Renting privately

There are many different types of housing available to rent privately. You might be looking to rent a self-contained flat or house, or just a room.

When you rent privately, you will usually have to pay a deposit, rent and rent in advance. You may be able to get help with these costs.

Finding a place

Information about private rented accommodation is available:

by word of mouth,
in local newspapers and magazines,
in shop windows and notice boards,
through estate agents.

If you find somewhere you might be interested in, arrange to view the property before you agree to anything.

Recommended links:

Costs of renting

If you are satisfied that the property is in good order, find out as much as you can about the costs of the accommodation before you agree to move in. Find out:

the rent,
if the rent includes bills,
if you have to pay rates,
how much the bills cost,
if the bills are shared with other people.

You usually have to pay the deposit and rent in advance, before or at the same time as you sign the tenancy agreement.

Landlords normally ask for one month's rent in advance, although it can be more than this. The deposit is usually equivalent to one month’s rent, so initial costs of renting can add up pretty quickly.

Getting enough money for a deposit is a problem for people trying to rent privately. If you don't have money for a deposit there may be a rent guarantee scheme in your area which can help you. Two such schemes are available through Simon Community and Smartmove .

Recommended links:

Housing benefit and other help

The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.

If you are on benefits or have a low income, you may be able to get housing benefit to help you pay the rent. This will be in the form of local housing allowance if you are starting a new tenancy.

You may be able to get housing benefit or local housing allowance even if you are working, as long as you qualify for assistance. You may also be able to get help from the Social Fund when you are released from prison. For example, you may be able to get a Crisis loan to help with your rent in advance or a Community Care grant to help with buying clothing or furniture for your new home.

Recommended links:

References

Landlords can ask you to provide references to prove that you are reliable and will be able to afford the rent. This usually means providing:

bank details,
a letter from your employer,
or both of the above.

You may also be asked to name a guarantor for the rent. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you do not.

Having a criminal record can sometimes hinder your efforts of finding new accommodation, although landlords should not discriminate against you because of your past. If you feel you’re being discriminated against, seek help with an advice organisation such as Housing Rights Service.

Prisoners also have specific difficulties in accessing private rented accommodation due to lack of opportunities to view the property, meet the landlord and access money for the deposit, if they are still in prison. You may be able to arrange a viewing of a property during your parole or resettlement leave, but keep in mind that you will not be entitled to housing benefit for the new tenancy until your release.