Renting privately

Finding accommodation

There are various types of private rented accommodation available in Northampton. This will include self contained houses or flats, or parts of  houses or flats shared with other people or the landlord.

If you are looking to rent privately in your local area there are a number of ways you can find out what is available:

  • look in local papers or online
  • look in shop windows
  • visit accommodation agencies and estate agents
  • through personal contacts or word of mouth

When you are looking for a suitable property there are a number of things to bear in mind:

Availability

If you have the means to pay there is wide variety of property available to rent in Northampton.

Quality

There is some good quality housing but at the cheaper end of the market the accommodation may be in less good condition and poorer quality. 

Cost

Private rented accommodation may be more expensive than other rented housing and landlords can charge whatever they think the market will support.  If you are out of work or on low income Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance is available to help with the cost.

Single people under 35 can only claim for the cost of a reasonable market rent payable on a single room in a shared house.

Security of tenure

Private renting is generally easier to find and move into. Tenancies are usually set at periods of 6 or 12 months that can be renewed.

Accommodation agencies

Many landlords use an agency to advertise and sometimes manage their properties. They can be useful as a lot of property details can be seen in one place and the agent often makes it easier to stay in contact with the landlord.

It is illegal for accommodation agencies to charge for simply registering you or giving you a list of properties; however, they can charge you a fee for finding a property and for other services such as drawing up a tenancy agreement.

Most agencies require references from a previous landlord and/or employer.

Viewing

When you have found a possible place to live contact the landlord or agent and arrange to view the property.