I am interested in private renting - what do I need to do?
An assessment of your housing needs will be completed by the Prevention and Housing Options Team. This service is available from 8.45 am until 4pm, Mondays to Fridays with the exception of Wednesday morning
You will need to fill in a deposit/bond scheme application form for eligibility to the scheme. The Prevention Officer will be able to advise you of this.
You will also need to have a basic bank account and will be advised to open up a separate rent account where possible. This is because you will have to make direct rental payments to your landlord or letting agent unless it is decided that you are vulnerable by the local authority. Your prevention officer will be able to explain this.
Your application will be referred to the Direct Lets Team who will assess what your housing needs are and the areas available.
Once private rented accommodation has been identified the Direct Lets Officer (DLO) will contact you and arrange a viewing of the property at a mutually convenient time with the landlord or letting agent.
If you have been able to identify private rented accommodation yourself, please contact your prevention officer who will then inform the DLO, who will make the necessary arrangements for the property of your choice to be inspected.
Once a viewing has taken place and you are happy to accept, a council officer will conduct an inspection of the property to make sure that it is in an acceptable letting condition. A valid Gas Safety Certificate will have to be provided by the landlord or letting agent before you are allowed to move into the accommodation.
Once the property is found to be fit for purpose you will be required to sign a tenancy agreement with the landlord or letting agent and to fill in a housing benefit claim form, if you receive help towards your rent.
You will then move into the accommodation.
For further information please contact our Homeless Persons Unit duty line on 0208 583 3842.