Finding your own accommodation

The quickest way to find a property is online, on property search websites. You can easily search for the exact area you want and arrange viewings on websites.

Privately renting has many advantages such as:

  • you choose where you live
  • be near your support network, schools, employment, hospitals, your GP and other key services
  • you can find the property of your choice.

You may be eligible for help towards your rent by claiming housing benefit or universal credit.

These are welfare benefits to assist residents to pay their rent. The amount you receive depends on your income, savings, capital and other factors.

Where to look for private rented accommodation

To look for your own property you can talk to friends and family about any opportunities/vacancies, sign up with estate agents or if you have access to the internet you can look for properties on the following property sites:

Find out the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for the area you are looking at properties.

If you can't find a place you can afford

Be more flexible in your choice of area, rents in London are much higher than other parts of the country and are continuing to rise rapidly.   

You might need to widen your search to outside of the borough, and outside of London, to find an affordable property. Ensure you obtain details on: 

  • the rent amount and whether it includes bills 
  • how rent payments should be made 
  • the rental period and the possibility of renewing your tenancy 
  • how the deposit will be protected 
  • pet policies (if applicable) 
  • documents Required by the council.

To secure the property, the council will need the following documents: 

  • Energy Performance Certificate (minimum grade E) 
  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (E.I.C.R) with a 'Satisfactory' rating 
  • Land Registry certificate 
  • Valid Gas Safety certificate.

Support we can offer

The council offers support to help you secure a suitable and affordable home of your choice. 

If you locate a suitable property in the private rental market, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you settle, providing a solution for your housing needs in the short to medium term. 

The property you choose must be affordable based on your circumstances. Even if the rent exceeds the Local Housing Allowance (LHA), we may still be able to assist. Securing your own home gives you flexibility, choice, and the opportunity for a fresh start. 

What we can offer

  • assistance in finding a private rental property that meets your needs 
  • support with negotiating rent and reviewing tenancy agreements 
  • help with a deposit and advance rent payments 
  • assistance with relocation costs if you secure a property outside Hillingdon 
  • help with removal costs 
  • eligibility criteria.

What support is available

You may qualify for support if: 

  • you are threatened with homelessness, reside in Hillingdon, and the council has accepted a duty to assist you 
  • you are actively searching for private rental accommodation that meets your needs 
  • you receive Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, or have a low income 
  • you need help with up front costs, such as a deposit and rent in advance 
  • the property meets safety requirements.

How to access available support 

To access our support, you will need to: 

  • find an affordable property that meets your needs
  • obtain relevant details from the landlord or letting agent
  • avoid making any payments or signing agreements before consulting your housing officer
  • contact your housing officer for further guidance
  • undergo an assessment of your income and expenses to confirm the property's affordability. 

If approved, Hillingdon's Rental Support Scheme will work with the landlord to secure the tenancy. One month's deposit and one month's rent will be paid directly to the landlord once an agreement is in place. 


Do not give up any accommodation without first understanding your legal rights and options.


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Page last updated: 08 Nov 2024