Sourcing Private Rented Accommodation

It is advisable that those seeking rented accommodation in Stratford-on-Avon District look to secure a property in the private rented sector.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council does not own any housing stock so all social housing in the district is provided by housing associations. The availability of social housing is low and the demand is high. If you wish to make an application to join the Social Housing register, please see Home Choice Plus.

Private rented accommodation is provided by private landlords. They may rent direct to you or may rent their property through a letting or managing agent. The landlord may rent you the whole of the property or they may just rent to you a room in a shared property, as a lodging or House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). A tenancy agreement or licence agreement will be given to you, which will provide you with specific rights to the accommodation. In return, you will be required to pay rent either weekly or monthly.

Private rented accommodation can typically be found by:

  • visiting letting/property/estate agents' retail outlets
  • searching the internet, local newspapers and shop windows
  • word of mouth
  • placing an advert yourself.

Please note that, since 1 October 2014, all individuals, bodies and organisations undertaking letting agency or property management work have been required to register with a government-approved property redress scheme.

When searching, viewing and securing a property there is a lot of information to take on board. The How to Rent guide offers further information and advice to make the process as easy as possible.

If you are on a low income you may be entitled to other services such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction scheme or assistance in obtaining furniture.

If you need help to access privately rented accommodation, you may be eligible to use the Tenancy Access Scheme.

For further information, please contact the Housing Advice team:

Contact: The Housing Advice team

Last updated on 28/02/2020