Private Lettings
If you are looking to rent a property, you may want to consider private rented accommodation. Below you will find information about where to look for private rented accommodation in Trafford.
Tenancy deposit scheme
From 6 April 2007 whenever you pay a deposit on a property to a private landlord or letting agent, in England or Wales it must be protected by a government accredited Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This scheme also applies to anyone who has been asked to sign a new tenancy agreement.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has been introduced to protect deposits and will provide a fair system for settling arguments, about the return of a deposit at the end of a tenancy, so that it is not withheld unfairly. If at the end of your tenancy your landlord will not give you your deposit back, you should contact the scheme where you deposit is held and as them for help. Your landlord should tell you within 14 days of you paying your deposit which tenancy deposit scheme it is being held in.
The following three schemes have been given contracts by the government, which landlords and agents have to sign up to are:
- The deposit protection service
- Tenancy deposit protection for landlords and agents
- The tenancy deposit scheme
Accommodation agencies / Lettings agents
Many of the privately rented properties that are available to rent in Trafford are let through lettings agents. If you have the money available and the necessary references, then this is a quick and easy option for you.
Some lettings agencies charge an acceptance fee, so remember to ask if they do have a charge and if so how much. Remember that Letting Agents can not charge you a fee just for being on their books.
Some landlords and Lettings agents do not let property to people who claim Housing Benefit. Trafford’s Housing Options Service actively encourages landlords to so and in combination with the Trafford Rent and Bond Scheme many people are successfully re-housed this way.
Abodes in Trafford also advertise properties to privately rent in Trafford; these are displayed alongside each weeks choice based lettings adverts online.
You can look up lettings agents in local telephone directories such as Thompson Local and Yellow Pages. Also letting agents and landlords place adverts in local papers such as the Manchester Evening News and the Metro.
Useful websites to search for private rented accommodation are:
Notice Boards
It is worth looking at notice boards in shop windows and supermarkets, these tend not to be through letting agencies, you will be able to talk directly to the landlord to arrange a viewing.
Shared accommodation
Notice boards are often used to advertise shared accommodation. This is a good way to get re-housed particularly if you are on your own, do not have you own furniture and white goods and you have a tight budget.
The cost of private rented accommodation
The cost of privately rented accommodation varies greatly from area to area, and for the size and quality of the property that you may wish to rent. You will need to work out exactly how much you can afford to pay in rental, rather than choosing the area and the property first.
How much you can afford is relatively simple if you are working and not dependant on benefits, however if you are on benefits than you should check you entitlement before signing a tenancy agreement.
Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance
If you receive income support or are on a low income you can make a claim for Housing Benefit to help you meet the cost of your rent. Application forms are available by calling 0161 912 2220. It is important to remember that Housing Benefit will only meet the local average rent. You can get further information on eligibility and how to apply by visiting our Advice and Benefits page.
Further information on the Local Housing Allowance rates for Trafford, is also available.
Landlords will normally require one month’s rent in advance and one month’s rent as a deposit. Landlords who are not using agencies may be willing to negotiate this amount. Trafford Housing Trust runs a deposit scheme, this service has been set up to help people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness access the private rented sector in Trafford. If you qualify for the scheme, Trafford Housing Trust will provide a paper bond to your landlord instead of a cash deposit. See further information about the Rent and Bond Scheme, you must be accepted onto the scheme before finding a property.
Tied Accommodation
If you need employment and somewhere to live, it may be worth considering getting a job which comes with accommodation. The catering trade for example is a trade that often provides accommodation in pubs and hotels. Do consider this option carefully because if you lose your job you will also lose your home. Your local job centre will be able to provide you with further information.
References
Many landlords require references, therefore if you have previously rented accommodation you should request a reference form your landlord. If you have not rented before you will need to get a character reference from your employer or a person of good standing in the community who knows you well for example doctor, councillor or teacher.
For further advice and information Housing Options can be contacted using the details provided on this page.
