Renting from a private landlord

Good-quality private rented accommodation is available in Salford.

Is there a guide with help and advice for private renting?

Yes, the government produce a guide for people who are renting a home privately under an assured shorthold tenancy. The guide gives advice on ways to rent a property, things to check when looking for a new home, your landlords responsibilities, your responsibilities as a tenant and information on what to do if things go wrong.

Make a complaint about a rented property

Your landlord must provide you with a copy of this guidance when you sign up to your tenancy.

We want to help more people to take up private rented tenancies, which are managed by one of Salford's accredited landlords.

What is an accredited landlord?

An accredited landlord means the landlord has signed an agreement with us to say that the management and maintenance of their property and tenancy meet the following standards.

• All gas and electrical equipment has been certified as safe by an approved contractor
• Any furniture provided meets fire safety regulations
• You have a clear, readable copy of your tenancy agreement which states the amount of your rent and the date it is due
• Your landlord must provide you with a receipt for any rent or deposit payments you make
• You are provided with a tenant handbook

How do I know if a landlord is accredited?

You can contact the Landlord Accreditation team by emailing landlord.accreditation@salford.gov.uk.

Or, find out more about the landlord accreditation scheme.

What is a deposit?

A deposit gives your landlord some security against any financial loss they may suffer if you damage the property or don't pay your rent.

Your landlord must put your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) if you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007. In England and Wales your deposit can be registered with:

• MyDeposits - including deposits that were held by Capita
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme
• Deposit Protection Service

If you do not rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord can accept valuable items (for example a car or watch) as a deposit instead of money. The items will not be protected by a scheme.

They make sure you’ll get your deposit back if you:

• meet the terms of your tenancy agreement
• do not damage the property
• pay your rent and bills

Your landlord or letting agent must put your deposit in the scheme within 30 days of getting it.

What if I can't afford a deposit?

If you:

• have found a private tenancy you would like to rent
• are on a low income
• are struggling to find a deposit

We can help!

Our rental bond scheme may be able to help you by giving a written guarantee to your landlord that would replace the normal cash deposit you would have to pay.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for the scheme if you:

• are in need of housing
• are over 18
• are homeless or are going to become homeless
• are on a low income or receive benefits
• have a connection to Salford

For more information speak to your housing options advisor or contact the rental bond coordinator on housing.advicecentre@salford.gov.uk. Or visit the rental bond scheme pages.

More information and help is available at the Salford Housing Options Point.

What about property condition?

Landlords must ensure that the accommodation they provide is free from serious hazards, including damp and mould, and that homes are fit for habitation. They must treat cases of damp and mould with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health. Get more information on housing standards and dealing with damp and mould.

What if my landlord is not doing repairs?

We aim to ensure that landlords who provide rented accommodation in the city supply a good quality service to their tenants. If your landlord is not doing repairs, you can make a complaint to us.

This page was last updated on 19 October 2023