Finding your new home

As the demand for social housing is very high, privately renting may be the quickest route to finding a home. 

Watch the following video on the Taylor family’s journey to finding a new home.

By choosing to rent privately, you will have more control over factors that are important to you such as:  

  • location
  • schools
  • local amenities
  • access to services
  • proximity to family and friends 

Many also choose to rent privately to: 

  • avoid the long waiting times for council or housing association properties
  • have a choice on how much rent you will have to pay
  • have a choice about whether your accommodation will be self-contained or shared
  • have a choice about the type of property you live in (does it have a garden, an apartment or house)
  • avoid having to move into share temporary accommodation for an uncertain period
  • avoid having to move multiple times
  • avoid furniture storage costs
  • make it is easier to end a tenancy when they decide to move  

Where to find a place to rent

You can find places to rent privately: 

  • by asking friends and family
  • via your local estate agents and letting agents - Most landlords advertise their homes through letting agents and will usually charge a full month’s rent in advance and a deposit. The agent may also charge a fee.
  • via your local supermarket noticeboard
  • at a newsagents - They usually have a rental section in their windows and it is a good idea make contact with the landlord quickly if you find a property you like.
  • in newspapers
  • on the following property websites:

You will need to think about whether you want your own place or to share with others, as renting from a landlord or letting agent will depend on your budget as well as what services and location you may want.  

Living in London is becoming more expensive. To find out where you could afford to live use the London Rents Map or the House Price Calculator. 

The Local Housing Allowance tool helps you check how much benefit will cover local housing costs.   

If you have found a property that’s right for you but are having difficulties finding the upfront costs for the deposit, you may be able to apply for financial help. 

Watch the following video to learn about your rights and responsibilities when renting privately.

 

Where to get financial assistance

Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and the Local Housing Allowance  

If you rent privately and are on a low income, you may be able to claim Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit to help pay your rent. To make sure you can afford the property first, see the Local Housing Allowance for your area.   

Get an advance on your benefits

You can ask for an advance payment of benefits if there is a delay in processing your benefit claim which isn't your fault, or you are waiting for an increase in your benefit payments due to a change in your circumstances. Contact the Jobcentre Plus.  

You may want to apply for an advance on your Universal Credit payment if you are waiting for payments to start or increase, or have reported a change in circumstances that will increase your Universal Credit payment. You can do this through your Universal Credit account or by calling 0800 328 5644. 

You can also apply for an interest-free Budget Loan from your Jobcentre Plus office if you have been claiming certain benefits for at least 6 months. It must be for essential items - e.g. rent in advance, moving costs, furniture.  

Discretionary Housing Payment 

The Discretionary Housing Payment is an extra payment to help people struggling to pay rent or a tenancy deposit for a new home. To be eligible, you must already be receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit for where you live now.

 Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) 

Lightening Reach 

If you're struggling financially and need help with money, you may be eligible to apply for support such as grants, benefits, help with bills and local schemes. 

To get your personalised list of support options, sign up to the Lightening Reach portal.  

Credit unions  

Credit unions offer a range of loans, savings accounts, and money management services. If you need to borrow money for a short period of time, contact the your local credit union, London Plus Credit Union.   

Help from family or friends   

You may consider asking for financial help from family or friends. They could be in a position to help with a deposit or your first months rent, until you can pay them back.   

Help from the council

If you are homeless or if you are at risk of homelessness, our Housing Advice Team may be able to offer financial assistance to secure a private rented home that is: 

  • right for you
  • affordable
  • in the area you choose  

This is a quickest way to solve your housing problem.

We will also:  

  • check you can afford the property
  • help you to put in a claim for Housing Benefit
  • advise you through the letting process
  • offer you tenancy support for the first 6 months of your tenancy   

Useful websites

For further information on private rented accommodation, please visit:

Still need support?

Our Housing Advice Service may be able to help you.

If you are homeless or due to be homeless in the next 56 days, the council may have a legal duty to prevent or relieve your homelessness.

Please contact the Housing Advice Service.