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How to find a home to rent with a private landlord, why this may be the best option for you, and how we can help.

Renting from a private landlord

Finding a home that you can afford to rent doesn't have to mean finding a council or housing association property. There are many other properties in Bristol which are available to rent from a private landlord.

A private landlord is someone who owns one or more properties that they rent out to tenants. 

Why rent with a private landlord

There are many advantages to renting privately:

  • There are no waiting lists, so you'll be able to move in quickly
  • You can choose where you live in the city, and you can move to a different area if you want
  • There are many different types of property available, from one-bedroom or studio flats to houses big enough for large families
  • The properties will usually be well decorated and carpeted; this is often not the case with social housing
  • The properties often come with a fridge, freezer, cooker and washing machine
  • If you're on a low income, you may be entitled to benefits which will cover some or all of your rent

Where to find a property

You can find properties to rent by:

  • searching for local letting agencies online
  • checking websites, such as:
  • checking local newspapers
  • speaking to the accommodation offices at UWE or Bristol University, if you're a student
  • social media buy and sell local pages
  • speaking to friends and family

View the property

Once you find a suitable property, you'll need to go and have a look at it.

It's a good idea to take a list of things to check so you don't forget about anything when you're there.

We can help

We can help you find a home with a private landlord if you're homeless or threatened with homelessness.

We can: 

  • give you advice on how to look for a property
  • talk to a potential landlord on your behalf 
  • help you prepare for your appointment with the landlord to give you a better chance of getting a property
  • help you find furniture

In some cases, we can:

  • offer financial help with our deposit bond scheme, an interest free loan with repayment terms of up to five years 
  • help with rent in advance and deposit
  • help to buy furniture essentials

What you can do now

If you'd like more advice, email private.renting@bristol.gov.uk

If you want to be considered for financial help you'll need to be referred by a Housing Advisor. They will check to see if you qualify for the deposit bond scheme. 

Homes to rent for older and vulnerable people

There are a number of housing options available to you if you're an older or vulnerable person.

These include supported and extra care housing.