Many private rented places and all hostels and B&B hotels are furnished. Most council and housing association places and some private rented properties are let unfurnished.
If you are claiming JSA or IS, you may be able to get a grant or loan from the Benefits Agency for essential furniture, such as a bed or fridge.
Your local housing advice centre or CAB may know whether there are any charity shops in the area that sell second hand furniture or if there is a furniture project that gives away furniture or sells it very cheaply.
When you’re working out how much rent you can afford to pay, you will need to think about bills, such as gas, electricity, telephone, council tax and water rates.
Before you move in ask your landlord which bills you will be responsible for and whether any are included in the rent. There are several ways to pay gas and electricity bills. Ask about these when you move in.
To make it easier you could open an account with the post-office or bank and put aside money each week towards the bills. It’s also possible to pay by monthly direct debit, buy stamps each week, use a card meter or have money taken directly from your IS/JSA.
If you’re in rented accommodation you may have to pay council tax, unless you and all your flat-mates are students. Check this when you move in.
The amount you pay will depend on the value of the accommodation you live in and how many people live with you.
If you’re on benefits or very low income you should be able to claim council tax benefit to help you pay your council tax. If you live on your own you’re entitled to a 25% discount. It’s possible to arrange to pay it weekly or monthly.