Homelessness

Finding accommodation

  • Can anyone offer you a place to stay to give you time to seek advice and to find accommodation?

We may be able to help you find your own accommodation in the private sector and we may be able to offer you some financial assistance in some situations. 

However, the following guidelines should provide you with helpful tips on how to start looking for a home. 

Be prepared

  • Think seriously about what you can realistically afford and whether anyone can help you out with upfront costs or be a guarantor. Find out the maximum benefit you can claim in your area under the Local Housing Allowance (LHA). (See paying your rent and benefits below).
  • It may not be possible to find a home exactly where you want it. Consider other areas that may have good transport links.
  • To find rental property information, start with the agencies that cover certain areas. Check local newspapers, social media, websites, community noticeboards and shop windows. The wider your search, the more likely you are to be successful. 
  • If you can, pop into the branch or call and introduce yourself. Explain what you are looking for. Keep in touch for updates. It may be stressful for you, but remain polite and focussed. 
  • If you have references from a previous landlord, rent statements or something similar that would show you will be a good reliable tenant, make copies to show the landlords and agents.
  • If you are invited to view a property, make sure you are on time, stay in contact, be friendly and be polite
  • It is a legal requirement to confirm you have a right to rent in England. You will be asked by the landlord to provide documents such as a passport, UK driving licence or an original birth certificate. This will depend on your nationality. 
  • Do not commit to or sign anything before you have had chance to view a property.

What you need to know and ask

  • The Tenancy Agreement must be for at least 6 months, but may be longer. Read the agreement and ask questions before you sign it.
  • The inventory, an agreed tenant/landlord record of the condition of the property, furnishings or decoration at the time you move in, will be used again to compare the condition when you move out. This is secured against your deposit. If not done properly, you will be unable to prove the original agreed standards, and you may not be able to get this money back from your landlord if you move on. Photos can be taken by both parties, but must be mutually agreed.
  • Confirm how much the rent is, when it is due (weekly or monthly) and on what date. Ask if it includes council tax, utility bills, or water charges.
  • If your income is Housing Benefit/Universal Credit, you must make the landlord aware that you receive these benefits
  • Ask what the upfront charges are. Charges may be made for rent in advance, as a security deposit, or a guarantor may be required. 
  • Some landlords will not allow pets. It is not personal, so don’t be upset or offended by this. Some may charge you an extra deposit for a pet.
  • Ask if it is furnished or unfurnished and if any white goods are supplied
  • Before you agree to rent – look around the property and ask questions
  • The property and the fixtures should be in good order, and decorated to a good standard. Point out any obvious issues.
  • The property should be free from damp. Check room ventilation by opening windows and look for any signs of condensation.
  • There should be sufficient electrical sockets which are safe with no loose open wires. Ask to see the latest Electricity Testing Certificate and the Energy Performance Certificate.
  • Ask to see the latest Gas Safety Certificate and operating instructions on how to use the boiler/heating.
  • There should be adequate heating for your needs.
  • Check the rooms are provided with enough lighting? 
  • There must be hot and cold water supplies to the kitchen, bath, shower and hand basins. Check the taps work, flush the toilet.
  • If there is a gas or electric oven supplied and/or a fridge, check they are in good working order. The kitchen must be safe and suitable for food preparation. 
  • The doors and windows should close and lock properly for your safety.

Paying your rent and benefits 

  • Claim benefits immediately once you know your tenancy start date.
  • Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax.

Gas, electric, and water suppliers

  • Inform suppliers you are moving and agree new readings with your landlord

What you need for your new home?

  • Concentrate on the important items, such as beds, mattresses and any white goods. Social media sites are a great way of sourcing used furniture if you have access. On Facebook, look at for sale/wanted/free sites in your local area.

Storage 

  • Do you need to take everything with you? 
  • Ask if friends or family can store items for you, or look on local media for storage places. You can rent a garage from the council whether or not you are a tenant.

Removals

  • Always check a company is fully insured against the damage or loss of your belongings
  • Consider small independent businesses. Expect to be charged by the hour for a van and assistance. Can you cut costs by asking friends or family to take some of your less valuable belongings like clothing, bedding, towels, toys, small kitchen items?
  • Ask for recommendations or check information on social media about who carries out removals in your area 

Useful organisations 

  • British Heart Foundation Furniture and Electrical, 27 Bridge Street, Swindon - call 01793 399515
  • Gateway Furniture, The Gate, Havelock Square, Swindon - call 01793 683146 
  • Swindon Emergency Assistance Fund (SEAF) 

Useful websites

Useful newspapers

Your personal circumstances may be more complicated and you may need help with your housing for the following reasons:

  • You may be a young person who has not lived independently before
  • You might have a history of homelessness and need extra support
  • You may have learning difficulties, mental health support needs, or alcohol or drug issues
  • You may struggle with ill health and need a certain type of accommodation

  • This may be an option if you are looking to move to another area, to downsize or upsize or if you require adapted accommodation
  • Exchange your council home
Give feedback about this page

Help us to improve this website

Use this form to provide feedback on this webpage. Don't use it to contact us about a service or make a complaint. We will not reply, even if you include personal details such as your name and address. If you want us to reply, you should contact us in a different way.

What is your feedback for this webpage?