Find out why private renting may be your best option.
Why private rent?
If you're looking for a home, private renting is often the quickest way to find housing, and offers a great deal of choice. There are many advantages, such as:
- you're not confined to an area and can easily move to a different area if you choose
- there are no waiting lists so you'll be able to move quickly
- there are many different types of accommodation available (for example, studio flats, houses, bungalows)
- the property will usually be well decorated (which isn't always the case in housing association properties)
Find a home
You can find properties in local newspapers or through local letting agents. Or you can search online using websites such as:
Once you've found a home, contact the letting agent or landlord advertising the property to arrange a viewing. It might be worth taking a checklist with you.
Once accepted for a property you might need to:
- pay a deposit
- pass a tenancy reference
- pay rent in advance
The letting agent will be able to guide you through this.
If you're on a low income you may also be able to apply for Housing Benefit to help towards the cost of the rent.
Further information
For information on homes to rent for older and vulnerable people, please visit Norfolk County Council's housing with support pages.