Alternative Accommodation Options
Finding a Home to Rent in Carlisle
Accommodation in the private sector
Nearly all of Carlisle's privately rented housing is owned by
individual landlords who advertise vacancies in the local press.
Some estate agents also keep lists of privately rented
accommodation. It is also worthwhile looking at the advertisement
postcard displays in the shops in the area where you want to live,
especially newsagents and convenience stores.
Local housing associations,
accommodation providers and letting agencies are listed on
pages 9 to 13.
What you will need to rent
a private property
Many private landlords ask for a cash deposit before they will
grant a tenancy. This it to act as an insurance against damage to
their property. You should always check with the landlord, how much
deposit will be and on what terms, before going to see a property.
You will usually need to pay the deposit the day the tenancy begins
along with the first rent payment (usually 4 weeks in advance).
Tenancy Deposit Protection came into
force on Friday, 6 April 2007 and the Government has awarded
contracts to three companies to run the scheme (details available
on request).
This means that the deposit you pay
will be held by one of these companies until the end of the tenancy
and an independent agency will decide on any disputes about getting
back your deposit. If the landlord wants a deposit, ask for the
name of the company where it will be held.
The Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DiGS), helps
people who need a private tenancy by providing the landlord with a
guarantee rather than payment of the deposit up front.
If you cannot afford a deposit, you
may be able to get help from the Deposit Guarantee
Scheme, please ask for a leaflet from the Council, Citizens
Advice Bureau, Connexions or Community Projects Carlisle (CPC).
You might also need references from
previous landlords and from your employer if you are working. You
should check with the landlord what is required (such
as references, credit check, deposit, how much rent in
advance?) before going to see a property.
Private
tenancies
You should ask your landlord for a written copy of your
tenancy agreement and always get a receipt for any
money you have paid to the landlord. It is a good idea to check and
agree with your landlord the extent of any damage already made to
the property before you move in to avoid problems later getting
your deposit back. If you own a camera, take photos of each room,
particularly areas where there are marks or damage. You can then
refer back to these if there is a dispute when your tenancy
ends.
Private properties are let on what is
known as an assured shorthold tenancy. This means
that you are secure in the property for a minimum of six months as
long as you don't break any of the tenancy rules laid down in your
tenancy agreement.
You need to agree with the landlord how long your shorthold
tenancy will last. It can last for a set period (known as a "fixed
term") or can be left open ended. An assured shorthold tenancy does
not give you the right to have your tenancy extended after the
original period has ended. It is well worth asking your landlord
how long he or she is planning to let the property, especially if
you want to avoid having to move on again in the future.
Paying for private rented
accommodation
If you are planning to rent a private property, check that you
can afford to pay the rent. Don't forget that you will also have to
pay the Council Tax and bills such as electricity, gas and
water.
If you are claiming benefits or you
are on a low income, you will probably get housing
benefit to help you pay your rent. Before you take on a
tenancy and claim housing benefit, you can ask Carlisle City
Council’s housing benefit department for a
pre-tenancy
determination. This will give you the rent figure which
will be used to work out your housing benefit. However, the pre-
tenancy determination does not guarantee that you will get housing
benefit or tell you the amount you will get. Remember that your
housing benefit can be reduced for a number of reasons, such as the
rent being above the normal market rents or the property being too
large for your needs.
You can get a claim form for housing
benefit and pre-tenancy determination from the Customer Contact
Centre at Carlisle City Council, Civic Centre, or by calling 01228
817200.
Single people
If you are single and under 25 years of
age, housing benefit will only cover rent for the cost of
a room in a shared house, which is about £45 per week. So
you will have to pay the difference.
What will happen if you don't pay your rent
If you don't pay your rent, your landlord can seek a Court Order
to evict you from your home. If you are more than two months or
eight weeks in rent arrears, in most cases the Courts cannot refuse
to grant the landlord an Eviction Order. So you should always make
sure your rent is paid.
In the first six months of your
tenancy, if you think your rent is too high, you can ask the Rent
Assessment Committee to decide what your rent should be. You can
contact the Rent Assessment Committee on 0161 237 9491.
Ending an assured shorthold
tenancy
Your landlord can ask you to leave at any time after the six
months, providing any fixed term you agreed when you move in has
ended. He or she must give you two months notice in writing when he
or she wants you to leave.
Your landlord can apply to the County
Court for a Court Order ending the tenancy at any time for certain
reasons such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or damage to
the property.
Your landlord cannot evict you without
a possession order from the County Court.
If you have problems with your
landlord trying to force you out of your home, please contact
either Carlisle City Council’s Housing Services, the Cumbria Law
Centre, the Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter.
