity
It is up to you what you tell people about yourself.
Many LGBTQ+ renters put this information in their profiles.
Landlords and agents should not ask about your orientation or identity.
More on equality law and discrimination.
Viewing a room or a property
If the room is advertised by people who live there, they will probably ask you round for a chat.
It's a good chance to meet the people you might live with.
Take a friend. Ask your friend if they think it's the right place for you to move into.
Walk around after the viewing to get a feel for the local area if you do not know it well.
Paying money before or at a viewing
Do not pay money before a viewing or to get a viewing.
You might feel you want to pay money at a viewing if the place feels right.
Do not take cash with you.
Ask about upfront tenancy costs like a deposit or rent in advance. Always confirm details in an email before you pay or transfer money.
Ask what the money is for if you're not sure.
Find out more about:
Only pay a holding deposit if you want to move in.
A landlord or agent could keep the money if you decide not to go ahead.
Find out about holding deposits.
Tenancies
Most private renters have assured tenancies.
You could have a tenancy just for your room or for the whole property.
You might deal with a letting agent instead of the landlord.
Before you sign anything, find out what to look for in a tenancy agreement.
Renting a room in someone's home
You have fewer rights if you are a lodger.
A lodger pays rent to someone they share living space with.
Lodgers can be evicted more easily.
Before you move in, ask who the landlord is and if they live there.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
