Social housing or affordable housing
Social or affordable housing is low-cost housing provided by housing associations or councils to people with low incomes or special housing needs.
To access this, you need to be on the housing register which is a list for people who are looking for somewhere to live. In Devon, this is called the Devon Home Choice Scheme.
If you want to live with a friend or family member in the long term, then you can apply to this scheme together.
We have listed the various council types and their responsibilities and who has local responsibility for housing.
Renting from a private landlord
This is when you live in a property owned by an individual person, sometimes known as a private landlord or a company. You can find properties through an estate agent, newspaper adverts or on internet housing sites.
Your local district, city or borough council can often help people access private rented housing by either helping with the deposit or by having an arrangement whereby the council or housing association lease from the private landlord and give you a tenancy. Find out which council services your postcode.
Anyone who rents a home is a tenant and will have to sign a tenancy agreement. These agreements cover the rights and responsibilities of you as a tenant and the landlord.
The agreement should also include important information such as:
- when the tenancy will start
- whether you have a tenancy or a licence (a tenancy gives more security)
- how you can end the tenancy
- what actions or behaviour from the tenant or landlord would be considered breaking the rules of the tenancy
- what type of accommodation is covered
- when the rent should be paid
- tenant responsibilities in relation to things such as noise, pets, looking after your home
- who will or can do repairs and decoration
People with disabilities and learning difficulties can and do have tenancy agreements. However, decisions about who should sign a tenancy agreement should be made using official capacity assessments and all decisions should be properly recorded.
Help to repair and maintain your home
The landlord of every property has a legal duty of care to ensure the building they are renting out is kept to a certain standard. If damage has been caused to the property, and your tenancy agreement stipulates that it is your responsibility to repair it, then it is important to hire trustworthy tradespeople to complete any work required.
The Buy with Confidence website allows you to search for Trading Standards approved businesses – including those who undertake home maintenance and repairs.
Other websites are available to check reviews for tradespeople for any required home maintenance and repairs for example, the Check-a-Trade website or Find an Expert – Our Local Expert.
The support available to help you live independently in your rented home
If you are struggling with any aspect of independent living, find out what support is available to help you live independently in your rented home.