Moving in and paying rent

After you have agreed to a tenancy

• When you pass all the checks, you will be asked to pay one month rent and one month deposit. Please note that sometimes the deposit can be 5 weeks’ worth of rent – this is the maximum amount a tenant can pay by law. If you pay more than a 5 weeks’ deposit, the landlord has to refund the overpaid amount.
• You will sign the contract which is called tenancy agreement or Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).  
• The contract will usually be for a fixed term of 6 or 12 months. The minimum term is usually for 6 months. If the contract is for 12 months and you are not sure if you would like to continue renting the property after six months, you can request the agent to add a 'break clause'. This will allow you to serve a notice on the landlord and move out after six months or before the expiry of the 12-month period.  

Landlord’s obligations

The landlord must provide the following to you by law:  

• Current gas safety certificate  
• Energy performance certificate (EPC)  
• Electrical installation condition report (EICR)  
• Deposit protection documentation
• 'How to rent' guide.

Moving in

Many landlords provide an inventory (list of items, fixings and fittings, and furniture in the property and their condition) and/or a check-in report when you move in. It helps to prove the state of the property at the start of the tenancy and can help avoid issues about returning your deposit when you move out.

There will be two reports: a check-in and a check-out report.  

• The reports should contain pictures of gas and electricity meter readings (and water, if there is a water meter). You can also take your own pictures of meter readings.
• You will be asked to read and sign the check-in report. Please check the property carefully and ask to record anything that is wrong and was not mentioned in the check-in report such as damage or a missing item.

Renting when getting Universal Credit

You might be able to claim housing costs from Universal Credit to help pay the rent if you have low or no income.

Many families in the UK work but are on a low income and receive Universal Credit to help with housing costs. Tour Universal Credit allowance may change when you move into your own private accommodation.

• Renting in London means it is highly unlikely your entire rent will be covered by Universal Credit.  
• Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate gives you a guide on what you might receive. The LHA rate depends on the postcode of the property. You can use the this calculator to give an estimate of the maximum LHA rate you might get for the property you are interested in. 
• If you rent a property, you will need to be able to pay the difference between the Universal Credit you get and the rent. 
• You can also use our calculator to work out the total benefits you might get.

Shared accommodation rate

If you are single, under 35, have no children and are claiming Universal Credit, the government will only give you a certain amount of money towards your rent costs. In this case, shared accommodation rate will apply. This can make it harder to rent a whole property.

You will probably have to look for a room in a shared house or a bedsit somewhere you can afford. You can use this tool to have an idea of what you might be able to claim towards your rent.

Benefit cap

Benefit cap is the maximum amount you can receive in benefits for your entire household. The London figures are:  

• Families: £442.31 per week
• Single people: £296.35 per week

The benefit cap does not apply if you:

• get disability benefits  
• work for at least 16 hours if single) or 24 (if in a couple) 
• are of pension age.

Where people on Universal Credit can look for accommodation to rent

If you get Universal Credit, you can search for accommodation on the same portals mentioned above and, also on the following websites:  

• DSS Move 
• Moving Soon 
• Gumtree
• Nuroa
• Letting A Property
• Zoopla 

There are agencies which work with people in receipt of Universal Credit:  

• Barnaby's Property Lettings Ltd: 020 3976 8332
• Choicelet: 033 3050 8245

Some agents or landlords might require a guarantor (someone who can prove they can pay rent for you if you aren't able to) or ask for several months of rent in advance. 

Discretionary housing payments

If you're struggling to pay your rent, you can apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from the local council where you live. There are strict criteria to get a DHP and you may be deemed not eligible. It does not cover the entire rental cost and is only a temporary measure.

Help for Ukrainian nationals on the Homes for Ukraine scheme

• Islington Council can pay one month's rent and deposit when you provide a copy of your signed AST agreement and a bank statement.
• The Housing Solutions Team at the council might be able to help you find suitable accommodation outside of Islington in the private rented sector. If you would like this help, you must give the team as much notice as you can – two months before if possible. You will need to complete this form to start the process.
• The Housing Solutions Team have built good relationships with private landlords and can talk with landlords for you.
• We may also be able to help you furnish your new property with basic furniture and household items if your property comes unfurnished. 
• If you are in financial difficulty, we might be able to help you with moving costs.

What will happen after you move to private renting from your current sponsor

Although you will no longer live in your sponsor’s accommodation, you can still contact your caseworker or email us at resettlement@islington.gov.uk if you have any question or need information or help. We will try to help you or send you to agencies that will be able to help.  

BEAM

BEAM are a social enterprise Islington Council have partnered with to help the people we work with find accommodation in the private rented sector.

A caseworker will work with you one-to-one to help you with your property search and to provide support and advice in the process of finding somewhere to rent. BEAM are also able to act as a guarantor, help with moving costs, and pay for your deposit and first month’s rent.

If you would like to be referred to BEAM, please email the Homes for Ukraine team by emailing resettlement@islington.gov.uk and a member of our team will be able to discuss your case with you to see if a BEAM referral would be helpful.