Finding your own property

Access to social housing is very limited therefore you are encouraged to seek alternatives. This page provides information and steps you can take to find your own accommodation.

Internet
You may be able to find accommodation by visiting one of the following websites.

Findaproperty.com - particularly good for central and outer London.
Net-lettings.co.uk - presents a range of accommodation on offer and gives you information about average cost of renting in different areas. It has a dedicated section for people who want to flatshare.
Yell.co.uk - provides information about estate agents working in your area.

Other useful websites
Girlings.co.uk (specialises in homes for older people)
IntoLondon.com
Loot.com
EasyRoommate.com
Lettingweb.com
Rightmove.co.uk
Outlet4homes.com (specialises in homes for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community)

Newspapers
Most local news papers have a property section that includes advertisements of properties for sale and rent. There are often pages towards the back of the section where landlords advertise more affordable accommodation and rooms to let. The main local papers in Newham is the Newham Recorder.

The Evening Standard is a well-known London newspaper and advertises properties for rent. Loot is a weekly publication that has a large section with properties to let. You can also view the advertisements on their website at http://www.loot.com/. Time Out (weekly) and Dalton's Weekly also carry adverts for properties to let.

Shop Notices
Shop windows and notice boards often have cards on them advertising flats, rooms or houses that may be available and affordable.. Newspapers are often available to look at in local libraries if you are unable to buy these publications.

Abbreviations
When you are looking for a place you will come across abbreviations these are words that have been shortened - here is what they mean.

GCH = gas central heating
N/S = non smoker
No DSS = Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance not accepted as rent
DG = double glazed
CT = Council Tax
PCM = per calendar month
PW = per week

Lettings Agencies
Letting agencies let and manage rooms, flats and houses for private landlords. You can find a list of estate agents and letting agents that operate in Newham by looking in your local papers. Lists can also be obtained from Local Service Centres and Libraries in Newham. The details of Estate Agents and Letting Agents can also be found in the Thomson Local directories and the Yellow Pages. Friends, family and workmates can also be a good source of information about rooms or flats to rent. So it is a good idea to let everyone know that you are looking for somewhere to live.

A new site www.hbaccepted.co.uk lists agents who accept people who claim Housing Benefit (HB) or Local Housing Allowance.

Some agencies may charge you for their services. But before accepting accommodation or handing over any money, ask the agency what it charges for. It is illegal for letting agencies to charge you a fee unless you accept accommodation from them. If you are wrongly charged in Newham contact the council.

Always check that you are using a trustworthy lettings agency, it has been known for some agencies to take deposits and vanish. You should ask if they have other offices, and if they manage other properties.

You can also use the internet to search for various types of accommodation. The Homeless UK website www.homelessuk.org gives information about available vacancies.

Personal Contacts
Friends, family and workmates can also be a good source of information about rooms or flats to rent. So it is a good idea to let everyone know that you are looking for somewhere to live.

Disclaimer
Please note the Council does not endorse or take any liability for the content of these external webpages but offered here only as a guide as to the ways to find private rented accommodation.