Private accommodation

If you want to rent a room, flat or house privately, check the property carefully and make sure you understand the agreement before you pay any money.

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Where to look

You can look for private accommodation on websites such as Rightmove , SpareRoom  and OpenRent . You can also ask local letting agents.

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Before you pay

Read the advert carefully so you know if you are renting through a letting agent or directly from a landlord.

A holding deposit is used to reserve a property. In England, it cannot usually be more than one week’s rent. A tenancy deposit is usually taken before you move in. In most cases, it cannot be more than five weeks’ rent. For most tenancies, the deposit should also be protected in a government-approved deposit scheme.

Ask for a receipt and written details of any money you pay.

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Be careful of scams

Do not pay money before you have seen the property, unless you are sure the advert and the landlord or agent are genuine. Be careful if the price seems unusually low or if you are asked to pay very quickly.

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Renting a room

If you rent a room in someone’s home and share a kitchen, bathroom or living room with the landlord, you are usually a lodger. Lodgers often have fewer rights than tenants, so it is important to check the agreement carefully before you move in.

Make sure you understand:

• the rent
• what is included
• how and when you must pay
• how much notice you must give if you want to leave

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Quick checklist before you agree to rent

Check the property in daylight if possible, and do not go alone. Take a friend with you.

Make sure you check:

• the rent and what is included
• how the rent is paid and to whom
• the deposit and what it covers
• the condition of the room and furniture
• heating, hot water, electricity, cooker and fridge
• locks and smoke alarms
• internet access
• storage space
• travel time to school
• whether there is an inventory, or whether you can take photos before moving in

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Before you sign

Read the agreement carefully before you sign it. The government’s How to Rent guide explains what to check when renting a home in England.

Keep proof of payments, receipts and messages.

Do not sign a contract for another person.

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Moving in

When you move in, it is a good idea to:

• keep copies of your agreement and receipts
• take photos of the room and furniture
• check the inventory carefully
• record meter readings if you need to pay gas, electricity or water bills
• make sure you have the landlord’s or agent’s contact details for emergencies

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Bills and Council Tax

Check if bills are included in the rent. Bills may include gas, electricity, water and internet.

If you live in private accommodation in Southampton, you usually still need to register for Council Tax, even if you may then qualify for a student discount or exemption. Households where every adult is a full-time student do not usually have to pay Council Tax. You can check this on the Southampton City Council website.

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TV Licence

You need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel or streaming service, or if you use BBC iPlayer on any device. You do not need a TV Licence if you only watch on-demand programmes on services such as Netflix, YouTube or ITVX, and do not use BBC iPlayer. You can check the rules on the TV Licensing website .

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Insurance

The landlord’s insurance usually does not cover your personal belongings. If you have valuable items, you may want to get your own contents insurance.

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Repairs

If something needs repairing, tell the landlord or agent as soon as possible and keep a written record.

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Important contacts

Keep your landlord’s or letting agent’s phone number for emergencies.

• Emergency: call 999
• Non-emergency police: call 101
• Gas emergency: if you smell gas or think there is a gas leak, call 0800 111 999 (24 hours, free) or check the National Gas emergency contacts page.

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Summary – Useful websites

You can search for accommodation on Rightmove , SpareRoom  and OpenRent

For advice about renting, read the How to Rent guide and the Citizens Advice housing pages. For Council Tax information in Southampton, check the Southampton City Council website. For TV Licence rules, check the TV Licensing websitee.