Private rented sector
The private rented sector provides an alternative option to council and housing association properties which are currently currently in high demand.
While rents in Lambeth and across London tend to be quite high, the private sector allows you to choose from a range of accommodation types and locations. The private sector also allows you to search beyond London for cheaper accommodation that still remains within travelling distance to the capital.
Tips for finding accommodation in the private sector
Below are a few suggestions to help you look for somewhere to live in the private rental sector:
Lettings first
Lambeth Housing set up Lettings First to provide a link between social and private housing. The aims of the Lettings First Agency is to provide a service to customers who wish to rent or let property in the private rented sector.
Newspapers
All the London newspapers and many national ones carry adverts for property to let. The Evening Standard is the best known, but because it has a large readership there is a lot of competition. It is a good idea to buy the early edition of the paper, which appears at about 11.30am, as most of the flats will have been taken by the time the evening edition comes out.
Local papers
These are usually published weekly on a Thursday or Friday and might be more useful than national newspapers because they have fewer readers and have property to let in a smaller, more localised area.
Loot newspaper
Loot is a free ads paper that is published daily and has a large property rental section.
Time Out Daltons Weekly
Time Out and Daltons Weekly are published each week on a Thursday and carry adverts for property to let. These are stocked at most newsagents and an online version is also available.
Notice-boards and shop windows
Cards placed in newsagents’ windows advertise flats or rooms at the cheaper end of the market. You should go round the area you are interested in as regularly as you can to check if new ads have been put up.
Students’ union or college
If you are a student, your college or university may be able to help you find somewhere to stay. You should contact your students' union or college for more details.
Word of mouth
Friends, family and workmates often tend to be a good source for finding out about accommodation. As such, it’s a good idea to let as many people as possible know that you are looking for somewhere to live.
Accommodation (letting) agencies
Accommodation agencies let and manage rooms, flats and houses on behalf of private landlords. Most agencies advertise in the local press, Yellow Pages and the Thomson Local Directory. It is advisable to visit a number of different agencies to increase your chances of finding accommodation. Agencies can sometimes be expensive, as they often charge fees, and will expect rent in advance and a security deposit.
Search for property on the Internet
The internet is a useful tool for finding property. There are many easy-to-use commercial and local lettings websites with information on properties to let. Below are some useful websites that might be able to assist you in finding a private rental property in London.
Find a Property
Loot
Net Lettings
The Gumtree
Really Moving
Internet Access
There are many places in Lambeth where you can get free or cheap access to the internet, including libraries, advice centres and internet cafes.
Connexions is an information, advice and guidance service for 13-19 year-olds, with free access to the internet. To find out where your nearest Connexions service is visit their website or call them on 020 7938 8080.
Uk Online aims to enable everyone in the UK who wants it, to have access to the internet and e-mail near to where they live. To find out where your nearest centre is visit their website or call 0800 77 1234.
There are also a growing number of internet cafes in and around Lambeth where you can access the internet for a small charge. To find an internet cafe close to you check your Yellow Pages or Thompson Local directory.
Other useful resources
A listing of local lettings agents in Lambeth can be found on the Locallife Lambeth website.
The hbaccepted website provides a list of landlords and agents across the UK who accept tenants on housing benefit.
You can also find agent listings in local newspapers, the Yellow Pages and the Thompson Local directory.