Help finding your own home

Having your own home means

  • A private-rented home that suits you.
  • Choose where you live.
  • Longer-term tenancies.
  • Support from Milton Keynes City Council to help you make the right decision.

Our offer

  • Your first month rent paid for and one month’s deposit (based on an affordability. assessment or an incentive paid directly to the landlord / agent).
  • Help with the cost of renting privately. 
  • Support with getting your documents right and rent negotiation.
  • Help with budgeting and finding work.

Your role

  • Find a private-rental home that you can afford and share the details with your Housing Solutions Officer.
  • Check your rights and responsibilities.

Finding a home

  • There are several ways to find a property. For example, you could search property listings online. You could also register with an estate agent in the location you would like to live.
  • Consider the affordability of the location, access to schools, health facilities and other amenities.

Viewing properties

  • Always view the property before entering into a contract.
  • Do not hand over money until you have signed a legally binding tenancy agreement and are happy with the conditions.
  • Have documents ready, including ID, proof of address and proof of income.

Agreeing your tenancy

If you are taking out an Assured Shorthold Tenancy your landlord must keep the property safe and free from health hazards and carry out most repairs. They must also provide you with:

  • Protection for your deposit in an approved deposit protection scheme.
  • A gas safety certificate before you move in.
  • An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). 
  • An Electrical Installation Certificate (EICR). 
  • Smoke alarms on every floor – you are then responsible for regularly testing alarms and replacing batteries.
  • A carbon monoxide alarm in rooms using solid fuels.

Useful links

City and area guides

Budgeting and affordability 

Finding a property

Agreeing a tenancy