Stay with family and friends until you can find accommodation; start to save for your rent in advance and or deposit (which will normally need to be provided prior to moving in). This amount should be around £800.00.
• Stay with family and friends until you can find accommodation; start to save for your rent in advance and or deposit (which will normally need to be provided prior to moving in). This amount should be around £800.00. If you are not able to save, you may be able to use your bank overdraft facility or a credit union to pay for your deposit until you can secure employment.
• Southampton Churches run a rent deposit scheme, for more information call 023 80904529 (24 hour answer phone) alternatively email rentscheme@asaurc.org.uk
Street sleeping is described as sleeping on the streets, in doorways, parks or bus shelters or in buildings or other places not designed for habitation (such as sheds, car parks, cars, derelict boats or stations). If this is how you are living, you will need to see the Street Homeless Prevention Team at the following address:
Two Saints Day Centre, 30 Cranbury Avenue , Southampton
The team are available on weekdays between 9.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m.
To access supported homelessness accommodation, including hostels, you need to have exhausted all your options and be at imminent risk of street homelessness or actually street sleeping.
For further information call 023 80832343.
There are four main ways people look for private accommodation.
1) Via the internet www.findaproperty.com/ or using a search engine try ‘rentaroom’.
2) Via newspapers the Southern Evening Echo and Property Advertiser.
3) Via word of mouth.
4) Via local estate agents, letting agents.
Use this checklist as a guide when viewing a property to try and minimise problems and ensure the property is safe for you.
View the property in daylight and take someone with you or tell someone where you are going and how long you will be. You will need to be aware of the following issues:
1. Safety within the accommodation and the location
2. Security of the property
3. The condition of the property and whether it needs repair
4. Who’s responsible for what – make sure that you and the landlord are clear who is responsible for repairs, bills, service charges.
5. Check the inventory and condition of any furniture that is in the accommodation.
6. Check who you need to contact if you have any concerns.
7. Make sure you read through the tenancy agreement before you sign it
8. If you do not understand the tenancy agreement seek advice before you sign.
If you do decide to take on the property, make sure that you have a copy of the tenancy agreement and check the details again before signing.
Check what type of tenancy you have. In most cases this will be an assured short hold tenancy (AST), but you may only have a licence to occupy, leaving you with far fewer rights. If you are unsure what tenancy you have, seek advice before signing.
If sharing with friends, check whether you will have individual contracts or if it will be a shared tenancy.
You will normally be asked for a Deposit/Rent in advance. You must agree a Move in Date with your landlord – if you are unemployed or on a low income, submit a Local Housing allowance form and return this to Gateway. You will need to provide two forms of ID (Birth Certificate, Passport, full driving licence and your National Insurance Number), plus your tenancy agreement as proof of rent and residence. You will also need to provide income proof. Always get a receipt from Gateway to show you provided this information.
Copyright © Southampton City Council 2009