If you want to leave your home before
the tenancy term ends, you should discuss this with your landlord
first before giving notice in writing to your landlord. You should
give as much notice as possible to avoid problems getting back your
deposit but if your landlord is not willing to release you before
the end of the tenancy you could be charged for the whole of this
period.
Harassment and illegal
eviction
It is illegal for your landlord to make you leave your premises
by putting pressure on you, or by locking you out. If your landlord
does this to you, then contact Carlisle City Council’s Housing
Services on 01228 817000, the Cumbria Law Centre on 01228 515129 or
the Citizens Advice Bureau on 01228 633900 immediately. If it is
the evening or weekend and none of these are available, contact a
solicitor or telephone the police.
Quick court action by a solicitor can
get you back into your accommodation and stop the landlord from
harassing you.
Harassment can take many forms,
ranging from threats or acts of violence, to more subtle means by
telephone calls or visits late at night, or building works started
but not finished.
The Council can, and does prosecute
landlords for harassment, and/or unlawful eviction, but cannot get
you back into the accommodation.
Some useful
leaflets
Available from the Customer Contact Centre, Civic Centre.
- Resolve Mediation Services
- Renting & Letting – Rights for Landlords and Tenants
- Notice the you must leave – a brief guide for landlords and
tenants
- Assured & Assured Shorthold Tenancies – a guide for
tenants
- Do you rent, or are you thinking of renting from a private
landlord?
- "My landlord wants me out" – protection against harassment and
illegal eviction
- Letting rooms in your home – a guide for landlords and their
tenants
- Repairs – a guide for landlords and tenants
- Disabled facilities grants
Finding a home to rent from
a Housing Association
Carlisle City Council no longer have any houses. They belong to
Riverside Carlisle (formerly Carlisle Housing Association)
which is responsible for letting, maintaining and managing these
properties.
You can get a housing application form
from Riverside Carlisle, English Gate Plaza, Botchergate, Carlisle,
Tel: 0845 345 8500. Information about their Lettings Policy will be
provided with this form.
The demand for their properties is
very high and there are limited vacancies and so it could be some
time before they offer you a property. The waiting time for a
property may vary depending on the area you chose. Housing Officers
at Riverside Carlisle will be able to give you information
regarding waiting times and the areas where properties are more
readily available.
If you are planning to live in rented
accommodation for a long time, housing associations offer cheaper
rents and more secure tenancies.
What is a housing
association?
Housing associations have been building and providing homes for
many years. They get funding from the Government and the Council to
make sure that rents are reasonably priced.
Housing associations do not make
profits. Any money left over after building, maintaining and
managing the houses is re-invested to improve them.
Housing associations are regulated by
a Government body called the Housing Corporation. Housing
associations have to work within the strict rules and guidelines
that are set by the Housing Corporation. Councils also monitor the
way housing associations provide homes and are encouraged to report
back to the Housing Corporation.
Housing associations work closely
with the Council when new homes are going to be built.
If you feel there is a need for more
affordable homes in your area, you should contact Carlisle City
Council’s Housing Section. The Council works with the local
community to decide whether or not new homes should be funded,
where they should be built, and who should provide and manage those
homes.
What you will need to rent
a housing association property
Most housing associations do not ask for a deposit. Some may ask
for a rent payment in advance. Check with them to find out their
policy on this.
Almost all housing associations now
require references from your present landlord whether it is a
private landlord or another housing association. If you owe money
to any housing association, for rent arrears or damage caused to
property during a previous tenancy, it is unlikely that you will be
offered another tenancy until you have paid off the debt. If you
have been evicted for anti-social behaviour or have been convicted
of criminal offences such as house burglary, drug dealing, a
housing association can refuse to house you.
Housing association tenancies are
let on what is known as an Assured Tenancy.
This means that you are secure in
your home for as long as you stick to the tenancy rules laid down
by the housing association. However, some associations have started
to issue assured shorthold tenancies to new tenants. This means
that the housing association can end your tenancy more easily if
there is any anti-social behaviour.
Check with the association before
you sign the agreement to find out what type of tenancy you are
being offered.
If the housing association wants to
evict you, it must get a Court Order from the County Court. The
Court will only grant this order if it is satisfied that you have
seriously breached your tenancy conditions. Every association has
different conditions of tenancy, however, they all expect you to
pay your rent, look after your home and garden and behave in a
reasonable way. You should make sure that you fully understand the
conditions of your tenancy. Ask the staff at the housing
association to explain these to you.
All housing associations in Carlisle
have a repairs services to make sure that your home is kept in good
condition. They also have regular improvement programmes such as
replacing windows and upgrading kitchen units. When you sign a
tenancy, ask for details of how to report repairs – including
emergency repairs if needed at night or over the weekend.
