Private Sector Options

 You could find a home in the private sector

If there is a strong likelihood that you will become homeless and we think that you may fall into one of our priority groups we may be able to give you financial assistance and practical help with finding a property to rent in the private sector.

Avoid becoming homeless

By choosing this option you do not become homeless and therefore avoid all the negative effects of homelessness and living in temporary accommodation.

You choose

You can choose the area that you live in rather than have to move to an area we have chosen, perhaps East London. You also avoid the very high rents charged in temporary accommodation.

We may be able to give you the deposit you need or assist you in finding your own private rented flat via our Home Finder's Scheme or you may be more interested in our Home Match Schemes.

We may be able to give you the deposit you need or assist you in finding your own private rented flat via our Home Finder's or Home Match Schemes.

Home Finder's Scheme

Many people who are losing their home would love the chance to find their own flat on the private market; however they simply can't raise the deposit needed. We can help!

We can give you the money you need to pay that deposit. We can give you:

This scheme puts you in the driving seat, allowing you to find your own flat in an area of your choice.

Danielle's story

Danielle was about to lose her private rented property because her tenancy came to an end and was not renewed. She said

'I did not want my kids to grow up in temporary accommodation and really wanted to stay independent living in private rented accommodation. I just couldn't get the deposit together.

I contacted HOS early and they told me about the Home Finders Scheme. I was thrilled to get £2,000 which I used to put down as a deposit on my new flat. We have now settled in, safe in the knowledge that my tenancy is for at least twelve months, hopefully more.

My daughter loves her new room and is so happy that she has not had to change her school. Thanks so much!'

For more information

Download the Home Finders Scheme leaflet (PDF)

Home Match Scheme

If finding a private tenancy yourself with the help of a Home Finders payment is proving difficult, we may be able to find a place for you through our Home Match service.

You will have less choice over where you live than if you search for a home yourself. This is because you will be dependent on the landlords or agents who work with us having a suitable property for you to rent. However, if we find you a place  through this scheme it will be with a landlord who accepts people on benefits and there will be no deposit to pay.

Find out more

For more information on either scheme, please contact us at HOS or online.  We will be happy to help.