If you are having problems in your present accommodation always seek advice before you leave.  Most tenants are protected by housing law and have tenancy rights.  Housing advisers can negotiate with landlords and tenants when there are problems.  Advisers can deal with a range of issues and we keep a comprehensive range of advice leaflets that we can send out to people to back up the advice given during an interview or on the telephone.

How to find a private rented home

First ask the people you know who are already renting privately, they may know about a property for let and a landlord to contact.

To help people find accommodation, we keep a list of private lettings agents and copies of the local newspaper in the reception area at Lewis House for you to read.  A telephone is available in Lewis House reception to allow free, private telephone calls to find rented accommodation.

Viewing a property

If you want to rent privately it is important that you create a good first impression because it can make the difference between securing accommodation and missing out.

As soon as you find a property that you are interested in, arrange to see it quickly and look carefully at the condition of the property.  Can you see damp or other repair problems?  Make sure the gas, electricity, water and heating are working properly.  It is useful to take someone along with you to get a second opinion.  They may be able to act as a witness at a later date if you have any dispute about what was agreed, or the condition of the property.

Paying for a rented home

If you have the money for the deposit and rent in advance you can secure the property straight away.  Make sure that you always get a signed and dated receipt.  Ask for a written tenancy agreement when you start renting, to ensure that you and the landlord fully understand each others responsibilities and obligations.

Homefinders scheme

People who are at risk of homelessness and who would fall within one of the priority need categories (for example families with children) can be helped through this council scheme to find and move into private rented accommodation.

The Deposit Bond scheme

This is a registered charity administered by South Wansdyke Advice Network, tel: 01761 432445.  Landlords often ask for a cash deposit before they will let a property. Some landlords will accept a bond from SWAN rather than asking for cash deposit. The bond is a guarantee that if there is any damage or rent arrears at the end of the tenancy the landlord will be able to make a claim up to the value of the bond.

All landlords must have a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.  Within 14 days of the Landlord receiving a deposit he must advise the tenant about what scheme has been used.  

Rent in advance

Most landlords will ask for rent in advance which is usually one month’s rent.  If you claim benefits you can apply for a social fund loan from the Department of Work and Pensions.  They will want to see written evidence to confirm how much rent in advance is required.  Make sure you do this before the tenancy starts and you move into the property, otherwise your application could be refused; also the loan scheme is discretionary.  If your loan application is approved you will have to pay this back out of your benefit.  Remember it is always worth trying to negotiate rent advanced payments with landlords, because sometimes they are prepared to accept less money, or allow you to pay this by instalments.

Making a housing benefit claim  

Housing advisers can help people who have low incomes make a claim for Housing Benefit.  Forms can be obtained direct from the Guildhall or through the Housing Advice or Benefit Teams.  Applicants must ensure they provide all the information needed to process the claim.  If they do not, the claim may be cancelled and no benefit paid.

If you are in receipt of a living benefit such as job seekers allowance or income support, you are very likely to qualify for housing benefit.  You may also qualify for housing benefit if you are on a low income. 

If you are unsure if housing benefit will cover the required rent get advice before you accept the tenancy.  If you agree to take up the tenancy, make sure you don’t delay your claim for housing benefit as it cannot be backdated.

This information can be made available in a range of languages, large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats.  Contact the Information Officer on 01225 477983, Minicom 01225 477043 or email information_officer@bathnes.gov.uk