Starting to Rent in the UK

12% of housing in the UK are provided by local Council's as social housing, whilst 12% are privately rented.

Required Checks

Landlords and agents will check your identity, immigration status, credit history, and possibly your employment status.

Right to Rent

In England, landlords must confirm that everyone aged 18 or over has the legal right to rent before the tenancy starts.

Renting Privately

High Rents: Be prepared for potentially high rents and annual increases.

Upfront Costs: You’ll likely need to pay a security deposit and advance rent.

Finding a Property: Use local newspapers, websites, or letting agencies. Note that letting agencies cannot charge fees for registration or providing property lists.

Applying for Social Housing

Council Policies: Each local council has its own policy for qualifying and prioritising applicants for social housing. You can request to see this policy for free.

Application Process: Provide details such as your current living situation, health, savings, and income. The council will use this information to assess your priority based on need.

Priority Factors: High priority is given to those with the greatest needs, such as moving due to disability or long-term health conditions. Ask about your likely priority level and wait time.

More Information

For detailed information on private and social housing rents, housing law, tenant rights, and application processes, see the Housing and homelessness page, or visit Housing in England Explained 

Homes for Ukraine hosting

If you are interested in hosting for people who have moved to the UK, you can find out more on the GOV.UK website: Homes for Ukraine (GOV.UK)

Prospective landlords

Any Landlords/letting agents with potential property offers are encouraged to contact us. Suitable housing continues to be our biggest priority.

If you are a landlord or a letting agent and think you can help, please email us at: resettlement@worcestershire.gov.uk with details of what you may have available.

Homelessness support

In England, the Council must help if you are legally homeless or will become homeless in the next 8 weeks. See the Housing and homelessness page for more information. 

Below are further resources and support if you are worried about homelessness or about someone becoming homeless: 

• Housing and homelessness
• Help from your council if you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness (GOV.UK)
• Homelessness - Childline
• Homelessness - Citizens Advice
• StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services
• Homeless Link