There are many different types of accommodation for rent in the borough and when choosing accommodation it is essential to consider what you need, rather than what you want. The things you need to consider are:
- the number of bedrooms you will need;
- if you require furnished or unfurnished accommodation;
- if you are allowed pets;
- if the accommodation is suitable if you have special needs, or require adaptations; and
- affordability.
LACROS (The Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) provides a ten point guide for people who are thinking about renting from a private landlord (PDF 250Kb)
There are many places to look for private rental accommodation:
Letting agents
Many landlords advertise and manage their properties through letting agents. They usually charge one full month's rent in advance and a deposit as part of the agreement to begin a tenancy. Agents may charge a fee for their services and may require you to agree to them carrying out a credit check, for which they may also charge. A list of letting agents in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill can be found in Factsheet 2 (PDF 35Kb) but this list is not exhaustive.
Internet
There are many useful websites that advertise properties. Within these search engines you can search for a property by using the area or postcode of where you would like to find accommodation. Below are just some links to websites that advertise:
Local newspapers/newsagents/supermarket notice boards
Most newspapers have a room to rent section. For this area the Bury Free Press is released every Friday and the Haverhill Echo is released every Thursday. It is advisable to contact the landlord instantly if you find any properties that meet your housing need. If possible, try to arrange a viewing for as soon as possible, and when you meet with the landlord check that they accept housing benefit, that they allow children and pets (if necessary).
Other places to look include your local newsagents or supermarket notice board. Quite often properties are advertised here. Also talk to your family, friends and work colleagues as they may know of somewhere to privately rent.
Local Housing Allowance
If you are entitled to housing benefit to assist the rent payments, you should make sure that the rent is affordable by checking the Local Housing Allowance rates for the area and property size. If there is a difference between what housing benefit will pay and the actual rent, then it will be your responsibility to pay the difference out of your own income. For current LHA rates please go to the LHA direct website. Further information about Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance can be found on this website: Housing and Council Tax Benefit Service.
What are the initial costs of privately renting?
Most private landlords require a deposit, rent in advance and also a fee to carry out a credit check. Further information can be found in Factsheet 4 (PDF 45Kb), what are the initial costs of privately renting. It is very important that you have the money for a deposit/rent in advance before you sign any tenancy agreement.
What is the Damage Deposit Scheme?
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you may be able to apply for a deposit through the Damage Deposit scheme. This is a scheme run by St Edmundsbury Borough Council where there is an agreement between the council and the landlord that the costs would be covered if any damage occurred at the property. Further information can be found in Factsheet 5 (PDF 41Kb), Damage Deposit Scheme.
What to do when you think you have found a property
If you think you have a property that is suitable for your needs, do not sign any forms to say you will accept the property until you have been to view it. This will give you the opportunity to work out whether you are able to afford the property and if it really is what you are looking for.
Who to inform about your move
When moving to a new property there are a number of people you need to advise that you have a new address. A list of people you may need to advise can be found in Factsheet 6 (PDF 42Kb), however this list is not exhaustive.
Information for Tenants and Landlords
Further information for tenants and landlords on Assured & Assured Shorthold Tenancies can be found in the following booklets published by the Communities & Local Government:
Further information for landlords can be found at the following websites:
