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 100 years the council has provided homes to rent for people who need them. But there’s very little council-run housing left in Manchester – it has been transferred to housing associations and other not-for-profit landlords.
The demand for homes 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 landlords who offered poor accommodation and service, and were too keen to throw people out when something went wrong. Things have changed since then!
Many landlords need a licence-to-rent from the council – they only get one if their homes and management meet decent standards. Many others have voluntarily asked us to for landlord accreditation - a public quality-mark that shows a landlord and their properties reach good, modern standards.
Privately-rented homes advertised on this website are provided by accredited landlords only. So you can be sure they meet these standards.
We also include links to the websites of non-accredited landlords, but can’t guarantee their standards.
Concerned about lack of security?
Private renting is flexible; there are no waiting lists, or a lot of red tape. So it’s easier to move in and out.
A tenancy agreement with a private landlord is usually for a certain time, rather than the open-ended type you get from a council or housing association. BUT private landlords are as keen as you for some security – they usually want to keep people for many years rather than find new tenants all the time.
A private tenancy usually starts at six months – but a landlord might negotiate a longer agreement with you if that’s what you want.
Can you afford the rent?
Council and housing association rents tend to be fairly standard. But there’s a much bigger range between the lowest and highest rents in private-renting – reflecting the greater range in quality.
On average, rents are a little higher in private renting. But if you’re on a low income you can get Housing Benefit to cover some or all of your rent – but check that the landlord takes people on benefit.
Benefit rules have changed recently – you may be entitled to more than you think! Find out if you could get Housing Benefit.
What about repairs and safety?
Most landlords do repairs quickly and efficiently. It’s in their interests to keep their property in good condition.
And they have to meet tough health and safety standards. For example, by law, they must have all gas appliances checked and serviced by qualified engineers once a year. They must follow rules about the condition of the property and fire safety too.
They won’t get a licence, or accreditation, if their repairs service or safety standards are poor.
Can’t get money up-front?
Most landlords want a deposit of several hundred pounds before you move in, plus some rent in advance. But what if you can't raise that sort of cash?
The RentWise scheme could cover the deposit. The council gives the landlord a 'bond' instead; a guarantee up to the value of four week's rent.
If you are looking for a home in a RentWise part of Manchester ask the landlord if they are in Rentwise, or ask if they want to join.
If you have to find other money up-front, don’t go to a loan shark. A credit union is a good place to start – see the council’s Helping Hand advice.
Interested?
Weigh up the pros and cons – then have a look at homes from approved landlords.