Private rented accommodation

The various types of private rented accommodation include:

• self-contained houses or flats

• part of a house shared with other people

• flats and houses with a landlord who lives in another part of the same building

• flats or houses with a landlord who shares the same flat or house as the tenant

The type of accommodation is one of the factors in establishing what rights an occupier has.

Shared accommodation

Shared accommodation, including bedsits, shared houses, flats in multi-occupation, hostels and bed and breakfast hotels, may be defined as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

An HMO is a house or flat that is occupied by people who do not form a single household. HMOs are covered by additional legislation that requires them to have adequate facilities and safety procedures.

The main advantage of private rented accommodation is the amount of choice that can be available regarding location and type of property.

In some areas there is a large stock of private rented accommodation to choose from, but in others (especially in rural areas) the availability and choice of housing available may be much more limited.

Private rented accommodation may be the only feasible option for people who are not able to access council or housing association rented accommodation, and for whom buying a property is too expensive.

Private rented accommodation is often more expensive than other forms of rented housing. The majority of new private rented lettings have limited rent control. In areas of housing shortage rents can be very high.

A person might also have to pay a deposit and rent in advance.

Affordability assessments

When a person applies for a tenancy, the landlord or agent might ask them to provide details of their income.

The person might need to provide bank statements to support their application. Find out more about applying for and managing a bank account.

Local housing allowance

Housing benefit does not always cover the amount of rent that landlords charge. Tenants might have a shortfall to make up, and risk accruing rent arrears. Most tenants with private landlords are paid housing benefit using the local housing allowance (LHA) scheme.

Most single people under 35 can only receive housing benefit to cover the rent payable on a room in a shared house.

Use the LHA Direct calculator to find the rates for properties in different areas.

Discretionary housing payment

If housing benefit does not cover the rent, a claimant could apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from their local authority. A local authority might also award a DHP to a claimant who needs rent in advance or a deposit.

Private renting can be much more flexible than other forms of housing, with periodic and fixed term, short and long lets available. If necessary, tenants may be able to find and move into a property in the private sector very quickly.

In general, private tenants have less security of tenure and fewer rights than most tenants of social landlords.

Private rented accommodation varies widely in terms of quality. Very high standard accommodation can be found, but many flats and houses at the cheaper end of the market are in a poor state of repair. The standard of the accommodation and the facilities provided is generally reflected in the levels of rent charged.

Landlord accreditation schemes

Landlord accreditation is a form of self-regulation under which landlords who meet certain standards can apply to be accredited by a recognised scheme. Schemes are usually administered by local authorities, landlords associations or universities.

Accreditation can apply to the landlord, the properties themselves, or both. Many schemes are free for landlords to join, while some charge a small annual fee for the membership. Accredited landlords can access a range of benefits from these schemes, such as easier access to rent guarantees, deposit bonds, grants for repairs, reduced licensing fees for Houses in Multiple Occupation, tenant referencing, advice and support.

The minimum standards set by accreditation schemes mean that tenants should expect certain standards of management and have greater confidence that their landlord is trustworthy and responsive. A landlord's non-compliance with the standards of the scheme can lead to their accredited status being revoked.

Unipol and Student Accommodation UK operate an accreditation scheme for private landlords who let properties to students.

Accreditation Network UK offers comprehensive information about accreditation for local authorities, landlords and tenants.

Selective licensing

Local authorities have the power to introduce selective licensing for all privately rented housing (not only houses in multiple occupation) in the whole or part of its area, where an authority believes that it would reduce or eliminate specific housing problems.

It can take time or be difficult to find suitable affordable private rented accommodation, depending on the housing market in the local area. Some landlords do not accept people who claim benefits.

When looking for private rented accommodation, it is important to get regular information about vacancies and follow it up the same day or as soon as possible. Sources of information include newspapers, websites, and accommodation agencies.

As lettings can be made quickly, people looking for a private rented home should aim to visit and decide whether a property is suitable without delay. They should have money and references ready in case they decide to take it.

If a local authority finds that an applicant is homeless (or threatened with homelessness) and is eligible for assistance, it has a duty to provide advice and assistance in looking for a home. Some local authorities discharge this duty by providing homeless applicants with lists of hostels, bed and breakfast hotels and landlords looking for tenants.

A holding deposit is an amount of money paid to a landlord or letting agent to secure accommodation prior to signing a tenancy agreement.

Many landlords/agents require prospective tenants to provide one or more references from previous landlords, bank managers or employers.

A prospective tenant usually requires rent in advance and a deposit.

In some areas,there are deposit guarantee schemes to help people who do not have a lump sum of money to move into private rented accommodation.

As a condition for letting a property to a tenant, some landlords require a guarantee from a third party, called a guarantor, that they will meet the obligations under a tenancy. This is most likely to be the case where the tenant is a young person or a person with a poor credit rating.

Although the terms of a tenancy agreement could be negotiated between the landlord and the prospective tenant, in practice the tenant may not be able to negotiate favourable terms due to their need for accommodation.

A tenant should read the agreement carefully to check the details before signing up to a tenancy.

An inventory is a document detailing the contents and condition of a rented property. A photographic or video record is often used to supplement or replace a paper inventory.

There is no legal requirement for a landlord who is letting a property to prepare an inventory. However, an inventory can protect both the tenant and the landlord where there is a dispute over the return of the deposit and could be used as evidence where a dispute comes before a tenancy deposit protection scheme's dispute resolution service or the courts.

Landlord's inventory

Where an inventory is supplied by a landlord or agent, the tenant should check the inventory against the actual contents and condition of the property. They should note any discrepancies before signing the tenancy agreement or signing the inventory to state that it is an accurate record.

Tenant's inventory

If the landlord does not provide an inventory, a tenant can prepare their own inventory and invite the landlord to sign it to state that it represents an accurate record. If the landlord refuses to sign, the tenant can ask an independent witness to check and sign the inventory.