Finding a home to rent

There are two types of homes to rent in Torbay:

• Housing association properties
• Private rented accommodation

Renting a housing association property

There are no council homes in Torbay, but some groups like Sanctuary Housing and Westward Housing offer homes. You can join their waiting lists by signing up with Devon Home Choice.

To be eligible to apply for social housing through Torbay Council, households need to bid through Devon Home Choice.

There aren't many homes available, and the waiting list is long. Most people won't get a social housing property. If you do, it can take 18 to 24 months. If you need to move quickly, don't count on a Devon Home Choice application. You can find more details on our “join the housing waiting list” page. 

If you live in a housing association property and don't need to move urgently, you can sign up with HomeSwapper to find someone to swap homes with.

Renting from a private landlord

Renting from a private landlord can be a good choice, but there are some things you should know to make it easy and stress-free.

Set your budget

Before you start looking, work out how much you can afford to pay in rent each month. Don’t forget to include other costs like utilities, Council Tax, and internet.

If you are using Housing Benefit to help with your rent, you need to know how many bedrooms you are entitled to and what your Local Housing Allowance rate is.

You should also see how much help you can get with your rent.

Where to look

There are many places to find rental listings:

• Online: Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla.
• Local Newspapers: Check the classifieds.
• Letting Agents: They can help you find a place and handle paperwork.
• Word of Mouth

Viewing properties

When you visit a property, check for:

• Safety: Look for working smoke alarms and secure locks.
• Condition: Check for damp, mould, and the overall state of the property.
• Utilities: Make sure the heating, water, and electricity work properly.

A competitive market

Renting in Torbay is tough because many people want homes, especially big ones. When you find a place you like, act fast. Rent prices are going up, and homes get taken quickly.

Be prepared to move fast and have all your documents ready to secure your new home.

Agency fees or credit checks

You may have to pay fees for using a rental agency or for credit checks. There is no help available towards these fees.

Understanding your tenancy agreement

This is a legal document that outlines your rights and responsibilities. Make sure you read it carefully before signing. It should include:

• Rent amount and due date
• Deposit details: By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
• Your landlord's responsibilities: You can find a detailed summary on our related webpage.

Help with rent in advance and deposits

We can't be a guarantor for your tenancy, but there are programs that can help with rent in advance and deposits. The help you get depends on what you need and if you get Housing Benefit.

• I am currently getting Housing Benefit 
• I am not currently getting Housing Benefit

Moving in

Once you’ve signed the agreement and paid your deposit, it’s time to move in!

Make a checklist of any issues you notice and inform your landlord right away.

During your tenancy

• Pay rent on time: This helps build a good relationship with your landlord.
• Report problems: If something breaks, let your landlord know as soon as possible.
• Respect the property: Keep it clean and avoid causing damage.

Ending your tenancy

When you decide to move out, give your landlord the required notice (usually one month). Make sure the property is in good condition to get your full deposit back.

The Government’s “how to rent” guide can be found on the Gov.uk website