If you need a new home, you should look for a private rented property as soon as possible. You are much more likely to be able to rent privately than to get a social housing property.

Most people will be on the housing register for years and may never get a social housing property.

Use our housing support finder to check your waiting time for social housing. 

Private renting is when you rent your home from somebody else. That person usually owns the property. It’s the best option because you can:

• search for properties that you like
• choose the area you want to live in
• usually move in quickly