When you have found the right home, you need to make sure you will be able to afford the rent before you sign anything.
Most private tenants will also need to pay a deposit up front.
If you are on a low income you might be entitled to claim Housing Benefit, or the housing element of Universal Credit, to help towards the cost of your rent.
The amount you are entitled to will often be restricted to a lower level than your actual rent. It may also be restricted if you are renting a larger property than you need.
Before accepting a private tenancy you can check how much help you could be entitled to by asking for a pre-tenancy determination. A pre-tenancy determination is an assessment of the maximum amount of rent that will be used to work out what you can claim and will decide if:
- the rent is reasonable, compared to other properties locally
- the property is the right size for the occupants
If you are under 35 and single with no partner or children living with you, any help you can claim will be restricted to the amount of rent generally paid locally for a single room with shared living room, kitchen, bathroom and toilet (such as a room in a shared house). This restricted rent level for those under 35 is called the Single Room Rent.
Find out more about getting help to pay your rent and Council Tax.