What you need to know

You must leave your NASS accommodation within 28 days.

You must start looking for somewhere to live as soon as you receive your decision letter.

Go to Leeds Housing Options and request a Homelessness Assessment as soon as possible.

A homeless assessment will help the Council determine what help they can offer you to find a house.

Where you need to go

In-person

Housing Options: Merrion House, 110 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 8BB

(Open 9am to 4pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; Tuesday 10am to 4pm)

Online

Leeds Housing Options website is full of helpful information

Shelter also offer independent Housing Advice but you will still need to register for accommodation in person.

By phone

You can telephone Leeds Council for Homelessness and Housing Advice:
0113 222 4412

What you need to take with you

What will Housing Options offer?

The help on offer depends on your circumstances, but this help could include

The following information is taken from this document produced by Leeds City Council in October 2024

Social Housing

Social housing in Leeds offers affordable homes for people with low incomes. It is managed by Leeds City Council and housing associations.

To apply for social housing, go to the Leeds Homes website. Fill out the online form completely and provide ID for everyone who will live with you. If you have children, you also need to show proof of child benefit or child tax credits.

Social housing is cheaper and more secure than renting privately, but there aren’t many homes available. There are over 25,000 people waiting for homes, but only about 5,000 homes become available each year. This means it could take several years to get a social housing offer, even if you have priority.

You can check the average wait time for social housing in your chosen area on the Social Housing Picker on the Leeds Homes website.

Each week, you can place up to 3 bids on Leeds City Council properties and another 3 bids on Housing Association properties. To improve your chances of getting a home, use all your bids every week and consider more areas where you would live.

Private Renting

You don’t have to wait for social housing to find an affordable home. Renting from a private landlord is often the fastest way to get a new home. A private landlord is someone who owns homes that they rent to people. There are many private rental homes in Leeds, and you can choose where you want to live. Some areas in Leeds have more private homes, and some are cheaper than others.

There are many good things about renting privately:

  • No waiting lists, so you can move in quickly.
  • You can choose where you want to live.
  • Different types of homes are available, from small flats to big houses.
  • Most homes are already decorated and have carpets, which is not always true for social housing.
  • Many homes come with appliances like a fridge, freezer, and washing machine.
  • If you have a low income, you might get Housing Benefit to help pay some or all of your rent.

How to find a private rented home:

Landlords and letting agents advertise homes online on many websites. Here are some popular ones:

Other ways to find a private rented home:

  • Local newspapers and magazines: These often have sections with adverts for rental homes and shared flats.
  • Windows and noticeboards: Some landlords and people looking for flatmates advertise in places like shops, community centres, libraries, bookshops, and newsagents.
  • Personal contacts: Ask friends, family, or work colleagues if they know of any homes available for rent.
  • Local services and day centres: These places might have lists of local landlords, letting agents, and lodging schemes. Landlords sometimes contact them when they have a place to rent.

Tips on making a good first impression 

Responding to adverts:

  • Reply quickly to avoid missing out, as homes are in high demand.

 Viewing a property:

  • Always visit the property to check it exists and is in good condition.
  • Don’t agree to rent a property until you’ve seen it.
  • Bring someone with you for safety and a second opinion.
  • Arrive 5 minutes early.
  • Be polite, ask questions about any issues instead of making demands.
  • Show that you’re interested.
  • Answer questions, but don’t share too much personal information.

Things to check when viewing a property: 

  • The condition of the property.
  • Doors lock properly.
  • Heating, lighting, and plumbing are working.
  • Gas appliances have a Gas Safe certificate (this is required by law).
  • Furniture is in good condition.
  • Signs of disrepair.
  • Personal safety in the neighbourhood.
  • Other tenants if the home is shared.
  • How rent, bills, and council tax will be paid

Landlords and letting agents are likely to want to see:

  • Photo ID like a passport or driver’s licence. If you don’t have photo ID, a signed bank card or a utility bill might work.
  • Proof you have the right to rent.
  • Recent bank statements and/or pay slips.
  • Your accounts if you’re self-employed.
  • Proof of any benefits you receive.
  • Your employment contract(s).

Rent Guarantor

You might need a guarantor if you haven’t rented before, can’t provide references, or have a bad credit history. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you don’t. They will be responsible to pay all the rent if you can’t pay it.

References

You will need to provide references to show you can afford the rent and be a good tenant. Usually, you will need a reference from:

  • Your current and previous landlords.
  • Your employer to show you have a job and that it will continue.

If you do not have a job, then you may be able to get a reference of good character from someone who knows you well, like a support worker you know.

