PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION
Looking for somewhere to live? Need it in a certain area for work or support!
Think it's unaffordable - think again. We can assist in finding and accessing private rented accommodation with our fantastic Bond Guarantee Scheme.
Private rented accommodation can be another great housing option. And we can help you find it.
Work out your housing need
When choosing accommodation it is essential that you choose accommodation that you need rather than what you necessarily want. This is especially the case for those people who will be relying on Housing Benefit to pay their rent.
If a property has more bedrooms than Housing Benefit think you need, your benefit may be reduced.
It will make your search easier if you know where you would like to live. However you may need to widen your areas of choice in order to be able to find accommodation quickly, especially if you have been asked to leave your current accommodation or you are being evicted.
Where to look for property
Local newspapers – most local newspapers have special rented property features.
Other Ideas - Local shop windows / community noticeboards / supermarket noticeboards or anywhere where people may advertise. Landlords will often advertise here.
Letting agents - letting agents manage properties on behalf of private landlords so that the landlord does not have to deal directly with their tenant. Letting agents should not charge you to look for a property but be aware that most will charge you a fee for finding the property and other services. This is usually 33% of a month's rent plus VAT. A list of letting agents in the area is attached. Attach a link to the letting agents list here.
Housing Options Team - Landlords sometimes ask us to advertise their accommodation.
What to do when you think you have found a property
View the property - Make sure you go and have a look at a property before you sign any forms to say that you will take it. What may sound perfect may be completely different when you actually view it. If you have any concerns, you are not obliged to take it, especially if you haven't signed anything, and you can refuse it and start looking again.
You will need to find out if you qualify for Housing Benefit and if so, how much. To do this you should contact the council's Housing Benefits section, so that they can do a manual calculation to work this out. You will need to provide them with proof of your income.
Once you know how much housing benefit you will get you will need to look at your income and expenditure to see if the property is affordable. YOU SHOULD ONLY TAKE ON A PROPERTY THAT IS AFFORDABLE.
What you will need before you move into a property
Deposit - Almost all landlords will ask you for a deposit for a property. This is usually the equivalent of one month's rent. You will be required to pay this before you get the keys to the property. If you cannot afford a deposit of your own you may be able to receive assistance from Erewash Borough Council's Bond Guarantee Scheme. For further information telephone 0845 907 2244 extension 3590.
Rent In Advance - Most landlords like their rent paid in advance and would expect you to provide the first month's rent up-front before you move into the tenancy. You may be able to get assistance from the Department of Work and Pensions; alternatively you could contact Erewash Borough Council's Housing Options Team on 0845 907 2244 extension 3590 for further advice.
Letting Agents Fees - If you rent your property via a letting agent you will have to pay agency fees for their service. This is usually 33% of a month's rent plus VAT on top of the above costs. A letting agent may ask you to pay a holding fee on a property, this should be returned if you do not succeed in getting the property or should be reduced from your up-front costs if you do decide to take it.
Signing for a property
Tenancy Agreement - All new private tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) unless specifically stated in writing by the landlord. ASTs are normally for a fixed term of six months or a year but as long as there are no problems, and the landlord does not want to sell the property, tenancies tend to be renewed on a six-monthly or yearly basis.
Safety
Electrical Appliances - These must be safe and although the law does not require testing, an annual test is recommended. Dangerous appliances leave a landlord open to prosecution and/or compensation from tenants. Appliances must be complete and preferably include the original instructions.
Gas Appliances - All gas appliances must have an annual test and be certificated by a CORGI registered engineer. You must be supplied with a copy of the CORGI safety certificate.
Moving in
Furniture - Most properties are let unfurnished; therefore you need to consider where you will get your furniture. The Salcare project may be able to help and you can contact them on 01773 764562
If you are in receipt of Income Support or Income-Based Job Seekers' Allowance, you may also be able to receive financial assistance from the Social Fund at the Department of Work and Pensions. Please contact your local office to apply.
Registering with utilities companies
You must contact all the companies that provide services to your accommodation to register that you live at the property and the date you moved in. You will probably need to give meter readings from the electric and gas meters unless they are on a key. Your landlord / letting agent should be able to tell you which company it is registered with, alternatively contact SWEB and/or British Gas who should be able to tell you. You must also remember to tell Severn Trent Water so that you can arrange to pay your water and sewerage bills on the property.
Registering with Council Tax
Your landlord should inform Council Tax that you are moving into his/her property, however, it would be in your interest to inform them also. You will then be sent a bill detailing what you owe and how it should be paid. If you have a low income, you may be entitled to assistance from Council Tax Benefit.
Paying rent
You should always remember that you are responsible for the rent, whether you are working and paying the whole rent, paying part of the rent and receiving partial Housing Benefit or getting full Housing Benefit.
Payment of rent will usually be arranged at the tenancy sign up through completion of a standing order/direct debit from your bank account on a monthly/fortnightly/weekly basis. Alternatively, some landlords may prefer to collect the rent from you or arrange for you to bring it round to them.
If you are on a low income you may be entitled to Housing Benefit.
Problems during the tenancy
If you have problems with your landlord/letting agent, for example, them coming round to visit the property without prior notice; trying to get you to move out without proper notice or not carrying out repairs, you can contact Erewash Borough Council's Housing Options Team on 0845 907 2244 extension 3590 who may be able to help you.
Letting Agents
List of Letting Agents (60Kb)