Private rented housing

'Private rented housing' means housing that is owned by a private individual or company, and is usually let to a tenant using an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for a minimum period of 6 months.

There is a wide range of accommodation available including bedsits, flats and houses. With over 17,100 homes being rented privately across Wirral, the sector is a vital and growing part of Wirral’s housing market.

The private rented sector offers a flexible form of housing, is relatively easy to access, and meets a wide range of housing needs. Its flexibility helps support greater mobility in the labour market, and is increasingly the housing choice for many people.

Properties are advertised in many different ways, including on the Wirralhomes website and in local newspapers, magazines, shop windows, notice boards, estate agents and online.

You may be eligible for help with your rent if you are on a low income, and could qualify for Local Housing Allowance (which used to be called Housing Benefit) to help with your rent. Use our Benefits Calculator to find out if you might be eligible for benefits.

Often a deposit, (usually one month’s rent), is requested by a private landlords, and Wirral Council operates a Bond Scheme which offers a written guarantee in the form of a bond to help people unable to raise as deposit to access accredited private rented properties.

Wirral’s Private landlords are encouraged to join the Councils voluntary accreditation scheme which sets certain minimum standards regarding the way their properties are managed and maintained. Accredited properties are advertised by Wirralhomes, and a list of landlords and agents who may have accredited property to let can be downloaded from this website.