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Private renting

This is renting a property from a private landlord. It is often the quickest way of finding somewhere to live and may be the only option available to you if you want to live in Tower Hamlets.

Lots of people choose to rent privately, for the following reasons:

  • long waiting times for council or housing association properties
  • you can choose where you want to live and the right location for schools, jobs, transport links or local services
  • choice on much rent to pay
  • choice on what facilities you have (self-contained or shared) and a variety of types of homes available, e.g. apartments, houses with gardens
  • avoid temporary accommodation with shared facilities for an uncertain period of time
  • avoid furniture storage costs
  • easy to end a tenancy if you decide to move.

Listen to Terry’s story to hear about how renting privately was a great choice for him

Private renting is often the quickest way of finding somewhere to live and may be the only option available to residents who want to live in Tower Hamlets. In this video, Tower Hamlets resident Terry tells us about how important finding a new home in the private market has been for him.

Finding a home

The quickest way to find a private rented property is to ask friends and family or search online. You can also check local estate agents and newsagents. Renting from a landlord or letting agent will depend on your budget and what services and location you want.

You should think about whether you want your own place or to share with others.

You can find private rented properties available for rent on websites like

There are dedicated websites advertising private rented homes for people claiming benefits such as DSS-accepted and DSS Move.

Learn about the Ali family and their journey to finding a new home.

Private renting is often the quickest way of finding somewhere to live and may be the only option available to residents who want to live in Tower Hamlets. Follow the journey of the Ali family as they look for their new home in the private rented sector, including key tips on where to search for properties and what support is in place for residents.

Financial assistance

Living in London is expensive. To find out where you could afford to live use the  London rents map or house price Calculator.

The Local Housing Allowance tool helps you check how much benefit will cover local housing costs.

If you have found a suitable private rented property that you can afford and are having problems with paying the deposit or upfront costs you may be able to apply for financial help.

You can also get more details on how to find financial assistance to help you rent privately.

Advice about private renting

When you rent privately, you and your landlord both have certain obligations under your tenancy agreement. Watch the video to hear about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

For further information on renting privately, you can get advice from Shelter.

Private Renting: Rights and responsibilities

All tenants who rent privately have certain rights and responsibilities. This video covers some of the key obligations which both tenants and landlords have as a result of signing their tenancy agreement.