Finding a home and your housing options

Finding rented accommodation

Kensington and Chelsea is one of the most popular areas to live. With such high demand and a shortage of accommodation, rents for properties can be very high.

Deposit and payment

To avoid disappointment you should make sure that you have sufficient funds to cover the expenses 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 - take a friend with you when you are viewing flats.
  • Do not part with any money until you have accepted the accommodation.
  • Be sure to 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.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has produced a helpful guide, How to rent: the checklist for renting in England.

Housing Benefit

If you are 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.  If you would like to find out more about claiming housing benefit for accommodation within Kensington and Chelsea, please contact the Housing Benefits Department.

Where to look for private rented 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 are subject to good practice and quality checks which independent landlords may not be.

National Association of Estate Agents  tel: 01926 496800

Websites

Here are some useful websites with property advertisements:

Gumtree
Spareroom

Shops

Shops such as newsagents or supermarkets have notice-boards advertising accommodation, some of which may be 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.

Last updated: 23 February 2023