Jakub
I found a flat I liked so I paid the landlord a deposit on the same day. I later found out that he’d offered the flat to someone else! I had to fight to get my money back and find a new home - this time I went through an estate agent!
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Renting a private home' and 'Getting help and support'.
Key information
1. Most people live in privately rented accommodation
Living in privately rented accommodation has advantages:
- There are a wide range of options - from renting a room in a shared apartment to an entire flat/ house
- You have the flexibility to move more easily
- You’re likely to secure housing more quickly
2. Renting directly from a landlord can be cheaper, but most people rent through letting agencies
Letting agencies manage a property on behalf of the landlord who pays them a fee. All agents offer the services below free of charge - you should not pay them a fee until a tenancy has been agreed.
- Registering with a letting agent
- Getting properties shown to you by an agent
3. Get help with looking for accommodation or if you are having a problem with your landlord
It’s not easy to find a place to live in London, especially if you are new to the city. Get in touch with local support organisations listed in the next sections. They offer free and confidential advice to help you:
- Find a place to live
- Understand your rights and how to defend them
4. You need to show 'proof of identity' to rent a home - you may also be asked for proof that you can pay
By law, a landlord must check your immigration status before they can rent you a home. As an EU citizen, you simply have to show proof of identity:
- 'Proof of identity' - a valid passport, National identity card or EU photocard driving licence
- Proof that you can pay rent - your work contract or a statement of financial support from the government
5. Never pay a deposit to rent a property without signing a contract
Most landlords ask you to pay a deposit and some ask for an advance rent payment. They should be paid back to you when the tenancy ends, provided you have respected the terms of your agreement:
- Deposit - usually a week or month’s rent, to safeguard against damage you may cause to the property
- Advance rent payment - usually a week or month’s rent
6. Don’t pay a ‘holding deposit’ unless you are sure you want to live in the property
Some agents and landlords ask for a fee to take the property off the market, so it is held for you:
- It should be returned to you if you rent the property or if the landlord decides not to rent to you
- Once you have paid this fee, they cannot ask you to pay higher rent than what was already agreed
Renting a private home
In the UK there is a process to follow when finding and renting a home. Having knowledge of these steps can help you to prepare and increase your chances of finding the home you want.
Renting a private home
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Step 1 - Get in touch with a support organisation
It’s not easy to find an affordable and good quality home to rent, especially if you are new to the UK or are not confident in English
- Get in touch with local organisations (listed in the next section) who can support you with this process
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Step 2 - Search for a suitable property
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Step 3 - View the property
Once you have found a property you like, you should arrange to view it through the estate agent who found the property or directly with the landlord. Pay attention to whether the property is suitable to live, for example:
- Check for damp
- Whether locks are working properly
- If the electricity, gas and water are working
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Step 4 - Discuss the terms of your tenancy
If you are interested in living in the property, discuss the terms of the tenancy with the estate agent or landlord:
- The costs (fees, rent and deposit) - how and when they need to be paid
- Whether the flat is furnished or unfurnished
- The move-in date
- How you should get in contact with the landlord if there is a problem
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Step 5 - Make an offer
Once you have discussed the terms of the tenancy and are happy to proceed, contact the estate agent/ landlord to let them know you are interested:
- Don’t delay - there may be other people interested in the same property!
- Discuss the amount you are willing to pay - you may be able to negotiate on the rental price to pay a lower amount
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Step 6 - Show your documents
By law, a landlord must check your immigration status before they can rent you a home. You will need to show:
- Proof of identity - a valid passport, National identity card or EU photocard driving licence
- Proof that you can pay rent (if asked) e.g. a work contract or ‘benefits’ statement
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Step 7 - Sign a ‘tenancy agreement’
Read your agreement carefully before you sign and keep a copy.
- Keep in mind that some landlords ask for a guarantor, a person who agreed to cover your rent if you cannot pay it
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Step 8 - Pay your deposit
Most landlords ask you to pay a deposit (to safeguard against damage you may cause to the property), and some ask for an advance rent payment:
- They are usually a week or month’s rent
- They should be paid back to you when the tenancy ends, if you have respected the terms of your agreement
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Step 9 - Apply for financial support to pay for housing
Some people who are not in work or earn a low income can get help from the government towards the costs of housing and 'Council Tax Reduction'.
- The rules are complex, but you usually need to have lived and worked in the UK to make a claim
- Read more about how to apply in ‘Financial support’
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Step 10 - Move in to your new home
Check all the facilities to make sure they are safe and working, including gas, electricity, water.
- Keep a copy of your ‘tenancy agreement’ and landlord’s contact details in case of any problems
- Register with energy providers and Haringey Council (to pay Council Tax)
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Step 11 - Live in your home until your ‘tenancy agreement’ ends
- If you want to leave the property earlier, you will need to speak to your landlord. You may have to continue paying rent until the contract ends
- If you want to continue living in the property, you will need to speak to the landlord about extending the tenancy agreement
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Step 12 - Get support if you have issues 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 an organisation listed in the next section, for free & confidential advice
Getting help and support
It’s not easy to find an affordable and good quality home, especially if you are new to the UK. The local support organisations listed offer free and confidential advice to help you find a place to live, and resolve problems with a landlord.