Proof of Income 

A landlord will want proof that you can afford the rent. If you receive benefits, you can ask the Jobcentre or DWP for proof of your benefits entitlement, as well as what benefits you receive.

Affordability

Affordability means you can pay your rent and cover your living expenses. Landlords and letting agents might ask to see:

  • Your employment contract, recent payslips, or bank statements.
  • Your accounts if you work for yourself (self-employed).
  • Proof of any benefits you receive.

To make sure you can afford the rent, you should use an online benefits calculator to make sure you are receiving the correct amount of benefits support for you or your household. This is free, confidential, and anonymous. It will help you see if you’re getting the right amount of financial support.

You can use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator. After you complete it, you will know what financial help you can get and how to apply for it.

How much Housing Benefit may you be entitled to:

How much Housing Benefit you get depends on the Local Housing Allowance. As of April 2024, here are the amounts:

 Single People:

  • Under 35 years – £80.00 weekly, which is £347.62 per month (this would usually cover the rent in a shared property).
  • Over 35 years – £155.34 weekly, which is £674.99 per month.

Families:

  • 2 Bedrooms – £178.36 weekly, which is £775.02 per month.
  • 3 Bedrooms – £195.62 weekly, which is £850.02 per month.
  • 4 Bedrooms – £276.16 weekly, which is £1,199.98 per month.

Bonds:

A bond or deposit is money the landlord asks for before you move in. This money is a security in case the landlord needs to pay for repairs or maintenance. This money is usually returned to you at the end of your tenancy.

How Leeds City Council can help with a Bond

If you are at risk of homelessness and need help with a bond, you must have an assessment with Leeds Housing Options.

This helps the Private Lettings Team understand your needs and find a home that is suitable and affordable. Each bond request is reviewed individually, as each person’s situation is different. 

To complete a bond request, the Leeds Housing Options Private Lettings Team needs to know:

  • Can you afford the property?
  • Does the landlord agree to an inspection from the council?
  • What is the property’s address?
  • What are the landlords/letting agents’ contact details? (Phone number and email)
  • How many bedrooms does the property have?
  • What is the rent amount?
  • What is the bond amount?

Leeds Housing Options Private Lettings Team advises you to view a property before submitting a bond request. If a property is out of Leeds, like in Bradford or Wakefield, Leeds Housing Options might still be able to help with a deposit if the rent fits within the local housing allowance and no inspection is needed.

For a housing regulations inspection to be done, the property must be empty for the inspection to take place. Inspections cannot be done if the property is occupied. If you move in before the inspection, Leeds Housing Options cannot help with the deposit. If you need assistance, talk to your caseworker to arrange an inspection before moving into a private rented property.

To start a bond request, email [email protected]

In your email include:

  • Your name and Leeds Homes Reference
  • The landlords name and contact details (phone number and email).
  • The property address.
  • The cost of the bond/deposit and the monthly rent.

Tenancy Agreement

When you get a private rented property, you will need to sign a Tenancy Agreement. Your new landlord will provide this document which explains the rights and responsibilities of both you and your landlord.

Help for Private Tenants

If you are already living in a private rented home and you are having problems with your landlord, Leeds City Council can help. They can make sure repairs are done to keep your home safe and give you free advice about evictions and harassment.

To learn more about what your landlord should do and how the council can help, visit: Help for private tenants (leeds.gov.uk)

Getting extra support to find a house

Refugee Employment Training Advice Service (RETAS) can offer extra help to find a private house.

RETAS Leeds

0113 380 5630
Email: [email protected]

Other things to think about

  • It is unlikely that you will find a council house quickly. Refugees generally are not given extra priority (Band A) to get a council house just because they are refugees.
  • Housing Advice will tell you about renting from private Landlords.
  • Realistically, if you are a single person, and the Council assessment says you have no significant mental or physical health needs affecting your housing, you must consider finding a room in a shared house.
  • If you have a disability or need a house to be adapted to your needs, make sure you tell the Homeless Officer.
  • You may be eligible for an Integration Loan to cover the costs of a deposit for privately rented accommodation and essential items for the house

Where you need to go:

In person:

Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau
(City Centre): Oxford House, Oxford Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BE
(North Leeds): Willow House, New Roscoe Buildings, Cross Francis St, LS7 4BZ

Online:

You can use the UK.GOV’s webpage to find advisers in Leeds and check what level they are qualified to. You should also check if they charge a fee.

Citizens Advice Leeds, or find an Immigration Adviser here Gov.uk.

By phone

You can telephone Leeds Citizens Advice:
0808 2 78 78 78, 9am – 5pm.

What you need to take with you:
Your official documents (including your BRP)

Last Updated: 5 November 2024

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