Finding private rented accommodation
Paying a deposit
To avoid disappointment, ensure you have enough funds to cover the cost of renting.
Most landlords will ask you for at least one month's rent for the deposit and one month's rent in advance.
Useful hints
- be safe and take a friend with you when you're viewing flats
- do not pay any money until you've accepted the accommodation
- get a receipt and read your tenancy agreement carefully
- most agents require references from employers or previous landlords, proof of ID and proof of income, so have these ready
- consider renting with friends to help with the cost
- central London is very expensive so be flexible about where you want to live
Read the Department for Communities and Local Government's checklist for renting in England.
Housing Benefit
If you're unemployed or on a low income, you may qualify for some help to pay your rent. The amount payable will depend on a number of things.
Find out more about claiming housing benefit in the borough.
Where to find private rental accommodation
The National Association of Estate Agents can provide details of its members. Letting agents will charge a fee if you rent a property through them, but reputable agents must follow good practice and quality checks which independent landlords may not be subject to.
National Association of Estate Agents telephone: 01926 496800.
Websites
Useful websites with property advertisements:
Shops
Shops such as newsagents or supermarkets have notice-boards advertising accommodation. Some of them are at the more affordable end of the market.
Newspapers
Publications such as Loot have accommodation advertised daily. There are many local papers throughout the London area which advertise accommodation in their areas. Try visiting an area you are interested in and look in local newsagents and libraries for copies of local papers.