Tips for finding accommodation in the private sector
The Private Sector is the most realistic option for most people trying to find a place to live in London.
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. Rents tend to be cheaper in Outer London areas then in inner London.
The private sector also allows you to search beyond London for cheaper accommodation that still remains within travelling distance to the capital.
Where to find accommodation in the private sector
Below are a few suggestions to help you look for somewhere to live in the private rental sector.
Lettings agencies
Letting agencies let rooms, flats and houses for private landlords. Most agencies advertise properties in their window, on the internet, and in local newspapers.
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.
Internet
Not all landlords use letting agencies, and many landlords advertise properties themselves on the internet and in local newspapers. These are some of the best places to look for properties advertised by agencies and landlords.
There are many websites carrying adverts for properties to rent, most of which allow you to search by area and rent level. Examples include:
London 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 noon, as most of the flats will have been taken by the time the evening edition comes out.
There are also many free newspapers in London, such as London Lite and Metro which have property sections.
Local newspapers
These are usually published weekly on a Thursday or Friday and can be more useful than national or Londonwide newspapers because they have fewer readers and have property to let in a smaller, more localised area.
The South London Press is the most widely circulated local paper in Lambeth.
Specialist publications
Time Out and Daltons Weekly are published each week on a Thursday and carry adverts for property to let. Most newsagents sell them. Loot is published daily and has a large property rental section.
Notice-boards and shop windows
Cards placed in newsagents' windows advertise flats or rooms with lower rates. 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 notice boards and websites are also very good places to find flat and house shares
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.
Live-in or tied accommodation
Some jobs provide accommodation for workers, also called ‘live-in’ or ‘tied’ accommodation.
The cost of accommodation that comes with a job varies widely. Some employers will simply quote you a wage from which they have already deducted your rent.
For instance, you may earn a reduced wage but with accommodation provided free. Alternatively, you may pay the rent separately or it can be deducted from your wage.
Internet Access
Lambeth has nine libraries spread across the borough that provide free internet access.
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.
Other useful resources
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.