How to find a home to rent with a private landlord, why this may be the best option for you, and how we can help.
Renting from a private landlord
Finding a home that you can afford to rent doesn't have to mean finding a council or housing association property. There are many other properties in Bristol which are available to rent from a private landlord.
A private landlord is someone who owns one or more properties that they rent out to tenants.
Why rent with a private landlord
There are many advantages to renting privately:
- There are no waiting lists, so you'll be able to move in quickly
- You can choose where you live in the city, and you can move to a different area if you want
- There are many different types of property available, from one-bedroom or studio flats to houses big enough for large families
- The properties will usually be well decorated and carpeted; this is often not the case with social housing
- The properties often come with a fridge, freezer, cooker and washing machine
- If you're on a low income, you may be entitled to benefits which will cover some or all of your rent
Where to find a property
You can find properties to rent by:
- searching for local letting agencies online
- checking websites, such as:
- checking local newspapers
- speaking to the accommodation offices at UWE or Bristol University, if you're a student
- social media buy and sell local pages
- speaking to friends and family
View the property
Once you find a suitable property, you'll need to go and have a look at it.
It's a good idea to take a list of things to check so you don't forget about anything when you're there.
We can help
We can help you find a home with a private landlord if you're homeless or threatened with homelessness.
We can:
- give you advice on how to look for a property
- talk to a potential landlord on your behalf
- help you prepare for your appointment with the landlord to give you a better chance of getting a property
- help you find furniture
In some cases, we can:
- offer financial help with our deposit bond scheme, an interest free loan with repayment terms of up to five years
- help with rent in advance and deposit
- help to buy furniture essentials
What you can do now
If you'd like more advice, email private.renting@bristol.gov.uk
If you want to be considered for financial help you'll need to be referred by a Housing Advisor. They will check to see if you qualify for the deposit bond scheme.
Homes to rent for older and vulnerable people
There are a number of housing options available to you if you're an older or vulnerable person.
These include supported and extra care housing.