Frequently asked questions
- How do I find somewhere to live?
- What is a deposit and why should I pay it?
- My landlord won’t return my deposit, what should I do?
- What can I do if my house is falling into disrepair?
How do I find somewhere to live?
If you are looking for a new home in Salford, there are several options you may wish to consider.
- Buying a property
- Renting a property from Salford City Council. (Managed by New Prospect and Salix Homes)
- Renting a property from a Housing Association
- Renting in the private sector
There is increasing demand in Salford for all types of accommodation. If you are in housing need, but not homeless, Housing Advice in Salford provides a Housing Options Service.
The team will actively assist in helping find a home for you in the city with a range of different providers.
In the private sector we only recommend those landlords who are members of Salford’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
In certain circumstances, the advice service will be able to help you get started by offering a rental bond or deposit to landlords if this is proving to be a barrier to you finding a home in the city.
If you have nowhere to stay at all you should contact Salford’s Housing Advice and Support Services team direct on 0161 793 2020 for further advice and assistance.
What is a deposit and why should I pay it?
A deposit is an amount of money you pay to your landlord at the start of your tenancy to safeguard your landlord against any damage you may cause or any unpaid bills or rent. The deposit should be returned to you when you leave.
It is common for a landlord to charge you a month’s rent in advance as a deposit. If you are unsure about whether you are being asked to pay too much contact us for further advice.
My landlord won’t return my deposit, what should I do?
If you feel that a landlord has withheld your deposit unreasonably, write to them and ask for the money. In the letter, include a reason for asking for the money, and a date by which the money should be returned. Keep a copy of the letter.
If a landlord still doesn’t return your deposit, consider taking legal action. This process is neither costly nor complex. There is a simple procedure in the County Court, known as a Small Claim. There is a fee, but not everyone has to pay it, and if you win your case and get the deposit back, you will also get back the fee.
For more advice on deposits and your rights as a tenant contact the Housing Advice and Support Services Team.
What can I do if my house is falling into disrepair?
A landlord has to ensure that a property is fit to live in and to provide repairs to the property when necessary. General repair work that a landlord must do:
- Repairs in the structure of your home (including the roof, walls, floors, doors and windows)
- Repairs to the outside of the building including gutters, pipes and drains
- Repairs to plumbing, such as baths, toilets and basins
- Repairs to electrical wiring and gas pipes
- Repairs to fixed heaters and wall heaters.
Landlords must also ensure that their properties are safe to live in. The condition of the property should not seriously affect health and safety. This includes:
- Serious damp and condensation
- Inadequate ventilation
- Lack of piped clean water
- Poor facilities for preparing and cooking food
- Excessive noise
- Burst pipes
- Infestation
The Housing Advice and Support Services team can provide further information on a landlord’s responsibilities. Contact the Housing Advice Team
Who to contact
- Name
- Housing Advice and Support Services
- Address
- Crompton House
100 Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 6ES - Telephone
- 0161 793 2020
- housing.advicecentre@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 14 August 2008
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