Finding a home

Alicja

I shared a flat in Haringey with another family - we got along really well and ate together regularly. We had a couple of issues with our landlord, but we managed to sort through them with the help of a local organisation.

Top tips

Top tip icon
  • Finding affordable and good quality housing takes time

    It’s not easy to find a place to live in London so don’t get discouraged. Start searching as early as you can to get an idea about the rental market and the type of place you are looking for.

  • Most people in London live in privately rented homes

    London is an expensive city to live in:

    • It’s common to live in a shared building
    • Most people live in flats
    • Some people live in ‘social housing’ - more affordable homes that are managed by Haringey Council
  • You will need to pay rent, council tax and other bills

    Aside from rent or mortgage payments, every household needs to pay ‘Council Tax’ (a fee to fund local services) and energy bills (gas, water, electricity). Read more in ‘Daily living costs’.

    • Most people pay ‘Council tax’ and bills separate to their rent
    • You usually need to register bills under your name
  • Some people get help towards their housing costs

    The government provides help with the costs of rent and council tax to those who are not in work or earn a low income.

    • The rules are complex, but you usually need to have lived and worked in the UK to make a claim
    • Read more in our dedicated section ‘Financial support’
  • Learn your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

    Take time to understand what these are:

    • Your responsibilities e.g. to pay your rent on time and look after your home. Read more online here
    • Landlords’ responsibilities e.g. to protect your deposit and carry out most repairs. Read more online here
  • Reach out for support if you are having problems with your landlord

    Some landlords collect rent without respecting tenants’ rights:

    • Do not withhold rent to force the landlord into action - you would be breaking the law
    • Get in touch with a local support organisation listed in the next sections for free & confidential advice
  • Get help if you are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness

    Support is provided by Haringey Council and other local charities (e.g. Shelter) listed in this section:

    • The help they can provide depends on your personal situation
    • They give general advice and information to all people regardless of immigration status

Select an option to read more