Finding a home to rent in the UK

 

Finding a home to rent

Assuming you know where you want to live the simplest approach is to find a local estate agent, a useful site to help in your search is email4property, here you will be able to search by town across the UK to find the most appropriate agency. Once you have found the agent or agencies you will then be presented with the properties that they have "on their books".   You may not find any suitable properties however almost all agents will put you on their mailing list if you request this.  

Another place to search is the local press, almost all towns have local newspapers with local ads from private landlords.   There is another useful site that will help to identify local news papers (many now publish on the web), ukwebstart. com/listregional.html .   In addition to the local newspapers there are some large regional advertisement papers such as Loot which covers London, Manchester, Liverpool and surrounding areas.

Finally you can search on the web - as you may already have done.  Here you will be presented with many sites providing lists of properties to let.  Once useful site that has just launched is www.Simple2rent.co.uk ,a FREE to use website for everyone.   This site allows tenants to save their search settings and receive a notification when a new property is advertised matching their requirements.  For private landlords and letting agents there are no fees to advertise multiple properties, all with images.  

Which ever route you take to finding a property you should also take a few precautions.   Firstly, it would be advisable for single ladies not to view properties on their own, treat it as if you were meeting a stranger, and consider sensible precautions.  If you do find a property through the "non Estate Agent route" it would be advisable to inquire as to whether the landlord would consider using a managing agent - this may help should you run into difficulties at a later stage in the tenancy.

When it comes to reviewing a contract there are some more useful points for consideration:

1. Usually there will be an inventory list that includes not just the contents, but also the condition of both property and contents.   You should check this carefully and request that any anomalies are clearly identified to help reduce mis-understandings (to your disadvantage)   when your tenancy comes to an end.

2. When you receive the contract make sure you read it through thoroughly and if you have any doubts seek professional advice from a third party.

3. Enquire as to how the deposit will be held, the most appropriate (for tenant) is for this to be held by a third party, such as an estate agent, who can then act impartially should there be any disputes at the end of the tenancy.

Below is a recent update from ODPM on Private Renting

About one in 10 households in England rent their accommodation from a private landlord. The size of the private rented sector is relatively small compared to some other European countries, accounting for about HMO million households. Private renting has advantages over owner-occupation for many people due to its flexibility and speed of access. It is a particularly important resource for younger households and for the jobs market.

This section explains government policy for securing a larger, better-quality, better-managed private rented sector. It sets out the different types of private tenancy arrangements and includes a series of useful booklets for tenants and landlords.

  • Most private tenancies agreed will be assured or assured shorthold tenancies under the provisions in the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Housing Act 1996). This section covers these and other common tenancy arrangements, rights and responsibilities.
  • On 6 April 2006 mandatory HMO licensing came into force across England. Landlords whose property is classed as a HMO should read on to find out what they need to do to prepare.
  • The Housing Act 2004 provides powers for local authorities to selectively licence privately rented properties in designated areas suffering from low housing demand and/or significant and persistent anti-social behaviour.
  • The Housing Act 2004 introduces provisions to ensure tenancy deposit protection for assured shorthold tenancies.
  • A set of standards (or code) relating to the management or physical condition of privately rented accommodation. Landlords who join a scheme and abide by the standards are 'accredited'. Although voluntary there may be many advantages to those who join.

Useful resources:

Find a flat to rent in London  on simple2rent, UK's free service property rental website.