Finding a home to rent can be challenging, particularly if you have a specific budget, location or requirement. There are many different types of rental property available, but they aren’t all advertised in the same places or to the same people.
You might be looking for a private rental, social housing, affordable rent, a room in a shared property or specialist accommodation. Perhaps you need a pet-friendly home, a property that accepts benefits, a no-deposit rental, supported housing or accommodation for older people. Knowing what you need and where to look can make your search much easier.
This guide explains how to find a home to rent, the different types of rental housing available and some of the things you should consider before applying for a property.
How do I find a home to rent?
The best way to find a home to rent depends on your circumstances and the type of property you need. Private rented homes are commonly advertised by estate agents, letting agents, landlords and property websites. Social and affordable rented homes may be advertised by councils, housing associations and other housing providers.
There are also specialist sources for particular types of accommodation, such as rooms to rent, supported housing, retirement housing and homes suitable for people with specific requirements. It is therefore worth looking in more than one place rather than relying on a single property website.
Start by deciding:
- Where you want to live
- How much rent you can afford
- How many bedrooms you need
- Whether you need a house, flat or room
- Whether you have pets
- Whether you receive benefits
- Whether you need an accessible or adapted property
- Whether you need additional support
- Whether there are age or employment requirements
- Whether you need furnished or unfurnished accommodation
The more you understand about what you need, the easier it becomes to identify the right places to search.
Where is the best place to look for a rental property?
There isn’t one best place to find every type of rental property. Different landlords and housing providers use different ways to advertise their properties. A council may use a choice-based lettings system, while a housing association might advertise through its own website or another property platform. Private landlords and letting agents may advertise through property portals, their own websites or other channels.
If you are looking for something specific, it can be particularly useful to search websites and organisations that specialise in that type of property. For example, someone looking for a room to rent may need a different search from someone looking for a three-bedroom family home, while someone looking for supported housing may need to contact specialist providers.
How can I find social housing?
Social housing is generally provided by councils and housing associations and is usually available to people who meet specific eligibility criteria. If you are looking for social housing, your local council will usually be an important starting point. Councils have their own allocation policies and application processes, so the rules can vary depending on where you want to live.
Some councils use choice-based lettings, allowing eligible applicants to express an interest in available properties. Housing associations can also provide social rented housing. Some may work with local authorities to allocate properties, while others have their own application or letting arrangements.
Social housing can be in high demand, so it is important to understand the process in your area and consider other rental options if you need to find a home more quickly.
What is affordable rent and how can I find an affordable rental?
Affordable rent is different from social rent and private renting, although all three can provide homes for people who need a more affordable option. Affordable rented homes are often provided by housing associations and other housing providers, and eligibility and rent levels can vary.
If affordability is important to you, don’t only search for properties described as “cheap rent”. Look for affordable housing schemes and providers operating in the area where you want to live. You may also want to consider private rentals, rooms to rent and other housing options depending on your circumstances.
How can I find a private rental?
Private rented properties are available from landlords and letting agents across the UK. You can search property websites, contact local letting agents and look at individual landlord listings.
Before starting your search, work out a realistic budget. Remember that the rent is only one part of the cost of renting a home.
You may also need to pay for:
- Council tax
- Gas and electricity
- Water
- Broadband
- Contents insurance
- A deposit where applicable
- Moving house removal costs
- Furniture if the property is unfurnished
It is also worth checking the landlord or agent’s affordability and referencing requirements before applying.
How can I find a pet-friendly rental?
If you have a dog, cat or another pet, finding a suitable rental can sometimes be more difficult than finding a property without specific requirements. Rather than looking at every available rental and asking about pets afterwards, search specifically for pet-friendly properties where possible.
When making an enquiry, be honest about your pet and ask what the landlord’s policy is. The rules around renting with pets can also change, so check the current requirements when you are looking for a property.
If you are struggling to find a suitable property, consider widening your search area or looking at different property types.
How can I find a rental if I receive benefits?
If you receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or other benefits, you can still look for a home in the private rented sector. In England, landlords and letting agents cannot discriminate against you because you receive benefits. They cannot advertise a property as being unavailable to people on benefits or refuse to consider you simply because you receive benefits.
Landlords can, however, check whether you can afford the rent and can use income requirements and referencing checks when deciding whether a tenancy is affordable. Benefits and other income should be taken into account when assessing affordability.
If you are looking for a rental, check the property’s rent and the landlord or agent’s affordability requirements before applying. You may also want to look at housing associations and councils, which can have rental options depending on your circumstances and eligibility.
If you are struggling to find a suitable property, consider widening your search to different areas, property types and types of housing.
Can I find a rental without paying a traditional deposit?
Some landlords and letting agents offer alternatives to traditional cash deposits, although availability varies between properties. You may see properties advertised with terms such as “no deposit rent“, “zero deposit rent” or “deposit alternative”.
These arrangements can work differently, so make sure you understand the terms and any costs involved before agreeing to one. If avoiding a large upfront deposit is important to you, specifically searching for properties offering a suitable deposit alternative may help you find more appropriate options.
How can I find a room to rent?
Renting a room rather than an entire property can be a more affordable option for some people. Rooms may be available in shared houses, flats and other accommodation. They can be particularly useful if you are moving to a new area, working away from home or looking for a lower-cost alternative to renting an entire property. Before agreeing to rent a room, find out exactly what is included.
Check:
- Whether bills are included
- Whether the room is furnished
- Which facilities are shared
- Who else lives in the property
- Whether there are house rules
- Whether pets are allowed
- How long the tenancy is
- What deposit or other upfront costs apply
Make sure you are comfortable with both the property and the people you will be sharing with.
