Why rent privately?
- You choose the area in which you would like to live.
- You choose the type of property you live in.
- You are more likely to get a ground floor property.
Letting agents
There are a number of lettings agents in Havering and you can find their details online.
You will have to pay agency fees if you decided to go through an agent. Alternatively you can look in local advert boards, such as in supermarkets.
Many landlords advertise in local newspapers and publications.
The following websites advertise properties for rent from leading UK estate agents and letting agents.
What help can I get?
Although Private renting can be affordable you may need some assistance paying your rent.
You may be entitled to housing benefit whether you're renting from a private landlord.
You do not have to be in receipt of other benefits to get housing benefit, and you do not have to be out of work. If you're on a low income, you may be able to get help with paying your rent.
If you're renting privately, your housing benefit will probably be paid based on the local housing allowance rate.
You can find out more about the Local Housing Allowance rate and how to apply for housing benefit on our website.
When you have found somewhere to live in the private rented sector, you are likely to be asked to pay a deposit or rent in advance.
If you do not have any money available, you may be able to apply to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for a budgeting loan to cover four weeks' rent only.
You will not be able to get help with any deposit.
A budgeting loan can be considered if you have been in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance for a period of at least 26 weeks.
This type of loan is offered at the discretion of the DWP.
For further enquiries concerning this, you will need to contact the Job Centre or the DWP.
If you are unable to get this type of help, you may have to consider asking for financial help from your family or friends.
Alternatively you may qualify for Havering Council rent deposit bond scheme. the scheme provides a Bond to a landlord which is redeemed at the end of the tenancy if there is any damage or rent arrears.
If you are threaten with homelessness and have a statutory priority need, (this would have been assessed in the questionnaire and if you do it would have been indicated in the homeless prevention summary page) you may qualify for this scheme.
Some agents and landlords are happy to accept a guarantor where you may have problems paying the deposit or have a poor credit rating.
If you are single renting a room in shared accommodation will be cheaper than renting a flat.
If you do not have any money you may have to consider sharing accommodation until you have managed to save enough money to move into self-contained accommodation.
You can also check if your landlord has any recent fines or convictions related to renting out properties.
For more information visit the london.gov.uk pages on rogue landlords.