Renting in the private sector is the best option for many people in Slough. In the private sector, you have choices about your location and the type of home you want to live in.
Read the government’s guide to renting for a checklist of what to do at each stage of the renting process. The guide contains very useful information about:
- what fees your landlord or letting agent can charge
- the documents you need to prove your Right to Rent
- what paperwork your landlord or letting agent must give you.
Visit Shelter’s website for template letters to use when you need to contact your landlord or letting agent.
Working out what you can afford
Lettings agents expect your annual income to be around 30 times the monthly rent.
If you're earning £25,000 per year before tax, you can afford a monthly rent of around £830. This makes your rent no more than 40% of your gross monthly income.
You should create a monthly budget, so that you're sure that you can afford the rent. You need to take into account any other regular outgoings you will have. National Debtline have an online budget tool you can use.
Guarantor
A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you don't pay it. Your landlord may require you to have a guarantor if:
- you’re close to the limit of what you can afford
- you have a poor credit history.
Visit Shelter’s website for information about who can be a guarantor and what to do if you cannot find one.
Searching in your price range
Most rented properties and rooms are advertised online. Visit sites such as:
You can also register your interest with lettings agents who have offices in Slough.
Upfront costs
Most landlords charge a tenancy deposit plus at least a month’s rent in advance. This covers the costs of breakages and any missed rent.
The deposit is your money. It should be returned to you in full at the end of the tenancy unless your landlord has a reason to make deductions.
Your landlord must protect your deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days of you paying. They should give you written information about which scheme they used. You could get compensation if your landlord breaks these rules.
Your landlord or letting agent cannot charge you for things like:
- references
- administration
- credit checks
- immigration checks
- renewing your tenancy when your fixed term contract ends.