🏡 Finding Private Accommodation in Leeds
This page is a summary. More detailed advice on private housing can be found on this page of New To 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
