Looking for private rented housing

In North Somerset there are many more people on waiting lists for social housing than there are properties available. This means that most people who are looking to rent a home will need to find one through a private landlord. 

You can find a helpful guide to renting on the GOV.UK website. It contains lots of advice and checklists to help you get started.

Most landlords use lettings agents. This is the first place to look for a property to rent. Make your search area as wide as possible and be prepared to make compromises. Affordable housing is in short supply and there are many people applying for every property.  

As well as online, look in the local papers and on social media. There are groups set up for people who are looking for properties, but be wary of scams. Never pay any money before you have viewed, met the landlord and agreed on the terms of a tenancy. 

Help with your rent

If you are on a low income or not working you may get help to pay your rent through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

Landlords' and lettings agents’ main concern is finding a good tenant – someone who is reliable, will keep the property in good condition and most importantly, maintain rent payments.

• visit letting agents in person – if you can, pop in and introduce yourself
• ring round landlords and letting agents at least twice a week – it will usually take more than a couple of phone calls before you’re successful. 
• be polite and relaxed when you call or visit a landlord or letting agent
• contact more than one lettings agency – keep track of the agencies that serve the areas you want to live in and check local newspapers and websites
• don't open the conversation with “do you accept housing benefits?” – you are much more than your benefits claim. Try, “Please can you help me, I’m looking for…” and go on to explain what you are looking for, why you are looking for a property and talk about any successful tenancies you have previously had
• references – if you have a previous landlord reference, or something to show you’re a good tenant, make copies and give them to landlords and letting agents
• present yourself well – be prepared to tell them a little about yourself. There is usually high demand for private rented accommodation, so the better you can present yourself, the more likely it is that you will be successful
• set your search areas as wide as possible to have a better chance of success – consider areas further away from your ideal location, but with good transport links
• view the property – once you find a suitable property, you’ll need to go and have a look at it. Be on time, be friendly and polite. Show a keen interest in the property. It’s a good idea to take a list of things to check and questions to ask, so you don’t forget about anything when you’re there. Don’t sign anything without viewing the property
• don’t be afraid to ask the landlord or agent questions – if they’re reluctant to provide you with answers then this should make you question if they’re the type of person you want to rent from
• if you are on a low income, receive benefits or have a poor credit score, you may need a guarantor