How can I look for housing, especially through online platforms?
The UK is facing a housing crisis currently. You should consider available options from all reputable housing providers, according to your financial situation and actual needs. There are high street letting agents in different parts of the UK that you can approach to seek housing. At the same time, most of the available housing is there for the public to view and enquire about via online platforms.
The list below is not exhaustive of all online platforms available, it is a list of common platforms for your general reference. HKB does not have business relationships with any of the platforms below. It is the third-party organisations who are responsible for providing the services and charge accordingly. The use of services provided by a third party is done at your discretion and risk. HKB shall not be liable for any damage, loss and injury arising out of your relations with any third parties.
www.rightmove.co.uk
www.zoopla.co.uk
www.primelocation.com
www.onthemarket.com
www.rightmove.co.uk
www.placebuzz.com
www.gumtree.com
The UK Government has also published guidance in this area. It would be advisable to read the guidance before renting or buying properties.
Guidance – How to Rent
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent
Guidance – How to Buy
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-buy-a-home/how-to-buy
I want to know more about Tenancy Deposit Protection
Your landlord must put your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) if you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007.
National governments set and implement their own housing policies. You must check the correct information for the nation that you live in. For example, in England and Wales, your landlord or letting agent must put your deposit in the scheme within 30 days of getting it. In Scotland it is within 30 working days; and in Northern Ireland it would be within 28 days.
If the landlord does not protect the deposit, you can take legal action against them:
https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/if-your-landlord-doesnt-protect-your-deposit
In Wales, it might also affect the landlord’s right to serve you a no-fault notice under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Where should I go to when there is a dispute?
You should try to discuss with the landlord or the letting agent, if possible please use written correspondence to ensure there are records and paper traces for further action.
If it is a housing-related dispute, you can reach out to Shelter for help. It is a charity in the UK that specialises in housing advice. This organisation might be able to provide housing-related legal advice.
England: https://www.shelter.org.uk/
Scotland: https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/
Wales: https://sheltercymru.org.uk/
In Northern Ireland you would have to seek assistance from Housing Advice NI: https://www.housingadviceni.org/
Citizens Advice (Bureau), which covers the whole of the UK, also provides an FAQs page for housing:
England: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/
Scotland: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/housing/
Wales: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/housing/
Northern Ireland: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/northern-ireland/
I might be facing homelessness…
If you face homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, you should contact the local authority as soon as possible. The BN(O) Visa comes with the clause of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) which will limit the assistance the local authority can provide. However, if you have the means of obtaining accommodation but then cannot meet other essential living needs, or do not have adequate accommodation or any means of obtaining it, you may make an application to remove this clause. For more information, you need to seek help from the Homelessness Service in your local authority. If needed, you may contact the Adult Social Services of your local council for assistance.
Last updated in: Jan 2024