Renting a home

It is important to consider all the options available to you when choosing a rental home.

This page will explain those options, help you understand the full costs of renting and tell you where to find help and advice if times get hard.

Landlord options

You can rent a home from:

• the council
• housing associations
• private landlords

Each has different rules about who can live in their homes. Organisations such as Shelter provide information and advice on the different types of landlord.

Council housing

Find out how to apply for council housing.

Housing associations

Housing associations, also referred to as Registered Providers, are partly financed by government grants, allowing them to build or modernise affordable housing. 

Some provide more specialised accommodation for people with specific needs, such as sheltered accommodation for older people.

Some housing associations run their own application process and may not advertise properties through the council's choice-based lettings system. 

If you are interested in renting a property from any of these providers visit their websites for further information on how to apply:

• Nottingham Community Housing Association
• Anchor Hanover
• St Leonard’s Hospital Trust
• Framework Housing Association 
• Johnnie Johnson Housing 

Private landlords

Private landlords typically list their properties using letting agencies. The best way to browse these properties is to use specialist property websites like Rightmove.

Types of tenancy

Each landlord will have their own preferred type of tenancy, and tenancy agreement with terms and conditions setting their rules of the tenancy. You will receive this as a document to sign. Some landlords may also require a deposit and references. 

Assured shorthold tenancy 

Available from housing associations, this will be an introductory tenancy initially and, subject to satisfactory completion, will be transferred to being an assured tenancy. Most private landlords offer an assured shorthold tenancy up to six months. 

Secure tenancy 

Allows you to live in the property for the rest of your life, as long as you do not break the conditions of the tenancy. It is usually granted to new council tenants who have successfully completed a 12-month introductory tenancy, or tenants who transfer from an existing Newark and Sherwood District Council tenancy to another council tenancy.

Assured tenancy 

May be offered when a housing management company is providing the tenancy on behalf of another landlord

Notice periods

You must inform your landlord when you wish to leave your home. This is called a notice period.

If you are a council tenant you must give us at least 4 weeks' notice in writing. Other landlords may have different notice periods. They will be set out in your tenancy agreement.

Costs of renting

There are lots of costs associated with owning or renting a home. As well as rent, you’ll also need to pay:

• home contents insurance
• Council Tax
• gas
• electricity
• water rates
• phone and broadband
• TV licence
• TV services connection and aerial cost
• basic maintenance costs for your property and garden (if applicable)

If you need help working out what you can afford you can request a financial assessment from our income management team using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

Tenants home contents insurance

Single person accommodation

If you’re single and looking for a place to live that supports your independence please contact us using the details at the bottom of the page. Priority is given to applicants with a local connection.