Private renting: is it right for me?

Most people rent from a private landlord at some time in their life. A private landlord is a person or company that owns a property and rents all or part of it out - usually to make a profit.

It can be a good option for people who are not yet sure where they want to live permanently or not yet ready to put down roots. Many flats in the private rented sector are let furnished. This saves you from having to buy lots of furniture and take it with you when you move.

Private landlords usually let their flats on an assured shorthold tenancy. As long as you pay the rent and meet your other tenancy obligations, you can stay for at least six months. After that time the landlord can ask you to leave at any time as long as he gives you at least two months notice.

Renting a flat on your own can be very expensive, particularly in London. Most people on a low income or who might need to claim housing benefit will be unable to rent on their own in central London. There are some ways to bring the costs of private renting down, though.

• As a general rule, rents get lower the further away from central London you go. The rent for a one bedroom flat is likely to be around £250 a week in Camden, whereas you should be able to get one for £120 a week in Newham. The local Housing Advice Centre can give you an idea of what you might need to pay for a private flat. In London they can be found by clicking on www.homelesslondon.org.uk. Otherwise try the council's website which can be found by clicking on www.oultwood.com/localgov/uk.
• Flatsharing is a good way to bring the costs down. You will be sharing the rent and bills with other people and it tends to get cheaper the more people you share with. You might be able to bring your rent down to around £70 or £80 a week in a flatshare in London. To find out more about this option click on Flat sharing.
• Private landlords usually want rent to be paid a month in advance. On top of this they usually want a deposit of another month's rent. This means that you will need the equivalent of two months rent at the start of renting a flat. In some areas there are agencies that can help you with getting the first month's rent and deposit together. Click on Rent deposits to find out more.

Some landlords aren't keen to rent to people on Housing Benefit. This is particularly the case in Central London. Your local Housing Advice Centre may have a list of landlords willing to let to people on Housing Benefit.

If you are under 25 and on housing benefit, you will only be able to claim benefit for the cost of a single room in a flatshare. For more information on housing benefit click on Help with your housing costs.

For advice on how to find a flat or flatshare in the private rented sector click on Finding a place.

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Click on these links to reach different parts of the website:
Private renting - Council or housing association - Buying your own home
Hostels - Jobs with accommodation - Moving out of London
What's right for me? - Help - Contacts & info - Go back to the start