Housing associations rents are more
reasonable than rents in the private sector. However, if you have a
low income you can apply to Carlisle City Council for housing
benefit towards the cost of your rent. Housing benefit cannot be
backdated so you should make sure that you apply for it if you
cannot afford the rent. Housing benefit claim forms are available
at Carlisle City Council, Customer Contact Centre in the Civic
Centre or telephone 01228 817000. If you need any help completing
your housing benefit form, you can call the Council’s Benefits
Advisor on 01228 625250 Monday to Thursday 2 – 4pm or ask for help
from the housing association.
If you qualify for housing benefit
payments for your rent, make sure that your claim is kept up to
date. A housing association will take action to recover rent owed
and may even take you to Court to have you evicted from your home.
If you become homeless because you didn't pay your rent, the
Council may not be able to help you find a new home. You should
always make sure your rent account is up to date. If you are having
problems with rent payments, contact your housing association
immediately for advice – do not wait until you are in rent
arrears!
Ending your Housing
Association Tenancy
All the Housing Associations in Carlisle need four weeks notice
in writing from you to inform them of your intention to end your
tenancy. If you do not give notice, you will be liable for the rent
due for these four weeks. You should make sure that your home is
left clean and tidy and that any damage caused by you is put right
before you leave. If you don't do this, you may be charged by the
Housing Association for the work they have to do to put right any
damage you leave behind.
A Housing Association can only evict
you from your home if it first obtains a possession order from the
County Court. Evictions can be granted for a number of reasons,
including not paying your rent, behaving in an anti-social way that
annoys your neighbours (including people you invite into your home)
and damaging your home.
If you need this document to be provided in large print, on
tape, in Braille or in other languages, please contact us on
01228 817000.
Housing Associations covering
Carlisle area
Riverside Carlisle (formerly
Carlisle Housing Association)
English Gate Plaza
Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RP
Tel: 0800 169 3245
/ 0345 155 9020
Riverside Carlisle was created as
a result of the Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) of housing
stock from Carlisle City Council in December 2002. The stock
includes accommodation for a range of clients including families,
single people, older people and people with disabilities.
Impact Housing Association
47 Nelson Street
Carlisle
CA2 5NE
Tel: 01228
633664
Impact Housing Association provides a
range of affordable housing to local people with a housing need.
This includes housing for families, single people, older people and
people with disabilities. Their stock in Carlisle also includes
student accommodation.
Two Castles Housing Association
3 Castle Street
Carlisle
CA3 8SY
Tel: 01228
547463
Two Castles Housing Association
provides accommodation for a range of clients including families,
single people, older people and people with disabilities throughout
Carlisle and surrounding areas.
Eden Housing Association
Blain House
Bridge Lane
Penrith
CA11 8QU
Tel: 01768
861400
Eden Housing Association was created
from the LSVT of Eden's council stock of 1,500 homes in 1997. The
stock includes a mix of general needs houses and flats,
accommodation for the disabled and sheltered flats and bungalows
for older persons.
Home North West
5 Water Street
Wigton
CA7 9AN
Tel: 016973
44816
It is Home North West's aim to provide
housing for those in greatest need. This operates on a points based
system. A range of accommodation is available for anyone over the
age of 18. Home North West owns 68 properties in the Carlisle
area.
Haig Homes
Alban Dobson House
Green Lane
Morden
Surrey
SM4 5NS
Tel: 0208 685
5777
Haig Homes provide housing for rent
only to ex-servicemen and women, including those with young
families leaving HM Forces today who may become irregular occupants
of Service married quarters or are under Notice to Quit. Haig Homes
owns 24 properties in the Carlisle area.
The Chairman,
Abbeyfield Society
4 River Street,
Carlisle
Abbeyfield Society provide either very
sheltered housing schemes ("supportive houses") for 6 – 12 people,
or registered residential care homes ("extra care") for 25 – 30. It
is run by local volunteers and supported by professional staff at
local and nation levels.
Anchor Trust
Business Support Centre
Milestone Place
100 Bolton Road
Bradford
Yorkshire
BD1 4DH
Tel: 08457
758595
Anchor Homes provides private
self-contained accommodation for the elderly. Anchor operates
schemes registered both as residential care and nursing homes.
Brampton Rural Housing Society
The Old Brewery
Craw Hall
Brampton
CA8 1TR
Tel: 016977
2323
The society was founded in 1926 by a
group of local people to provide decent, affordable rented housing
for local people who lived or worked in Brampton and the
surrounding villages. They own 155 properties, mainly three-bedroom
family homes but accommodation is available for a wide range of
clients.
Housing 21
Resource Room
Marigold Court
Old Fold
Gateshead
NE10 0DZ
Tel: 0191 4788073 /
0191 4788071
Housing 21 provides sheltered housing
for those in both housing need and necessitous circumstances
usually over the age of 55. The association owns 21 units of
accommodation in Brampton.
