Renting ---> Private Renting

	Text Only	Search:
		Text Size Adjustment:

Housing - Private Landlords

Privately rented flats are often very expensive and most are furnished. If renting a furnished property, ensure that you agree a list of contents before you move in. A list of private landlords are available from Millennium House, Coatsworth Road, Gateshead, telephone 0191 433 6700, or visit www.renting-in-gateshead.co.uk, or contact Housing Services at Gateshead Council, Civic Centre, Gateshead, telephone 0191 433 3000 or visit Gateshead Council's Website

Check adverts in shop windows, local papers, accommodation agencies or estate agents. Many people get a place to rent through the grapevine - news that someone is leaving a flat or has a room to rent.

Private landlords usually ask for money before you move in - a month's rent, and a similar amount for a deposit are common. Housing Services at Gateshead Council, Civic Centre, Gateshead, telephone 0191 4333000 have a rent deposit scheme that some homeless people may be able to access.

Landlords are required by law to make sure that the house is wind and water tight, and for ensuring that the basic services like gas, electricity and water are in proper order.

Rights as a Private Tenant

The rights that you will have depend on the type of accommodation you rent, and the agreement you make with your landlord. Leaflets and booklets are available at the Millennium House, Coatsworth Road, Gateshead, telephone 0191 433 6700, or visit www.renting-in-gateshead.co.uk

Some people who rent accommodation have more rights than others. When it comes to asking you to leave, landlords generally have to get a court order to evict you if you don't want to go. However, most landlords who share the accommodation with you don't need to do this. If the landlord does not ask you to leave in the correct way it could be against the law, and they could be committing a criminal offence. The law on tenancies can be complicated. If you're not sure about your rights go to a local advice centre and they can help you www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Generally, where the landlord is not resident, you will usually have full protection for the term of your lease (with some exceptions) and it would be hard for a landlord to legally evict you if you are not in rent arrears and act reasonably.

Generally, where the landlord lives in the same house or flat, you usually have only restricted protection. Where you are a lodger, boarder, licensee, living in holiday lets or in accommodation tied to employment, you also usually have very limited protection.

Some private landlords think they can't rent accommodation to people who are under 18 years old. But there is nothing to stop them if they want to.

Although the situation can be complicated there is nothing to stop a landlord renting a place to someone under 18 if they want to. Sometimes landlords are reluctant to do this, as they are afraid that they might not pay the rent. One way around this is to find someone such as an adult relative who will guarantee to pay the rent if it's not paid.

A 16 or 17 year old can claim housing benefit. If the rent isn't paid the landlord can recover any money owed through the courts, as they would with any other person who did not pay them the rent.

Further Information On Your Rights