Advice about homelessness

Renting in the Private Rented Sector

This page is designed to provide assistance and information to those considering renting in the private rental sector.

Why rent privately

You may not be eligible for social housing or may not want to wait as long as it takes for your council home. We have options for eligible applicants if renting privately would be a better option. Read our how to rent guide.

Benefits of renting privately

Financial assistance – we can provide funds to your landlord to help secure your private rented accommodation

It is affordable – we will help you to find affordable accommodation in the private rented sector.

We support you – once you move into your home we will keep in touch with you until you are settled or when you no longer need our assistance.

Tenancy workshops - these online workshops help prepare you to move into private rented accommodation.  We provide assistance on your rights as a tenant and answer questions regarding claiming benefits and landlord responsibilities too.

Partnership work – we work in partnership with you to help you relocate and reconnect in your new community.

Expert advice – we work with many landlords and in some cases can help you find affordable accommodation in the area of your choice.

Your choice – you can find your accommodation anywhere you want.  We help to prepare you for this by attending one of our Tenancy Workshops.

Good homes standard – we work with landlords and agents to ensure that their property meets the required legal standards for you and your family. 

Relocating – we will contact charities who may be able to supply items of furniture, in some cases, we may assist with removals too.

Viewings – where it may be difficult to get to viewings, we may be able to arrange for online viewings or photos of your new home.

Local information – much more information about local services is available online.

Contact us by email

For more support or information follow the links below

Affordability

Client testimony

Sarry testimony

Sarry is a single mum with one child and presented as homeless to Southwark in April 2023. Sarry had previously been staying with a relative but was asked to leave their home due to overcrowding.
Sarry was placed in temporary accommodation and was contacted by the Southwark Resettlement Team in June 2023 to carry out an assessment in regards to supporting Sarry in finding a new home in the private rented sector.

In July 2023 Sarry was offered and accepted a privately rented property 2-bedroom property for her and her 6-year-old daughter. Within 3 months of presenting to Southwark Sarry was settled into her home with the support from the Resettlement Team and is very happy.

I would like to thank you for your support so far with my flat.
I am very pleased with the handy work done in my flat and I have no concerns at all.

Sarry

W.K. testimony

Last year, I was handed over to Southwark Council by NRPF when I was homeless with my daughter. They helped me with temporary accommodation while they helped me look for my current place. The Resettlement Team and Housing Supply team helped me get my current place which is a 2 years private rented tenancy. It was a very stressful time for me and they provided help all the way. My daughter and I are currently living happily and a more stable life now.

Finding properties 

Page last updated: 05 January 2024

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