How to find private rented accommodation
Most often, accommodation is found online through websites such as:
You should also check local newspaper adverts and shop notice boards, ask friends and family and search on local social media groups such as Facebook.
We would suggest that you register with as many local letting agencies as possible and keep in weekly contact with them. This is because properties that are advertised on websites such as Rightmove may have already been advertised for a day or so with the agent. On occasion properties can be let without being advertised if the agent knows of a suitable tenant that's registered with them.
Some landlords do not use agents and will advertise the property themselves when they have vacancies.
Landlords and agents should no longer charge you any fees for admin or referencing checks. These fees were banned from 1 June 2019. Be careful about parting with any money before you know there is a genuine offer of accommodation, viewed the property or met with the landlord or agent.
If you are on low wages or benefits your landlord may require a guarantor. If this is likely to be necessary, try to ask a friend or family member in advance, to agree to act as a guarantor.