Private rented sector

Private sector properties

Private rented sector properties are owned by a landlord and leased to a tenant. It generally means private housing not social housing.

The council helps our tenants wanting to move into the private sector, as well as supporting private landlords or letting agents to rent out their properties.

Information for tenants

Similarly to social housing, in private rented accommodation you get a tenancy agreement. The tenancy agreement is a legal contract setting out the rights and responsibilities for the tenant and the landlord. You normally receive an Assured Periodic Tenancy in the private sector.

Benefits of moving into private rented accommodation include:

• you can often move in immediately without having to join a waiting list
• landlord is usually responsible for repairs and maintenance
• the council can support tenants on a case-by-case basis with moving in costs
• the council works with landlords and agents specialising in tenancies for households in receipt of Universal Credit, and ensures tenancies are safe and legally compliant

Finding a private rented home

Look online at sites such as Rightmove, Open Rent and Zoopla, or contact an estate agent.

Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance is used to calculate the maximum amount people renting from a private landlord can claim in Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. This maximum rent is based on where you live, the number of bedrooms you need and the rent you pay. Search for Local Housing Allowance rates by postcode or local authority on DirectGov.

Benefit cap exemption

The rent for most of the properties we can procure will be at the Local Housing Allowance rate. Therefore, these properties may only be affordable if you are exempt from the benefit cap within your Universal Credit payments. You need to consider if you receive any additional benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or are in part or full-time work. For more information, read Benefit cap: When you're not affected on GOV.UK.

Resettlement help

Where applicable, on a case-by-case basis we may be able to offer resettlement resources to support households to sustain their tenancies. This includes guidance with accessing local services and amenities, including schools and GPs in addition to help with the moving process.

Information for landlords and lettings agents

We work with private landlords and lettings agents to provide a fast, efficient and cost-effective way to let their properties.

Letting your property through the council

As a landlord, you may choose to let your property through the council. Benefits include:

• no fees or commission charged
• hassle-free tenant vetting and matching service
• our households are often ready to move in straight away
• professional advice and guidance throughout the whole process
• constant supply of vetted tenants eligible to rent all sizes of property

Our tenants

We work with a variety of individuals and families, some of whom may be living in temporary accommodation or facing homelessness. Many include family members who work, though most families may also be claiming additional assistance through Universal Credit. Our service ensures that households can afford the rent.

How it works

These are the steps we take when you contact us about letting your property through the council. We:

• speak with you to discuss the details of your property 
• conduct a free, no-obligation visit to ensure that the property meets our quality standard and discuss the rental value 
• identify a suitable family from our extensive database and conduct suitability and affordability assessments 
• arrange a viewing of the property and complete the signing of the Assured Periodic Tenancy agreement (APT) between yourself and the tenant. We also help set up monthly rent payments directly to your account

Eligibility

You need to be UK-based or have an appointed UK-based managing agent.

Your property must be in a good state of repair, meet all health and safety requirements and have all relevant compliance certificates. 

Further information

For more information, email [email protected].