If you are single and on benefit or low income, then your options may be limited. Due to the current housing shortage, there has been a severe decline in the availability of privately rented accommodation for people on benefit or low income. As there is less privately rented accommodation, it has become increasingly expensive.
Rents are high and large deposits sometimes prevent people on benefit and low income accessing this type of accommodation. However, it is usually regarded as the only option for most single people.
Finding somewhere to rent takes time, so don't expect to find something straight away. Try to plan ahead before you need to move. If you have no accommodation, try to see if you can stay with friends or family for a while to give yourself time to find accommodation. It is also important not to set your sights too high. It is easier and cheaper to find shared accommodation than a self-contained flat.
Private Rented Accommodation
Private rented accommodation is owned or leased by private landlords and rented out for profit. The rents are more expensive than Housing Association or Council accommodation. Properties to rent range from single rooms to houses and vary considerably in quality and cost. Rents vary depending on the size and location of the property.
In general, privately rented accommodation in Cambridge is not cheap and you will usually be asked to pay a deposit and/or rent in advance before you move in.
Deposits & 'Rent in Advance'
A deposit is a sum of money paid by the tenant to the landlord as a guarantee against rent arrears or damage to the property or its contents. Landlords will usually ask for a deposit equal to four weeks rent. If you pay a deposit, it is important to get a receipt for it and to keep this safe should there be any dispute about it at a later date.
It is also important to get an inventory when you move into the property detailing the condition and contents of the property. Both you and your landlord need to agree and sign this. This should safeguard you against being held responsible for any damage to the property that may have been there before you moved in. If you are still concerned about this, it may be a good idea to take photos of the condition of the property before you move in.
If at the end of the tenancy there are no rent arrears or damage, your landlord should return the deposit to you. Your landlord cannot withhold your deposit for anything considered to be normal wear and tear to the property. If your landlord refuses to return your deposit, contact the Housing Advice Section immediately on 01223 457978.
In addition to the deposit, your landlord may ask for a month's rent in advance to secure the accommodation. It can be difficult to find this money especially if you are on benefit or a low income. It may be worth trying to negotiate with the landlord to see if they would be willing to accept a smaller amount, or if you can pay this amount, or the deposit, on a weekly basis in addition to your rent.
Paying Your Rent
When looking for a property to rent you need to consider what you can afford to pay in rent, bearing in mind that you will need to budget for household bills, including gas, electricity, Council Tax, food and toiletries.
When renting shared accommodation always check with the landlord to see if the rent covers bills.
If you are claiming income support or job seekers allowance or are on a low income you will be able to claim housing benefit, but you need to be aware that there are limits to how much housing benefit you will receive. Housing benefit will not meet the full cost of your rent if you are paying 'above average' rent for the accommodation. The 'average' level is set by the Rent Officer for the area.
If you are single and under 25, housing benefit will only pay up to the rent level equal to the cost of a single room.
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.
If you are unsure how much of your rent housing benefit will pay, you can complete a 'Pre-tenancy Determination Form' which is available from the housing benefit reception at Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge. This will enable you to find out whether the rent you will be charges is above average or not.
Tenancy Agreements
The tenancy agreement is a written contract, which sets out everything that you and the landlord have agreed. It is a legally binding document, which gives both you and the landlord certain rights and responsibilities.
It should state the length of the tenancy, how much the rent is and when it is payable, if there are any other charges, the date on which the tenancy starts and is due to finish, regulations and the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. The landlord must give their name and address and a 24-hour contact number. The tenancy agreement should be signed by both the tenant and landlord. If the landlord does not give you a tenancy agreement, then you should request one as it is your legal right to have a tenancy agreement.