Renting from a private landlord outside of London

Renting from a private landlord can be a cheap and flexible option. It can be particularly suitable if you are not sure whether the move to an area outside of London will be a permanent one for you. Most private flats are furnished which means that you avoid having to buy furniture and curtains etc. On the other hand landlords usually get you to sign up for a period of at least six months, so if you leave before the six months are up you will lose money.

What you have to pay for private renting and the quality of what you get will vary widely across the country and within areas. If you are on housing benefit you will have some restrictions on your choice of properties unless you are willing and able to pay something towards your rent out of your income support/job seekers allowance.

For an idea of what it costs to rent in particular areas across the country click on the following websites:

• www.rightmove.co.uk
• fish4.co.uk/homes
• www.propertyfinder.co.uk

Bear in mind that the rents shown on these websites often represent the higher end of the market.

Local housing advice centres can be an alternative source of information about the amount of rents you might have to pay for a flat or flatshare from a private landlord. They can often give you a list of landlords as well. Details of how to contact housing advice centre are usually available from council websites. To find the website address and contact details for the council in the area you are interested in moving to, click on www.oultwood.com/localgov/uk. If you live in supported housing at the moment you might find that your support worker or resettlement worker has access to the UK Advice Finder service which keeps details of advice agencies across the country.

If you click on Private renting you can get information to help you:

• consider the pros and cons of private renting
• understand the different types of private renting (including flat sharing and lodgings)
• look for a flat, flatshare or lodgings in the private sector
• get help with your rent and deposit.

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Click on these links to reach different parts of the website:
Private renting - Council or housing association - Buying your own home
Hostels - Jobs with accommodation - Moving out of London
What's right for me? - Help - Contacts & info - Go back to the start