If
you are going to rent
from a private landlord
and think you are eligible
for Housing Benefit you
can ask the Council
to work out how much they
would pay towards your
rent. This is called a
pre-tenancy determination.
It will help you decide
what you can afford when
you are looking for a
place.
The
best places to find this
type of accommodation
are local papers, small
ads in newsagents and
shops, estate agents and
on the internet. Also
ask your friends and family.
First
Of All -
call up and
find out as much as you
can about the place. Some
questions to ask are:
What
is the rent?
Does
the rent include bills?
How
often and how is the
rent paid?
Cost
of Council Tax?
How
much is the deposit?
When
is it available from?
Will
the landlord accept
rent from Housing Benefit?
Will
you need references?
Does
it have the right access
and facilities if you
have a disability?
Can
you keep pets?
How
many people will you
be sharing with?
Is
it furnished?
How
big is the room?
Is
it gas central or electric
heating?
Can
you smoke?
Is
there a washing machine?
The
Next Step -
go
and have a look. Try and
take someone along with
you. You should look for
damp, cracks in walls
or doors, poor locks,
bare wires, leaking plumbing
etc. It is also a good
idea to take a walk around
the area to see if it
feels safe and to see
what the local shops and
facilities are like.
If
You Want It -
the landlord will probably
want you to sign a tenancy
agreement or a lease and
will ask you to pay a
deposit. It is advisable
to get someone like your
local Citizens' Advice Bureau
to look at the lease before
signing or paying anything.
Moving
In -
your
landlord will agree a
moving in date which is
when you will need to
pay the first month's
rent in advance. Make
sure you get a receipt
when you hand over your
money. Before you sign
the lease make sure that
you and the landlord sign
an inventory agreeing
that the house and furniture
are in good condition.
If you don't, you may
get charged for damage
you did not cause.
First
Of All - Arrange an appointment with a Housing Officer at your local Council Housing Department
. You can discuss your available housing options and find out how the Council
and local housing assiciations decide who they give houses to - you may be more likely to get a place from one than another.
Take a worker with you to the meeting if possible.
Apply to all the appropriate housing associations. The more lists you get your name down on, the sooner you are likely to get a place.
If there is a Common Housing Register you only need to make one application to get on all the waiting lists. Ask the Council Housing Department
about this
Application
Forms -
when
you are filling in a form
put down every detail
about your housing situation.
Things like damp and over-crowding
mean you are more in need
of a house and therefore
might get one quicker.
If you have a disability
make sure you state this
on the form.
If you can, ask a support worker or doctor to write a letter that backs up your reasons for needing a house.
Put a copy of this in with each application.
If
you
need
help
with
what
to
put
on
your
application
form,
you
can
talk
to
a
housing,
social
or
youth
worker.
The
Decision -
once
your application is in
it will be assessed and
they will let you know
whether they can offer
you a house or whether
you have been put on the
waiting list. If you don't
hear, call up to find
out what has happened.
If you are put on the
waiting list this could
be for a long time –
it depends on how many
houses are available and
how urgently you need
a house.
Getting
An Offer - you
may get offered a place
quite soon if there are
lots of empty houses in
an area. Go and have a
look at it but remember
that it's your right not
to accept it if it is
in poor condition or in
a bad area. It is really
important to be happy
with it as it could be
your new home
1st
Year - once
you have accepted your
offer ring up the university
or college accommodation
office and ask for information
on your accommodation
options.
You may get a place in
halls which means you
are renting from the university
or college. If there are
no halls or not enough
spaces you will probably
have to find a private
rented flat.
2nd
Year - you
will probably rent with
friends, from a private
landlord. Remember that
students do not have to
pay Council Tax. Some
private landlords can
be difficult about repairs
and returning deposits.
If you have any problems
get advice from your student
housing officer or contact
Shelter's free housing advice helpline
on 0808
800 4444.
Once
you have moved in you
need to set up phone,
electricity and gas accounts.
For gas and electricity
take a meter reading before
you call the company.
If you are in a private
rented or housing association
place you should register
with the Council
for Council Tax.
If you need help with finding a place and moving in ask a youth, social, or support worker.
