Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

What kind of private rented accommodation is available?

If you are considering renting accommodation privately first you need to think about what type of accommodation you want. To do this you should consider the following:

• How much you can afford to pay each week/month
• What facilities you want (such as central heating or a garden)
• What size property you need (for example a bedsit or two bedroom flat)
• The location (near to public transport, shops, schools, work)
• Who you want to live with (such as being a lodger in someone’s home, live on your own or have flatmates)        

Private rented accommodation can either be self contained or shared with other people. It is very important to be very realistic about what you can afford. You may not be able to find exactly what you want. If you are in receipt of benefits some landlords may not be willing to rent to you. Sharing or renting a room will usually be much cheaper, although you may be eligible for help with paying your rent.

Bedsits are normally single rooms in large houses, they can be self - contained with a small kitchen and bathroom or a living/bed room with kitchens and bathrooms shared with other people.

Flat or house share is normally a flat or house where people live together and share the kitchen, lounge and bathroom. Groups of friends often set up flat and house shares and may advertise when someone leaves.

Lodgings/room in someone’s home is where people often take in lodgers to help cover their rent or mortgage payments. Living with your landlord and sharing their house will however mean you do have less security and fewer rights.

For advice on how to find somewhere to rent please see How to find private rented accommodation.