You can look for privately rented accommodation anywhere in the UK, it does not have to be in Lincolnshire. The cost may vary depending on the area you are considering on living. Other costs for a property include council tax, gas and electricity bills, and water bills. Most properties are unfurnished, and you will need to provide your own furniture and other household items.
Ordinarily, a household on a low income would not be considered unless they were able to provide a guarantor. If you cannot provide a guarantor, (a guarantor is someone who will pay your rent if you do not) you may need to pay up to 6 months’ rent in advance.
As a general rule, an applicant would need to evidence an annual income of 30 times the monthly rental amount (i.e. If a property were advertised at £800 per month, the applicant would need to evidence an annual income of £24,000).
If a landlord or agent is willing to let you apply for a property you will normally be asked to pay a holding deposit (usually the equivalent of 1 week’s rent).
You must be able to prove that you a right to rent a property in England, to do this you will need a share code. You can find guidance on what else is needed here.
If after all referencing checks have been successfully completed, you will be offered a date to sign the lease (usually a 6-month assured tenancy agreement).
At this point you will have had to have paid a month’s rent in advance and a deposit (typically the equivalent of 5 week’s rent).
You may be entitled to assistance in the form of the housing element of Universal Credit.
You can find more advice on renting within the ‘Guidance for Guests’ link above or via the links below:
And don’t forget that you can contact the Homes for Ukraine team if you need any advice or support, you can email homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk
How to rent in England
Do you want to know more about renting in England? The government's information on living and renting in England is available to download at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent
For guests who are hoping to rent their own property in England, here are some tips from other Ukrainian guests that have already been successful in signing a tenancy:
- Whilst you are living with a host, you may be contributing to bills and buying food, but you will not be paying rent. Use the time with your host to save up towards upfront costs of a property which we have outlined above
- Learning English will help you to find work and also communicate with a landlord or letting agent. You can do this at face-to-face classes or online - find a course near you.
- Landlords or letting agents will often want to check credit history. You could open a savings account with your bank and save a certain amount every month to demonstrate that you can manage your finances and do it on a regular basis (like paying rent).
- If you are receiving benefits or a low income you might be able to get the housing costs element of Universal Credit. Find out if you are eligible for this here. If you are entitled to any kind of benefits, this will be taken into consideration when the letting agency or landlord decides if you can afford the property.
- Lots of people are looking for private rented homes right now and it is very competitive. Talk to your host about your plans as they may be able to give you advice about where to look locally. Look online every day but also visit local estate agents face-to-face and talk to friends at your nearest community group. Someone you know may know a private landlord who could be willing to help you. Do not hand over money to a letting agency or a landlord before viewing a property. Money should only be exchanged when you apply for a property. You should only pay the deposit and the rent in advance when you have a tenancy agreement.
- Be as flexible as you can be and search for homes in a wider geographical area.
- Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Get in touch if you need further help and advice at homesforukraine@lincolnshire.gov.uk or your local district council.
Moving into rental accommodation – registering with utility companies
We know that some guests are now starting to move into their own rental accommodation and will need help registering with utility companies. We hope the information and links below are useful and recommend contacting the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for further help and support.
Types of utilities
Gas and Electricity
The Citizens Advice website has useful pages on:
Water
In Lincolnshire, most homes are with Anglian Water but you can check your supplier on the Water UK website.
The Anglian Water website also has a dedicated ‘moving home’ page.
For hosts and guests, if anyone living in your property receives certain benefits or tax credits, you could be eligible for the AquaCare Plus or WaterSure tariffs. Visit the Anglian Water website or call 03457 919 155 to apply.
Broadband
The Uswitch website has a helpful page on broadband and moving house.
Paying bills
The Money Helper website has a useful page on the best way to pay bills.
Local websites on properties available to rent
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Sleaford
Grantham
Spalding
Lincoln
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Alford
Grimsby
Louth
Mablethorpe
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