Finding Private Rented Housing
You can use different resources to find a private rented home including:
- searching property listing websites, such as rightmove
- check local letting agent websites or telephone or visit their officers
- check local social media platforms, as some landlords advertise on local networking forums such as Facebook
- local shops and newspapers, where adverts may be placed
- through friend and family contacts
Most landlords will carry out checks on you before deciding whether to rent a home to you, so think ahead.
Consider how much rent you can afford to pay in rent.
Do not agree to rent a home that you cannot afford.
If you are on a low income, you may receive help to pay your rent through housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit. There are free benefit calculators at:
Benefits Calculator - entitled to - independent | accurate | reliable
A landlord may:
- carry out their own affordability assessment
- complete credit checks on you
- ask for a guarantor
A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you fail to do so. The landlord will want to carry out checks on them. If the guarantor fails to pay your rent the landlord can take them to court.
Referencing; most landlords will want to check your tenancy history before deciding to offer you a tenancy, so may ask for references from previous landlords or other people who know you.
Up front costs; most landlords will ask you to pay rent in advance and a deposit. Do not pay any money without meeting the landlord or agent acting for them, and viewing the property.
More information about private renting and what landlords can and cannot ask for when seeking a tenant can be found at:
Private renting: Your rights and responsibilities - GOV.UK
Where to look for a private rented home - Shelter England
The Renters' Rights Act 2025, which comes into effect in phases from May 2026 is intended to give tenants stronger rights.