Mitre Housing Association
Blain House
Bridge Lane
Penrith
CA11 8QU
Tel: 01768
861400 (Eden Housing Association)
Mitre Housing Association wishes to
assist the growth and maintenance of the Christian life and act to
encourage the establishment of family life within the community.
Eden Housing Association manages mitre properties. Mitre owns seven
properties in Brampton.
Dimensions (UK) Ltd
Unit 41
Carlisle Enterprise Centre
James Street
Carlisle
CA2 5BB
Tel: 01228
594854
Dimensions (UK) Ltd is a specialist
housing association providing housing for people with learning
disabilities and enduring mental health problems. The accommodation
comes in the form of single rooms in shared houses in the Carlisle
area.
Railway Housing Association
Bank Top House
Garbutt Square
Neasham Road
Darlington
DL1 4DR
Tel: 0191 267 5587
Railway Housing Association develops,
maintains and manages accommodation for current or retired railway
staff and others in housing need. The association aims to provide
convenient and comfortable accommodation in a setting which allows
tenants to lead a private and independent life in their own home
yet gives underlying security by means of a community alarm.
Estate Agents & Letting
Agents
Allan Estate Agents
26-32 Lonsdale Street
Carlisle
CA1 1DF
Tel: 01228
511711
The Letting Centre
HomeSearch Centre
40 Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DH
Tel: 01228
515515
Bulman (Carlisle) Ltd
2 The Crescent
Carlisle
CA1 1QN
Tel: 01228
819888
Atlas Developments
Atlas Works
Nelson Street
Carlisle
CA2 5ND
Tel: 01228
401018
Citadel Estates
111-113 Denton Street
Carlisle
Tel: 01228
595969
Butterworths
24 Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DA
Tel: 01228
593939
C & D Property
Services
17/19 High Street
Longtown
Carlisle
CA6 5UA
Tel: 01228
792299
BPK Estate
Agents
Clifford Court
Cooper Way
Parkhouse
Carlisle
CA3 0JG
Tel: 01228
888999
Cumberland Estate Agents
Ltd
40 Fisher Street
Carlisle
CA3 8RF
Tel: 01228
403222
Cumbrian Properties
2 Lonsdale Street
Carlisle
CA1 1DB
Tel: 01228
599940
Sandra Forster &
Associates
5 Lonsdale Street
Carlisle
CA1 1BJ
Tel: 01228
512199
H&H King Ltd
12 Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DA
Tel: 01228
810799
Hayward Tod
Associates
7 Paternoster Row
Carlisle
CA3 8TT
Tel: 01228
810300
John Taylor & Co
12 Devonshire Street
Carlisle
CA3 8LP
Tel: 01228
541453 / 511212
Northwood
7/9 Warwick Road
Carlisle
CA1 1DH
Tel: 01228 534000
Thomson Roddick &
Laurie
19 Crosby Street
Carlisle
CA2 5TU
Tel: 01228
528939
Tiffen & Co Ltd
23-25 Castle Street
Carlisle
CA3 8SY
Tel: 01228
515666
Your Move
19 Fisher Street
Carlisle
CA3 8RF
Tel: 01228
537333
Caravan Parks in
the Carlisle area
Oakbank Lakes
Longtown
Carlisle
CA6 5NA
Tel: 01228
791108
Green Hollows Country
Park
Broadfield
Southwaite
Carlisle
CA4 0PT
Tel: 016974
73458
The Barronwood Caravan
Park
High Hesket
Carlisle
CA4 0JF
Tel: 016973
73345
Dalston Hall Caravan
Park
Dalston
Carlisle
CA5 7JX
Tel: 01228
710165
The Caravan Club Ltd
Englethwaite Hall
Armathwaite
Carlisle
CA4 9SY
Tel: 01228
560202
Green Acres Caravan
Park
Green Acres
High Knells
Carlisle
Tel: 01228
675418
High Gaitle Caravan
Park
Longtown
Carlisle
CA6 5LU
Tel: 01228
791819
Advice Agencies
Homelessness
Civic Centre
Carlisle
CA3 8QG
Tel: 01228
817000
Outside of office hours
(emergency contact only) – 01228 511061
Benefits Advice Agency
Tel: 01228 625250
Cumbria Law Centre
8 Spencer Street
Carlisle
CA1 1BG
Tel: 01228
515129
Citizens Advice
Bureau
5&6 Old Post Office Court
Carlisle
CA3 8LE
Advice
Line: 01228 633900
Appointments: 01228 633909
Shelter
10 Kent Street
Kendal
LA9 4AT
Tel: 0844
5151945 or Shelterline Tel: 0808
800444 (freephone number)