Many people looking for a new home choose to rent from a private landlord. The advantage of renting privately is that you can find accommodation in an area of your choice, which may be close to schools, family support, specialist medical facilities or other centres of interest.
Private rented homes can include lodgings, shared homes or renting your own flat or house. Your landlord may be a person or a company.
We can offer you advice to help you find affordable private rented accommodation, and we may also be able to put you in touch with prospective landlords. If you decide you want to rent a private home, you will need to get cash together for a deposit and usually one month's rent in advance.
Rent Deposit & Rent In Advance Scheme
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness and unable to afford the cost of a deposit or rent in advance for private rented accommodation, our Rent Deposit & Rent In Advance Scheme may be able to help you. The scheme provides you with an interest free loan which you repay in regular instalments. You may be eligible for the scheme if:
• you have dependent children or are pregnant;
• you are homeless as a result of an emergency such as fire, flood or other disaster;
• you are 16 or 17 years old (and have a guarantor);
• you are 18 to 21 years old and were looked after, accommodated or fostered between the ages of 16 and 18;
• you are regarded as vulnerable eg you suffer from mental illness, disability, or physical illness;
• you are ready to leave supported accommodation funded by Supporting People.
To find out more about the scheme, please contact the Housing Solutions Service on 01782 233696.
Landlord Accreditation Scheme:
We recognise that private landlords play a vital role in providing accommodation within the city. The North Staffordshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme aims to promote and improve the private rented sector by working with landlords.
This Scheme is run as a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and three other local authorities as well as the North Staffordshire Landlord Association. Landlords who take part in the scheme must provide good quality accommodation and agree to follow good management practices. For tenants, the scheme brings the benefits of:
• greater information about properties available for renting;
• identification of good quality accommodation;
• better management of your property by your landlord;
• confidence that your landlord is professional and reputable;
• a tenant’s information booklet.
Landlord Accreditation Scheme Property Shop
Please click here to view the Landlord Accreditation Scheme Property Shop.
Private Rented Sector Options
Please click here for our Private Rented Sector Options leaflet.