Private rented properties
Private rented properties are owned by a landlord and leased to a tenant. The landlord in this case is not us (the council) or a housing association. The landlord, in this case, could be an individual or an investor.
You have a greater chance of finding a new home by renting in the private rented sector. This is because there is a high volume of private rented properties in Harrow. There are twice as many of them than homes provided by us.
Where you can find private rented properties
You can search available properties:
- on websites like Rightmove, Spare Room, and Gumtree
- in local newspapers
- in shop windows
- in letting agencies.
You should make sure the property is right for you. You should do this before signing a rental agreement. Make sure you can afford the rent and all the bills and expenses.
If you are on a low income you may be entitled to housing benefit.
Your rental rights
You have rights and responsibilities as a tenant in private rented property. Your tenancy agreement (if you have one) should be fair and should follow the law.
Letting
No discrimination
It is against the law to treat you a certain way based on your nationality, religion, sexuality, disability or gender. You have to provide proof of your legal right to live in the UK.
Money protection
Ask if your letting agent is in a client money protection scheme. These schemes protect any money you pay to the agent as deposit or rent - even if the agent closes down.
Complaints agents
They should be registered with an organisation to deal with complaints. Their logo should be displayed.
Moving in
Permission to rent
Your landlord must have permission to rent. You can check what permission they need on our website.
Deposit protection
Your landlord must prove to you that they protected your deposit. They must do this within 30 days of taking your deposit. They can use one of three authorised schemes: DPS, TDS, or My Deposits.
Fair tenancy
Your tenancy must be fair and understandable. You should not be hit with surprise fees.
Rent increases
Your rent should not go up during the fixed period of your tenancy.
Legal information
Your landlord or agent must give you the latest ‘How to Rent’ booklet when you move in. This booklet is created by GOV.UK.
Moving out
Landlords must follow the legal process if they want you to move out. We can help if your landlord or agent wants you to move against your wishes.
Tenancy agreement
Good landlords and agents give you a written agreement. The law says they must put in writing:
- the address of your room or flat
- the length of the agreement
- the rent
- the landlord’s name and contact address.
Safety and security
It’s your home
The landlord or agent must not disturb or harass you. They can only visit when convenient for you. Unless it’s an emergency, they must give at least 24 hours’ notice.
Electrical safety
The wiring and any electrical items supplied with your home must be safe. Landlords must provide an electrical safety certificate. This is needed for any tenancies after 1 July 2020.
Reasonable repair
Your home must be safe. Your landlord must make repairs promptly. They must also maintain any provided appliances. You must not make changes or fixes without permission.
Alarms
Your home must have a working smoke alarm on every floor. If you have solid fuel heating, you should have a carbon monoxide detector.
Damp and mould
Your home should be free from damp and mould. For more information see our damp and mould page.
Gas safety
If you have a gas supply, your landlord must give you a valid gas safety certificate. They should show you this certificate when you move in. A Gas Safe engineer must check your appliances every year.