How can I find supported housing?
Supported housing is accommodation for people who may need additional support to live independently. There are many different types of supported housing, and the accommodation and support available can vary considerably.
Depending on the scheme, supported housing may be available for older people, people with disabilities or people who need support with independent living. If you think supported housing may be suitable for you, contact your local council and look for specialist housing providers and organisations in your area. Eligibility and referral arrangements can vary, so check the requirements for each scheme.
How can I find key worker housing?
Some housing schemes are specifically designed for key workers or people working in particular professions.
The definition of a key worker and the eligibility criteria can vary between schemes.
If you think you may qualify, check with local housing providers and look for specialist key worker housing schemes in the area where you work.
It can also be worth checking whether any employers, councils or other organisations provide information about housing options for key workers.
How can I find retirement or over-55 housing?
There are different types of housing designed for older people, including retirement housing, sheltered housing and other specialist accommodation. Some retirement properties are available to rent, while other retirement properties are available to buy.
Age requirements vary between properties and providers, so check the eligibility criteria before applying. When looking for retirement housing, consider more than just the rent and property itself. Location, accessibility, transport, nearby shops and services and the level of support available may all be important.
How can I find accessible or adapted rental housing?
If you need an accessible or adapted home, a general property search may not provide all the information you need. Look for properties that already have the features you require and consider contacting councils, housing associations and specialist providers.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need features such as:
- Step-free access
- Accessible bathrooms
- Wider doorways
- Lift access
- Ground-floor accommodation
- Accessible parking
- Adapted kitchens
- Other specialist adaptations
Make a list of the features that are essential to you before starting your search. You can then ask landlords, agents and housing providers specific questions about whether a property is suitable.
How much rent can I afford?
Working out your budget before searching can save a lot of time. The rent is only one part of your monthly housing costs, so think about all your regular expenses before deciding how much you can afford.
You may need to budget for:
- Rent
- Council tax
- Energy
- Water
- Broadband
- Insurance
- Travel
- Food
- Other household costs
If you receive benefits, make sure you understand how much help with housing costs you may be entitled to and what you would need to pay yourself. It is generally better to find a property that is comfortably affordable rather than stretching your budget to secure a particular home.
What documents do I need to rent a home?
Landlords and letting agents may ask for information and documents as part of the application and referencing process. This can include identification, proof of income, employment information and references, although the requirements vary.
Having the information you are likely to need ready can help you move more quickly when you find a suitable property. If you are self-employed, receive benefits or have another source of income, you may need to provide additional information to demonstrate affordability.
Ask the landlord or agent what they require before applying if you are unsure.
Should I use more than one website when looking for a rental?
Yes. Using more than one source can increase your chances of finding a suitable property. Different landlords, agents and housing providers advertise in different places, and some specialist properties may not appear on the websites you normally use.
For example, a council property may be advertised through a local housing system, while a private rental could be listed by an estate agent. A room, supported housing scheme or retirement property may be advertised through a specialist provider.
If you have specific requirements, searching across several relevant sources is particularly important.
How often should I search for a rental property?
Rental properties can come onto the market regularly, particularly in areas where demand is high. If you are actively looking, check relevant websites and property listings regularly rather than relying on a single search.
It can also be useful to register your details with portals, letting agents and housing providers so they know what type of property you are looking for.
If property alerts are available for the type of property you want, consider setting them up so you can respond quickly when something suitable becomes available.
What should I do if I can’t find a suitable rental?
If you have been searching for some time without success, review your requirements.
Could you be flexible about:
- The area you live in
- The size of the property
- The type of property
- Your maximum rent
- Furnished or unfurnished accommodation
- Whether the property is new or older
- The distance you are prepared to travel
- The type of housing you consider
You may also be looking in the wrong places. If you need a pet-friendly home, for example, search specifically for pet-friendly properties. If you need supported housing, look at specialist providers rather than relying solely on general rental websites.
If you are waiting for social housing, consider whether another type of rental could provide a suitable home while you wait.
What is the best way to find a home to rent?
There is no single answer because everyone’s circumstances are different. The best approach is to understand what you need, establish what you can afford and then search across the sources that are most relevant to you.
Don’t restrict your search to one type of rental property either. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to consider social housing, affordable rent, private renting, rooms, supported housing, retirement housing or other specialist accommodation.
If you have a specific requirement, make that part of your search rather than treating it as an afterthought.
How can MovingSoon help me find a home to rent?
MovingSoon brings together rental properties from different types of housing providers and property advertisers. This includes affordable homes and specialist housing alongside other rental opportunities, helping people search for homes based on what they are actually looking for.
You may be looking for an affordable rental, a pet-friendly home, a property where benefits are accepted, a no-deposit option, a room to rent, retirement housing or another type of specialist accommodation.
The range of properties available changes regularly, so it is worth checking MovingSoon as part of your wider rental search.
Finding the right rental doesn’t have to be complicated
Finding a home to rent can take time, but understanding your options can make the process easier. Start by working out where you want to live, what you can afford and what you need from your next home. Then look beyond a single source and search for the types of property that match your circumstances.
Whether you are looking for social housing, affordable rent, a private rental, a pet-friendly home, a room, supported housing, key worker accommodation or retirement housing, there may be more options available than you initially realise.
And don’t forget that the property you are looking for may be advertised somewhere you haven’t checked yet.
Finding a home to rent shouldn’t be complicated.
