Renting from a private landlord

  • When you pay rent to a private landlord to live in a home they own.
  • A private landlord is a person or a company who owns a house that is independent of a council or a housing association.
  • Only a small number of council or housing association homes become available every year so renting from a private landlord can be one of the best and fastest ways to live in your own home in Islington.
How do I apply?
  • Anyone can rent from a private landlord.
  • You usually have to pay a deposit and pay some rent before you can move into a private home.
  • If you rent your home though a lettings agency you may have to pay them a fee too.
Things to think about
  • Tenancy - when you rent a private home you are a tenant for 6 or 12 months. At the end of the 6 or 12 months your private landlord decides if you can live there for longer.
  • Rent – private rents are usually higher than council or housing association rents. Some rents are higher than Housing Benefit will pay. You usually have to pay a deposit and pay some rent before you can move into a private home. If you rent your home through a lettings agency you may have to pay a fee too.
  • Housing Benefit – if you get benefits, or you have a low income, you can claim Housing Benefit to pay some or all of your rent. The Council’s benefit section can help you claim Housing Benefit.  Some private landlords will not take tenants who are on Housing Benefit. Housing Benefit is changing; you must get up to date information at the time of applying on what housing benefit you may be entitled to.
  • Repairs - a private landlord will usually carry out the repairs. Check this in your contract before signing.
  • Demand – you can rent all types of homes from private landlords. You can choose to rent a home with friends or family.  In some private homes you may share a bathroom or kitchen with other. In other private homes you have your own bathroom and kitchen.
  • Choice – you have much more choice about the part of Islington you live in when you rent a home privately.
  • Support – if you need support to live on your own, talk this over with your Care Coordinator when deciding what kind of home you want.
  • If you are homeless - or at risk of becoming homeless you should go to the Housing Aid Centre where a housing officer will advise you what to do.

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