Private Tenants

Finding Accommodation

This page provides a number of useful hints of things to consider when you start to look for a private rented home.

Finding Accommodation
Moving checklist
Tenants Responsibilities
Landlords Responsibilities
Equal Opportunities
Energy Efficiency
Private Landlords

Finding Accommodation

When deciding on whether to move into private rented accommodation you should consider the advantages:

• Accommodation is often immediately available
  
• Flexibility if you work all over the country
  
• Good range of quality housing in high demand areas
  
• Housing Benefit may be awarded to help with rent payments
  
• Properties can be furnished as well as unfurnished

And the disadvantages:

• Some landlords do not accept Housing Benefit "No DSS"
  
• Housing Benefit restriction for under 25's
  
• Accommodation may only be temporary (6 month lease)
  
• Deposit and/or rent advance may be required before you move in
  
• Rent can be higher than other rented accommodations

When looking for private rented accommodation you should look in

• Local papers - 'accommodation for let'
  
• Local Estate Agents
  
• Your local Council Office (they may be able to give you a list of approved private landlords)
  
• Local shop windows

East Ayrshire Council has a list of local landlords who may have property to rent. This list gives you the contact details of the landlord and the areas where they own property. The list only represents a small number of landlords and is given to potential tenants as information only. The list is not a recommendation of landlords or property.

To get a copy of the list of properties please submit an online request form.

Online request form

Or

Contact the Private Sector Housing Unit

You could also ask around as it is often the case that private landlords do not advertise their properties.

You should be able to provide at least one reference (preferably from a previous landlord, employer etc.), most landlords require this before they will consider renting to you.

Moving Checklist

1. Inform family and friends about your change of address.
   
2. Notify your child's school of their leaving date and advise their new school as soon as possible.
   
3. Notify telephone, gas, electricity, and water services with your confirmed move in/out date.
   
4. Remember to cancel the milk and papers and settle all outstanding accounts.
   
5. Notify banks & building societies of your new address.
   
6. Notify doctors, dentists, vets of your new address.
   
7. Clear out any belongings and remember to clear the attic and the garden. If you are moving from a Council tenancy then ensure you do this as you may incur a charge if it has to be done by the Council.
   
8. Pack valuables and document and store them in a safe place.
   
9. Ensure that before leaving the property all necessary remedial works have been done or else you may find yourself having to pay for this.
   
10. Remember to contact Royal Mail and inform them of your new address.

Equal Opportunities

Legislation does exist to ensure that tenants or prospective tenants are not discriminated against in any way either directly or indirectly.

The Race Relations (Amended) Act 2000 is intended to ensure that public authorities provide their service to the public in a way that is fair and accessible to all irrespective of colour, race, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins. Therefore if you find that you have been or are being discriminated against when you are applying for housing or subsequently dealing with a private landlord you should obtain independent legal advice from a solicitor or advice agency.

Some other current and principal equalities legislation as follows:

Race relations Act 1976
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Sex Discrimination Act 1975