A guide to finding accommodation in the borough of Reigate and Banstead

• Local letting agents: Most local letting agents have websites advertising properties with their details and photographs. You can search for properties in specific areas. Some popular letting agents in this borough include the following. 
  • Andrews
  • Choices
  • Gatwick Properties
  • Ralph James
  • James Dean

• Other websites: There are many websites available which advertise properties to rent on a weekly basis, whether you are looking to rent a flat, house or room share. You can search within your preferred area. Some sites include:
  • Rightmove
  • Zoopla
  • Primelocation
  • Friday-Ad
  • Spareroom
  • Roomsforlet

Other

• Newspapers: Properties are also advertised in local newspapers. Newspapers can be viewed for free at your local library, find your local library (or on the internet), such as:
  • Redhill and Reigate Life (www.redhillandreigatelife.co.uk)
  • Surrey Mirror – Published on Thursdays. (www.surreymirror.co.uk)
  • The Croydon Advertiser Group – Published on Fridays. (www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk)
     
• Notice boards at newsagents, supermarkets etc.: Some private landlords tend to put up adverts for properties on shop noticeboards, so keep a look-out.

It can be frustrating but don’t give up

It can be hard trying to find somewhere to rent, particularly in this area because of the high cost of rented accommodation and the increasing number of people also looking for accommodation.

However, it’s important you don’t give up too easily.

• Be persistent with your search
• Get friends and family to keep an eye out for anyone looking for a lodger/roommate

Be proactive by using other methods such social media (e.g. Facebook) to find properties

Remember – Be safe

Advice on tenancy agreements

There are many different types of tenancies and tenancy agreements. The most common type of tenancy used for privately rented accommodation is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. Your prospective landlord may provide you with a written agreement when you decide to rent a property or you may have a verbal agreement between you. Both are legally binding. However, you do have the right to the basic terms and conditions of your tenancy in writing. If you ask for this, the landlord must supply it. You will need this statement if you are applying for Housing Benefit and do not have a tenancy agreement.

This guide gives useful information highlighting what your rights and responsibilities are when looking to privately rent: How to rent, The Checklist for renting in England (gov.uk website).

If you have any queries about your proposed tenancy agreement, seek help from either the Council Housing Team or Citizens Advice.

Further information is available on our website: Private renting webpage.

Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes

• As of 6th April 2007, if you take tenancy from a private landlord, your deposit has to be protected. This means that your landlord has to pay it into one of the three government- authorised tenancy deposit schemes and provide the tenant with information of how the deposit has been protected within 14 days of the tenancy starting.

• This safeguards a tenants’ money and makes it easier to resolve disputes between landlord and tenant.

• The tenant also has the responsibility of looking after the landlord’s property and returning it in the same condition it was let (with fair wear and tear).

For more information, visit the Tenancy deposit protection (gov.co.uk) webpage or alternatively visit your local Citizens Advice or contact Shelter.

Both private landlords and letting agents usually ask for a deposit and rent in advance to secure the property against damages. Generally, the deposit is equivalent to the first month’s rent. If you are facing financial difficulties, there are various ways of getting help.

• Budgeting loan: If you are already receiving benefits, you can get a Budgeting Loan from the Government (Department of Work and Pensions) to help pay for the first month’s rent. To check your eligibility and/or apply for the Budgeting Loan, to visit the website on www.gov.uk/budgeting-loans or call Jobcentre Plus on 0345 603 6967 for any further queries.
• Financial assistance from the Council: The Council may be able to offer you financial assistance to help you secure accommodation. You will need to meet the set criteria to be eligible for help. To find out more, please call on 01737 276 790.
• Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme by NextStep: The Council can refer households at risk of homelessness and may be in priority need (have children, older people, people with low level support needs or other medical problems) to NextStep, a professional housing service delivered by YMCA East Surrey. NextStep run a rent deposit guarantee scheme for those who are looking for privately rented accommodation but are unable to afford the deposit, they can also provide help with finding suitable accommodation. To find out more, call our Housing Advice team on 01737 276 790 to discuss your situation and the possibility of a referral.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA):

• LHA is the current method of working out new claims for Housing Benefit for privately renting tenants. It also affects tenants already getting Housing Benefit who move into accommodation rented from a private landlord.
• LHA is not applicable to you if you live in social housing
• The LHA benefit is based on your income and savings and household size.
• The entitlement of LHA can be affected by other things such as the amount of rent you have to pay and whether someone living with you will contribute to the rent.
• LHA will usually be paid directly into your bank or building society. It will be up to you to pay it to your landlord. Failure to pay your rent could result in you being taken to court and evicted from the property.
• LHA may not cover your full rent; therefore you will have to pay the remaining amount (difference between your rent and the LHA you receive).
• If you are single and aged below 35, you will only be able to receive LHA at the Shared Accommodation Rate. This means that your LHA entitlement will be at a fixed rate calculated by the Housing Benefit department.
• For any further information on the LHA, visit our Benefits webpage.

Council Tax Reduction:

• Those entitled to Council Tax reductions are those on low incomes, whether they are in full time or part time work. It may be paid in addition to other benefits.
• To check whether you will be eligible, use the Benefit entitlement calculator on our website. 

Who is responsible for repairs in my privately rented accommodation?

The tenant is responsible for repairing any damage that they cause, therefore it is sensible and recommended that you carry out an inventory of the property when you move in.

• List the furniture and fittings, if any provided.
• State what condition each room is in (take photos if possible for a more detailed inventory)

This helps avoid disputes with your landlord in the future when you move out and will ensure that you won’t be held responsible for any damage that you have not caused.

For most tenancies, the landlord is responsible for any repairs to the property that they rent out. This includes repairs to the structure, outside the property and essentials such as the heating system and plumbing. The tenant should notify their landlord in writing of any defect and keep a copy of the letter.

If, after you have reported them, your landlord does not carry out essential repairs; contact the Environmental Health team on 01737 276 406, who can:

• Advise the landlord of the legal implications of not carrying out essential repairs. Statutory notices can be served if repairs are required and works may be undertaken if the owner of the property does not comply.
• Prosecute the landlords who do not carry out the works ordered

Emergency Accommodation

• The following hostels may have rooms available on a ‘direct access’ basis. This means that you can contact them yourself on the day that you are homeless and try a book a room for that night.
• If you manage to get a room in a hostel, you may be able to stay there for up to four weeks.
• Support is usually available, including help in finding long-term accommodation, advice on claiming any benefits you may be entitled to and medical assistance.

Remember, you will have to show identification when presenting at a hostel.

• It is useful to be able to provide your National Insurance number if you are not currently working and have not yet put in a claim for Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support.

What about Help to Buy?

Help to Buy is a government initiative providing a ‘one-stop shop’ service to assist eligible families and individuals to help them buy a home when they cannot afford to buy a property on the open market. There are various types of Help to Buy options available, whether it is a shared ownership or an equity loan. For more information, visit the Gov.UK.

Disclaimer

This webpage contains basic information only. Please seek further advice from the Council Housing Team, Citizens Advice or other advice agencies as required. The Council cannot accept any liability or responsibility whatsoever for accommodation let by the agents listed or website mentioned.

(Last updated 26/11/2018)