Many people successfully rent private property in the Borough. However there are a number of issues you should consider before you begin to rent privately -

How much rent will you have to pay?

Rents will vary according to the size of the property and its location. Look in the local newspaper to gain some idea of the rents that are being charged for each property type.

In shared accommodation the rent that you will be asked to pay may include the cost of heating, lighting, water etc. These charges will not be eligible for Housing Benefit (see below). You should therefore make sure that you are happy with any charges and can afford to pay them before you sign a tenancy agreement.

Rents in self-contained accommodation are unlikely to include charges such as Council Tax, water rates, gas and electricity services and you will need to make sure that you can afford to meet these additional charges as well as the rent. The landlord may be able to give you some idea of how much these charges have been in the past. You should also check with the landlord whether any of these services are metered, and if so, what rate is charged for each unit.

Can you get any help with a private sector rent?

Yes. If you have a low income, or are claiming benefits, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit to help with the cost of your rent.

If you have found a property to rent but think you will have trouble meeting the rent contact our Housing Benefit section on 01932 425388 or 01932 425382. The Housing Benefit section will ask you to complete a Pre-Tenancy Determination application form that you and your prospective landlord will need to sign. This will be faxed to the Rent Service to assess the rent to make sure it is reasonable. If the Rent Service feels that the rent is reasonable, and you are on a low income, you may be eligible for Housing Benefit.

If the Rent Service decides that the rent is too high, Housing Benefit will only be calculated on the rent that the Rent Service feels should be charged for the property. So if the rent is £150 per week and, the Rent Service decide that £130 is the correct rent for the property, your benefit will be calculated using a rent of £130. You will then have to meet the extra £20 per week rent yourself in addition to any rental contribution Housing Benefit requires you to make.

If you are on a low income it is very important that you apply for a Pre-Tenancy Determination. Once you have received the Pre-tenancy Determination outcome from the Rent Service, you should ask the Housing Benefit section for an estimate of your benefit entitlement before you sign any tenancy agreement.

Will you be required to give a deposit or pay a fee?

Most landlords will want you to pay a deposit and/or rent in advance for the property. If you ask a Letting Agent to find you accommodation you may also be asked to pay an administrative fee. You will need to find out how much this is going to be before you ask them to start looking for accommodation for you. You may also be asked to pay for references to be obtained from your Bank and/or previous landlord.

Before you move into any accommodation make sure you have taken a full inventory (a detailed list) of the condition of the property and any fittings provided. Arrange for the landlord to sign this and keep a copy in a safe place. If you can, take photographs to record the condition of the property.

A Rent Deposit/Guarantee scheme for single people and childless couples has recently been set up in Runnymede. It is called Rentstart and is operated by a voluntary body. Contact Runnymede Rentstart on 01932 567621 (answerphone and fax 01932 567639) or e-mail at office@rentstart.org to find out if you would be eligible for help under this scheme.

What can you do to make sure the property is safe?

You should have a good look around any property before you accept a tenancy and try to establish if all the services are working. All landlords are required to ensure that gas and electrical services are tested prior to letting a property. You should ask for a certificate from the landlord to confirm they have had these services checked.

How can you reduce the cost of renting a property?

Renting a room in a shared house will often provide a cheap solution for single people. If you have friends who are also in search of accommodation then discuss this possibility with them.