Some of Southwark’s private rented properties must be licensed, including all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
If it is not and should be, you can report it to us.
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Find a privately rented home
How to find a private rental. What checks you should make before accepting a tenancy.
When you’re looking for affordable rented housing try the London rents map. This shows average monthly private sector rents.
If you're facing homelessness check if we can help you secure an affordable privately rented home.
Before you look around a property you should first:
- consider renting with friends to help with the cost
- be safe - take a friend to viewings, if possible
Checks you should make
Is the property licensed?
Is the letting agent registered?
if you're dealing with a letting agent, check they're a member of the Property Redress or the Property Ombudsman schemes.
By law, they must be.
Is the property Gas Safe?
By law, if there are gas appliances in the property, the landlord must show you a Gas Safety Certificate.
This must be issued by a Gas Safety registered engineer within 12 months.
The landlord must give, or show you, a copy of the certificate before you move in.
Electrical safety
The landlord is also responsible for ensuring an up to date electrical safety certificate is obtained from a qualified electrician.
The certificate should include a recommendation for when safety checks are due next.
Check that there are enough electrical sockets for your appliances and make sure there are no broken or exposed sockets.
Fire safety
Ask the landlord about fire exits and how you would leave the property if there was a fire.
If the property is furnished, check that all the foam filled furniture has a label to show it is fire-resistant.
Shared accommodation should contain fire safety equipment.
Check that any safety equipment is in good working order and easy to find, for example:
- fire doors should shut properly by themselves
- the smoke alarm system must work properly
- there should be a fire blanket in each shared kitchen, which is easy to reach
Other safety and practical checks
Other things to consider during a viewing:
- are the locks on the doors and windows working?
- is there enough space for you and your things?
- is there enough lighting and natural light?
- is there enough ventilation?
- how much will it cost to heat the property?
Will your deposit be protected?
If you have an assured shorthold tenancy your landlord must protect your deposit by law.
Find out more about deposit rules on GOV.UK.
When you’re looking around a property, it’s a good idea to not hand over any money until you've accepted the accommodation.
When you pay the deposit or rent, get a receipt.
Are there any other charges to pay?
The law bans most other charges to tenants.
For more information, see Shelter’s advice on upfront costs and their advice on tenant fees.
Who pays the bills
If it's shared accommodation, you should ask if utilities like gas and electric are included in the rent, or whether you'll need to pay the suppliers yourself.
With shared accommodation you may have a set amount that your must pay monthly.
The tenancy agreement
Before accepting or signing a tenancy agreement make sure you read and check it carefully.
Find out about the different types of tenancy agreement and rules on GOV.UK.
Your rights and responsibilities
You should check our guide on your rights and responsibilities as a private tenant.
You'll find out about the help you can get if you have any problems, like if:
- you're struggling to pay your rent
- your landlord is harassing you, or threatening you with eviction