Private Rented Accommodation

How to find a place to rent:

• Ask friends, family and work colleagues.
• Check shop windows and library notice boards.
• Advertise your need for accommodation with in a local newspaper or shop.
• Look through local newspapers (on display in the library):

                The Bucks Herald - available on Wednesdays
                The Bucks Advertiser - available on Fridays
                The Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser - available on Fridays
                The Bucks Free Press - available on Thursdays 
                The Citizen - available on Fridays

• Letting Agencies. Ask about their charges before accepting accommodation. Follow the link below to information about local estate agents.

Advance Payments for Private Rented Accommodation

With private rented accommodation you will probably need a deposit (often equivalent to at least one month's rent) plus a month's rent in advance. You may also be asked for references from your previous landlord, your employer or your bank.

Always get a receipt for any money you pay in advance. A deposit is held by a landlord (or the landlord’s agent) and should be returned when you leave unless you don't pay your rent, damage the property or remove things from the property.

The Private Rent Scheme

The private rent scheme aims to put people looking for privately rented accommodation in touch with private landlords. The scheme is for people in housing need and on low incomes (claiming benefit). Tenants are referred to the scheme by housing options officers, homelessness officers and housing debt advisers. For more information call 01296 585168 or 01296 585197.

Tenancy Agreements for Private Rented Accommodation

Tenancy agreements are usually written but they can be verbal. Both are legally binding.

Always read an agreement carefully before signing it.

Your rights as a tenant differ depending on the type of tenancy you have. Our Housing Advisor can help you if you are unsure about your rights. Telephone 01296 585225.

Social Rented Accommodation

Registered Social Landlords (housing associations)

Since 2006, when the Council transferred its housing stock to Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, all social housing in the District has been owned and managed by housing associations, where the Council has nomination rights to a precentage of their vacancies. To be considered for a nomination you must join our Housing Register and you will need to complete an application form. You can get an application pack from our offices in Aylesbury, Winslow or Buckingham, by calling us on 01296 585197, or you can download an application form from this website. 

Demand for housing in this area is very high and even applicants in urgent housing need have to wait a considerable time for re-housing.

For details of who is eligible and how we operate the Register please follow the link to How the Housing Register Works.  You can also telephone or email our Housing Needs & Advice team using the details below.

Most Registered Social Landlords are non-profit making organisations and members of the National Housing Federation.

Ask us for a list of Registered Social Landlords in the Aylesbury Vale and surrounding areas. Alternatively follow the link to our housing advice directory which contains details of all the local housing associations. 

You may personally approach a Registered Social Landlord to ask if you can go onto its waiting list. Some Registered Social Landlords will accept direct applications without the support of the Council.

Shared Ownership Schemes

Most shared ownership schemes are run by Registered Social Landlords (housing associations). In certain cases, nominations may be made via the Housing & Transfer Register.

Shared ownership schemes enable you to buy a share of the property you are living in and pay rent on the other part. You may be able to buy more shares until you own the property outright. For further information on shared ownership schemes, please contact the Home Ownership Officer on 01296 585270.

Special Rules for Under 25s

If you are single, under 25 and eligible for Housing Benefit, the Housing Benefit Regulations restrict the amount of benefit you can receive to the equivalent of the cost of renting a room in a shared house. In Aylesbury Vale this figure varies depending on the size and quality of the accommodation.

Consider using a pre-tenancy determination to try to establish whether a place is likely to be affordable for you. Follow the link below for information on Help with paying your rent.

Follow the link below for information about housing for young people on the Connexions website.

Date Updated: 26/06/08