Find a Home

There are properties to rent in most areas of the Ribble Valley. Rent varies according to the location and size of property with most rental rates excluding council tax and utilitiy bills (such as gas, electricity and water).

Visit the benefits section to see if you are eligible for financial support.

Where to find properties to rent

Estate agents and lettings agents

Estate and Letting agents advertise and let out properties on behalf of private landlords. They can be found on the high street, in local newspapers and online. There are also websites that offer rented property listings from a variety of local agencies such as Rightmove.

What will I need to rent a property?

References

Typically an agency, or an individual landlord, will require written references from an employer, or an agency professional, who can provide some background information about you. It is worth getting these prepared in advance of finding a landlord willing to offer a property.

Deposits

Landlords and letting agencies often ask for a deposit as a condition to the tenancy. This is usually equal to one months rent. The deposit is held against damage or cleaning required at the end of the tenancy.

For further information visit GOV.UK about Tenancy deposit protection.

We may be able to help you with the deposit contact Housing Needs on 01200 425111.

As a further security measure, landlords often ask for one months rent in advance - as well as a deposit.

Advice on the tenancy?

If you don't understand the terms of a tenancy or are concerned about the property please contact us for advice.

Why rent a property privately?

Choice and availability

Compared to housing association property, private rented housing can be a lot quicker to obtain. There are no waiting lists or points systems to deal with and households are not necessarily restricted to choosing a particular size or type of housing, which is the case with housing association allocation rules.

Security

Typically, most landlords offer a 6 or 12 month contracts of tenancy. If no notice is served before the end of the fixed term, the tenancy continues month to month after the fixed term has ended. There is generally less security with an assured short hold tenancy than with housing association property.

Local Housing allowance and rents

Private rents are often higher than housing association rents, but, depending on income, Local Housing Allowance may be claimed to help pay the rent. Local Housing Allowance is paid to the tenant to pass on to the landlord in the majority of cases. The amount paid varies according to family size and income level.

Condition of property

If you are in a private rented property and you are concerned about the condition of the property, please see Housing Standards and contact Environmental Health for advice.