🏡 Finding Private Accommodation in Leeds
If you choose private housing, you can rent anywhere in Leeds. Some areas have more rental homes than others. Some places are more expensive too.
📅 When you rent from a private landlord, you must:
- Sign a Tenancy Agreement – this is a contract between you and the landlord
- Pay a deposit (about 1 month’s rent)
- Pay 1 month’s rent in advance
It’s a good idea to view several properties and compare:
- The condition of the home
- Nearby shops, parks or schools
- Parking and public transport
- Rent costs
👉 Shelter is a national charity offering advice about housing. There is lots of useful information about private renting on the Shelter website:
🔗 Go to: Private Renting
👉 Money Helper has a page where you can calculate your budget and how much rent you could afford:
🔗 Go to: How much rent can you afford?
🏠 Where to Look for Private Housing
You can find private homes:
- From letting agents in the city or local areas (some may charge fees)
- In local newspapers, shop windows, or notice boards
- On websites like:
👉 If you receive welfare benefits: Some landlords will only accept you if you are in employment. However, there is a website called DSS Move that you can use to find a landlord who will accept people who are on welfare benefits.
🔍 Right to Rent
All landlords must check if you can legally rent in the UK. This is called a Right to Rent check. Learn more here: Right to Rent Checks
Your landlord must:
- Give you a gas safety certificate (when you move in and every year)
- Protect your deposit in a government scheme
- Give you notice in writing if they want you to move out
- Ask before entering your home (except in emergencies)
- More info: How to Rent (GOV.UK)
⚡ Problems or Repairs?
- Your landlord must fix broken items they provided (cooker, fridge, etc.)
- You can report unsafe homes or bad conditions to Leeds City Council
👉 Leeds City Council can provide help if you are having problems with your private rented accommodation: Help for Private Renters
💼 Your Responsibilities
As a tenant, you must:
- Take care of the home
- Pay rent and bills (like gas & electricity)
- Let the landlord in when they give notice
- Don’t damage the property or make changes without asking
🛌 Living in a Shared House (HMO)
If you live with 4 or more people (not family) and share a kitchen or bathroom, you live in an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). HMOs must be licensed and safe. If you have a problem, contact the HMO team:
- ✉️ [email protected]
- 🌐 leeds.gov.uk/HMO
- ☎️ 0113 378 4698
