Private rented accommodation

The private rented sector within the Wakefield district is increasing and is now an accessible housing option. Some people find that private renting can be a quicker route to finding accommodation. It can offer you a more flexible choice of area as well as the option of furnished or unfurnished accommodation.

Routes into Private Rented Accommodation

If you're considering private renting, available properties are normally advertised in the following places:

• The Internet - You can check for vacancies by looking online. Examples include:
• Zoopla
• Rightmove
• Open Rent
• Gumtree
• Social media
• Estate Agents and Lettings Agencies
• Local newspapers
• Local shops, post offices and supermarkets

Right to Rent

You must prove that you have a right to rent property in England if you are intending to sign for a tenancy. Further guidance is available online www.gov.uk/private-renting/document-checks.

How to Rent

The 'How to Rent' guide is for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities. It provides a checklist and more detailed information on each stage of the process, including:

• what to look out for before renting
• living in a rented home
• what happens at the end of a tenancy
• what to do if things go wrong

The How to Rent guide is available online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent.