There are far more properties to rent privately than there are social rented properties in Broadland and South Norfolk, making the private rented sector an important option for anyone seeking accommodation.

There are various places you can look for private rented properties, including:

• dedicated lettings websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla
• individual websites for local letting agents
• by registering with local letting agents
• local press and papers
• community websites such as Gumtree or Facebook

Agents or landlords may charge a refundable holding deposit (often around one week's rent) and you normally have to pay a refundable deposit (maximum five weeks' rent) before moving in.

Most landlords let properties for 6 or 12 months at a time.

There is a lot of useful information regarding private rented accommodation on the Government website which covers things like:

• the responsibilities of landlords and tenants
• repairs
• rent increases, disputes and arrears
• deposits

The Government also publish a very helpful How to Rent booklet

The level of rent you should look to pay will be determined by the size of property you need, the location and your income, but those not working or on lower incomes may be able to get help with the cost of rent through Local Housing Allowance or the Housing Element of Universal Credit.

Find out more about benefits and your entitlement.

If you are homeless, threatened with homelessness or have a serious housing need, we may be able to help with the cost of the deposit or rent in advance needed to take on a private rented property through our Rent Advance and Deposit Scheme (RADS).

Please be aware, where a customer seeks housing assistance as they need to flee violence (including but not restricted to domestic abuse) their areas of choice for where they will be able to obtain financial assistance into the private rental market will be restricted by exclusion of adjoining wards to the ward or district from which is being fled, and any other wards the Council deems as unsafe. The Council will determine which areas are considered safe for them to be rehoused in.

Please note, help through this scheme is in the form of a loan which must be paid back and assistance through this scheme must be agreed by one of our Housing Solutions Officers before any money is paid to a landlord or letting agent. We cannot repay you for money that you have already paid out and your housing officer would need to be satisfied that the property is affordable, suitable for your needs and would represent a long-term housing solution for you, before RADS assistance could be agreed.

If you would like any further information regarding private rented accommodation in Broadland or South Norfolk, please contact the Housing Solutions team.