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Renting Privately

Renting Privately

It's easier than you think

There are many advantages to renting in the private sector. You get a lot more choice over where you live and the type of property you live in. You are more likely to be able to find a house or a ground floor property with a garden. You will be able to rent furnished or part furnished accommodation and it's much easier to move to another borough.

It can often seem difficult to find somewhere to live, but there is a lot of help available.

How do I find somewhere to live?

There are lots of lettings agents in Southwark who will be able to help you with finding a place to live. You can also look in local shop windows and supermarkets for advertisements. Many landlords and tenants use LOOT (please note there are many links on this page, each one of them will take you to another website and as such each one will open an new window), the property section in Southwark News and the South London Press. Respond promptly to adverts you see as they may be filled quickly.

The following links may be able to help you further:

General

• Fish 4 Lettings
• Oskat Properties 
• Bushells 
• Houseladder 
• Gumtree 
• Move Flat  (flatshares)

Houses in Southwark      

• Burnet Ware and Graves 
• JD Property Rentals
• Nelsons Lettings 
• Haart  
• Houses in Southwark 

DSS Accepted

• Robinson Jackson 
• Home 2 U
• Morgan Berry  
• Petermans 
• Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward
• Kilostate 
• Email = Camberwell@your-move.co.uk
• Email = Streatham@your-move.co.uk

Room only

• Blackkatz 
• Property Liaisons 
• Kalmars 
• Into London 
• Girlings 

Viewing and signing up

You should go and see the accommodation and read any associated paperwork before you agree to move in or sign any agreements. Take a friend with you or let someone know where you are going and be sure to check the following:

• Doors and windows can be securely locked  
• Heating, lighting and plumbing are in good working order
• The landlord has a valid gas safety certificate for any gas appliances
• The location - will you be able to get home safely, especially at night?

Help moving into private rented accommodation

Southwark Council runs a number of schemes that may be able to help you to move into private rented accommodation if you are homeless and on benefits or a low income. You may also be able to claim housing benefit to help with paying your rent. There is a new way of calculating and paying this to private sector tenants. You can find out more about how this works here and work out the maximum amount you may be entitled tohere.

Your rights as a private tenant

The type of tenancy or licence you have will affect your rights and what happens if you are threatened with eviction. If you need advice about your rights or support to settle disputes with your landlord, seek help right away. You can obtain information and advice from the following sources:

Southwark's private tenancies team may be able to assist you with any disputes or issues with your landlord or accommodation. Call on 020 7525 4113.

Shelter publish a wide range of information and also provide a free 24 hr housing advice phone line on 0808 800 4444

Direct.gov also publish comprehensive advice and guidance on renting privately.