21 November 2008


Renting from a Private Landlord

Private Landlords
Private landlords are individuals or companies who rent out property (flats, houses, bedsits etc) at market rent levels, either for a fixed period (e.g. six months) or month by month. In this District, the average private rent levels range from £550 per month for a 1 bedroom property up to £1500 (or more) per month for a 4/5 bedroom property.

How do I find private rented accommodation?
Private landlords advertise property to let in local newspapers, newsagents or through local estate agents.

What do I do when I have found somewhere to rent?
Once you have found a suitable property, the private landlord will normally require you to pay a deposit of one month’s rent in advance (if an estate agent is involved, you may also be required to pay an administration fee). The landlord may also ask you to provide references.

You will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement (usually an Assured Shorthold Tenancy) which will set out the terms and conditions of the tenancy. This is the formal written legal agreement between you and your landlord. You must make sure that this agreement is in place before taking on the tenancy.

Communities and Local Government (CLG) has produced a booklet called "Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies", A Guide for Tenants". This contains a lot of useful information on how tenancies work.

Can I get help with paying the Deposit?
Yes possibly. The council operates a Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme whereby, instead of the tenant paying a deposit to the landlord, the Council offers the landlord a Deposit Guarantee Bond, usually an amount equivalent to one month's rent. This guarantee will cover loss or damage to the property over and above  fair wear and tear (unless caused by a third party) The Council will recover the costs from the tenant where necessary and appropriate.

The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme is intended to help people who are in housing need and on a low income who are unable to secure privately rented accommodation without assistance. It is targeted at people on the Council's Housing Register and key workers who have been referred by Paradigm Housing Group who operate the Housing Advice, Register and Homelessness service for South Bucks.

Can I get help with paying the rent?
Yes, possibly. Households on a low income may be entitled to Housing Benefit to help with rent payments. Housing Benefit applications are dealt with by the Council and you can find out more by clicking here.

Please note that some private landlords may choose not to let properties to persons receiving Housing Benefit.

Are there any minimum standards that a private landlord must meet?
Yes, for example relating to gas safety or the condition of the property. The section Private Sector Housing Standards contains further information and what to do if you think your private rented home does not meet these standards.

If you are renting a bedsit or a room in a house with a shared a bathroom and kitchen, there are additional standards which relate to fire safety. See the section on Houses In Multiple Occupation (HMO) for more information.