Looking for a private home to rent

Look for a privately-rented home, and you could find just what you want - and quick!

Look at these great advantages

• homes available now across Manchester - with no waiting lists and no red tape!
• a choice of size and types - from one bed studios to houses big enough for the largest families. Say goodbye to overcrowding!
• help to pay the rent: if you're on a low income you could get Housing Benefit to cover your rent. Benefit rules have changed recently - you may be entitled to more than you think!
• choose from furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished homes to suit you best.

Not keen on private renting?

Maybe you've thought about private renting in the past, but decided against it. Let's see if we can put your mind at rest . . .

Do you think it's up to the council to find you a home?

For over a hundred years the council has provided homes to rent for people who need them. But there's very little council housing left in Manchester now - it's nearly all been transferred to housing associations and other not-for-profit landlords.

The demand for homes from these 'social' landlords far outstrips supply - so, if you don't want a long wait for a home, it may be better to try another option.

Worried about unscrupulous landlords?

Perhaps you remember the days when some landlords offered very poor accommodation and service, and were too keen to throw people out when things went wrong. Things have changed since then!

By law, many landlords now need a licence from the council - they only get it if their homes and management meet decent standards. And many others have voluntarily asked us to for 'accreditation' - a public quality-mark that shows we are happy with the standard of their accommodation.

Concerned about lack of security?

It's true that a tenancy agreement with a private landlord is usually for a certain time only, rather than the open-ended type you get from a social landlord. BUT private landlords are as keen as you are for some security - they don't like having to find new people all the time. So they're usually keen to keep good tenants for as long as possible.

Can't afford a deposit?

Most landlords ask for a deposit of several hundred pounds before you move in. But what if you can't raise that sort of cash? That's where our RentWise scheme could help.

Get a home with a RentWise landlord and you don't have to find a cash deposit. We will give the landlord a 'bond' instead; a guarantee up to the value of four week's rent. If you find a home in a RentWise part of Manchester we'll check that it's safe and up to standard, and give you advice about the tenancy agreement too. If everything's OK you can move in without paying a deposit.

Worried about rent or repairs?

On average, rents are a little higher than for a council or housing assocuiation home. But if you're not on a high income you could get Housing Benefit to cover some or all of your rent. Benefit rules have changes recently - you may be entitled to a lot more than you think! See what you could get: calculate your Housing Benefit entitlement.

Most landlords do repairs quickly and efficiently. It's in their interests to keep their property in good condition - and they won't get a licence, or accreditation, if their standards are poor.

Before you move into a private-rented home you, you'll get a tenancy agreement that tells you how much rent you should pay, what repairs the landlord must do and the rules about leaving the property.

What about safety?

The days of rogue landlords running dangerous homes are long gone. Private landlords have to meet tough health and safety standards by law. For example they must have all gas appliances checked and serviced by qualified engineers once a year. They must follow rules about electrical equipment and fire safety too.

Nothing to lose

We hope we've persuaded you to a least have a think about other options. Don't just sit on a long waiting list for a council or housing association home. Have a look at private renting - it could be just what you need.

Get some advice about finding a privately-rented home.