Private Letting Agents
Seeking Private Rented Accommodation
Finding Private Rented Accommodation
Deposits
Rent In Advance
Other Fees
Confused?

Private Letting Agents

Most agencies require deposits and rent in advance

Those who will help people claiming benefits

• Jordan Property Letting & Management
  99 Rushcombe Way, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne 691415
  
• Anglotown Property Management
  3 Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth 757424
  
• Dave Wells Properties
  107 Windham Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth 301244

Those who will help people claiming benefits only in certain circumstances

• WPJ Millers
  280-282 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole 740008
  
• SLA
  209 Redhill Drive, Bournemouth 548400

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Seeking Private Rented Accommodation

There are various types of private rented accommodation in Poole, but if you are looking for somewhere you will generally need enough money for a deposit, one months rent in advance and possibly letting agent fees. You may also be required to provide references from a pervious landlord, your bank or employer. Some landlords may also want a ‘guarantor’ to ensure that if you do default on rental payments, the ‘guarantor’ will be responsible for paying any arrears. You should never put down a holding deposit on a property unless you are sure that you can raise all the monies required by the landlord/agent, and you should always get a receipt.

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Finding Private Rented Accommodation

The following sources may assist you in your search for accommodation:

Shop windows/noticeboards in supermarkets, newsagents, libraries, community centres… Local Press (Echo, Advertiser) Letting Agents, estate agents or accommodation agencies. Try the ones listed above, or look in Yellow pages. Personal Contacts – friends, family, colleagues… Advertising. You could place a ‘seeking accommodation’ advert in a shop, newspaper or noticeboard at work.

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Before taking up accommodation try to get as much information as possible before viewing it. When viewing, check that it is secure, and that heating, lighting and plumbing are all working. Check the terms of the tenancy agreement and read it carefully before signing. You may want to get advice before signing it. Depending on the accommodation, verbal agreements are as legally binding as written ones. Housing and Community Services can provide you with a leaflet on tenancy rights on the private sector, or you can pick one up from the Quay Advice Centre. Get an inventory of the contents and condition of the property, both landlord/agent and tenant should sign this. Check who is responsible for paying the bills and repairs.

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Deposits

A deposit is a sum on money that your landlord/agent requests at the beginning of the tenancy in order to safeguard you/them against any damage you may cause or any bills left unpaid etc. The money should be returned to you in full when you leave, unless the landlord has good reason to keep it or pat of it. Try to negotiate with the landlord if you cannot raise the whole amount. Some landlords may let you build up a deposit by paying a higher weekly rent.

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Rent in advance

Landlords can lawfully ask for any amount of rent in advance, although the majority of landlords/agents ask for one months rent in advance.
If you are on income support, you may be able to get money from the Social Fund by applying to the Benefits Agency for a budgeting loan. However, you should realise that these loans are often hard to obtain. Housing Advice Services operates a Rent in Advance Loan Scheme to assist people who are in priority need to secure accommodation. However, the scheme is not available to everyone and you should check with Housing and Community Services to see if you are eligible.

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Other Fees

Some landlords/agents may also require money to take up references, to draft a tenancy agreement and general administration. These fees should only be charged if the agents have found suitable accommodation for you. It is illegal for agencies to charge for registration only.

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Confused?

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