Accessing Private Rented Accommodation

Helpful information is displayed below for people aiming to access private rented accommodation. This information will complement any information provided by a Housing Advisory Officer at a Housing Options Interview.

There is a good supply of accommodation being provided by private sector landlords. Here are a few key points which you have to remember when you start looking for accommodation in this sector.

 

This will always be an assured shorthold tenancy - sometimes simply called a Shorthold or AST. The tenancy will for a minimum period of 6 months, or a few landlords offer 12 month tenancies. In most cases the tenancies are renewable at the end of the fixed period but in some cases the landlord will make it quite clear that they want the property back at the end of the fixed period. The landlord will offer you a tenancy agreement to sign and once agreed this becomes a binding contract.

 

This must be suitable to your households needs. You will not be helped if the accommodation is too small leading to overcrowding or if it is too large. If you need to claim housing benefit then there are strict rules about the number of bedrooms which you can occupy in relation to the number of children you have. If you are unsure speak to your Housing Advisory Officer who can check these rules.

 

The accommodation should preferably be in the borough of Havant. If you cannot find accommodation locally and decide to move to Portsmouth or another area you need to be aware that housing benefit has to be claimed from the local Council.

 

This must be in a condition suitable for letting. If there is any doubt about the safety of the property you will need to check with The Environmental Health Department at the local Council regarding the condition of the property.  Always ask the landlord to take an inventory at the start of the tenancy. If this is not possible make your own inventory. A Housing Advisory Officer can supply you with a standard inventory form which is easy to use. Having an inventory can help prevent problems at the end of a tenancy if there are any disputes about the condition of the property.

 

Setting up costs

• fees of between of between £50 and £250 to cover credit checks and administrative costs.
• a deposit of one month or six weeks rent £400 –£750
• rent in advance of 4 or 8 weeks rent £400 - £1000
• guarantors: people who will underwrite the rent of you fail to pay
• references:  letters of support from people confirming your good character

• fees                               £150
• damage deposit            £625
• one months rent            £625

 

Information on the Tenancy Deposit Schemes from April 6th 2007

Go to www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit for more information on the new tenancy deposit scheme, and how your deposit will be protected.

 

You need to make sure that the contractual rent which the landlord wishes to charge is at a level which you can afford. If you are paying the rent in full you need to be sure that you are not being over charged and that rents for a comparable property in a similar location are not lower.

 

Housing Benefit

If you think you may need help with paying the rent you may be able to claim housing benefit. For more information on housing benefit and Local Housing Allowance please click on the link below:

 

Houisng and Council Tax Benefit>>

 

You will realise from the key points listed above that in order to be successful in obtaining private rented accommodation you need to make some preparations before you contact landlords. You may need to think about starting to obtain references and guarantors. You will need to open a bank account in order to set up a standing order to pay the rent or housing benefit to your landlord.  Probably most important of all start saving because you will need to pay for start up costs. If you can start saving before you contact landlords, even a small amount set side, might be enough to convince a landlord that you are going to be a safe bet as a responsible tenant.

 

The Supported Tenancy Scheme helps the Council to provide accommodation by working  directly with private landlords.  When the scheme has a vacancy people are put forward for a tenancy. During the tenancy both the landlord and the tenant are offered support to make sure that the tenancy is a success. Please note that eligibility for help through the scheme is restricted to people who have had a Housing Options Interview and persons who would be accepted as a council responsibility under the homeless legislation.

 

When you become a private tenant you will become responsible for looking after the property. Of course the landlord will be responsible for repairs and maintenance but you will be required to keep the accommodation clean and tidy. This will ensure that the landlord does not make a claim on the damage deposit when your tenancy ends. In some cases you will also be responsible for looking after the garden. If you look after the property and pay your rent you are much more likely to maintain a good relationship with the landlord and this will encourage a successful and long term tenancy.

 

If you accept an offer from Hampshire Home Choice or find alternative accommodation  you must serve notice on your tenancy and notify your landlord when you want to leave. The minimum period is usually 28 days notice and this means that you will be liable for rent payments until the end of the period.

 

If you have any questions or would like further advice about renting in the private sector please contact The Housing Service Team.