Private Rented Accommodation
Accessing private rented accommodation in Fylde
There is a large amount of private rented accommodation in the Borough, the majority of properties are located in St Annes and Lytham, with a small number of properties in Kirkham and Wesham.
Housing Association properties are in short supply therefore it is beneficial to always check the private rented sector.
What can you afford?
Before you start looking you'll need to work out a budget. Over stretching yourself is almost always a mistake - you could end up in debt, or being evicted for arrears. Try to be realistic about your finances.
It is always worth checking to see if you are entitled to Local Housing Allowance. Further information is available by clicking on Local Housing Allowance under related content to the right of the page. Click on the benefits calculator to the right of this page to find out how much local housing allowance you might be entitled to.
Please remember that if you are single and under 25 years of age you can only claim the shared rate no matter what size of property you choose to rent.
If you have found a property to rent and want to be sure that it is not more than the maximum rent which Local Housing Allowance can pay towards the cost of that type of property, you can apply free for a Pre-tenancy determination decision from the Rent Officer. Forms are available from the Fylde Direct One Stop Shop. The Landlord will need to complete part of the form too and it will take about 7 days to get the decision.
How much will I have to pay in advance?
You will probably need enough money for a deposit this is normally the same as a months rent. This should then be placed in a tenancy deposit scheme. See the related content to the right of this page for more information. You will also need a months rent in advance, and if you are renting through an agency you may need to pay an agency fee.
Looking for affordable private rented accommodation
There is a rent bond guarantee scheme run by Face to Face YMCA. They are a charity and operate like an estate agent but without the fees. They provide a guarantee for the bond rather than money. For more details about this scheme click on the link on the left hand side of the page.
Check the place out before you agree to rent the property
it might save problems later. Things to consider include:-
- Does the rent include water rates, council tax, gas, electricity, heating etc?
- Is the electricity in your flat separately metered? how much does it cost?
- Are there any rules?
- Is there a telephone, and or washing machine you can use?
- Is furniture provided? Is there enough for you, or will you need to buy extra things, such as television and pots and pans?
- Ask to see the gas safety certificates, which the landlord must get every year.
- Ask to see an energy performance certificate - this will tell you how energy efficient the property is
- Do any repairs need doing, ask the landlord to confirm in writing when they will be done by.
- Has the property got smoke detectors and are they working?
- Check that the landlord will give you a written checklist so that you both agree what is in the property and its condition before you rent it. You can then write on it if there any repairs needed or damage to carpets or furniture to confirm it was like that before you moved in. Both you and the landlord should sign it to confirm this.
Where to find accommodation
The local press publish adverts from landlords and estate agents on available property in the area. Look in:-
- The Blackpool Evening Gazette and Lancashire Evening Post - carry adverts each night including properties in the Fylde
- Lytham St Annes Express is a weekly paper published on a Thursday
If you don't get a paper your local library will have a copy
You can also look up local estate agents on the internet via the yellow pages. The link is on the right hand side of this page. In the search option type letting agents and in the area search box type Fylde. This will generate a list of letting agents in the Fylde Borough Council area.
