HOUSING OPTIONS IN NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Renting in the Private Sector
Private rented accommodation is usually the easiest, quickest, and most convenient route for people to find a home. There are lots of private lets in North Northamptonshire and the benefits of renting privately include properties usually being available immediately, as well as giving you greater choice over where you live.
We encourage you to register with as many local letting agencies as possible and keep in weekly contact with them as properties advertised on websites such as Rightmove or Zoopla may already be available direct with the letting agent before they are advertised online.
Some landlords do not use agents and will advertise the property themselves online using social media platforms, local shops and in local newspapers when they have vacancies.
Landlords and agents should no longer charge you any fees for admin or referencing checks. These fees were banned from 1 June 2019. Please do not pay rent in advance or deposits until you know there is a genuine offer of accommodation, viewed the property and met with the landlord or agent.
If you are on low wages or benefits your landlord may require a guarantor. If this is likely to be necessary, try to ask a friend or family member in advance, to agree to act as a guarantor.
Private sector accommodation can range from a room rent in a shared house to large family homes.
Lodging
If you are reliant on any welfare benefits you may be entitled to financial support to cover the rent if you lodge with another household. This could also include renting a room from a friend if they have a spare room available for you to rent.
Low-Cost Home Ownership
This often includes shared ownership whereby households can buy a share of a property and pay rent to a housing association for the remaining share. For a range of options available please visit www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk
Assisted Living or Extra Care
These homes are usually for people over 55. Extra care housing allows you to maintain your independence while having access to care if and when you need it. Most have restaurants, cafes or shops that are open to everyone in the area and have shared living or activity rooms for residents. Everyone has their own front door and plenty of space. For more detailed advice about this option please speak to Adult Care on 0300 126 3000.
Supported Housing
There are specialist supported housing schemes in each area of North Northamptonshire. Speak to your local Housing Options Team for further information.
Mutual Exchange
If you are a current Council or Housing Association tenant, you may be able to exchange properties with another Council or Housing Association tenant. If you need more information or help with finding someone to exchange with, please speak to your local Housing Options Team for further information.
Assistance With Your Rent
You may be entitled to Local Housing Allowance towards the cost of privately renting. Please check your likely entitlement before signing any tenancy to ensure the property is affordable to you. There are online calculators to help with this such as http://www.entitledto.co.uk/
You may also be entitled to a Discretionary Housing Payment which is managed by the council’s Housing Benefit Team and can be contacted on 0300 126 3000.