Birmingham has a large private rented and shared housing market, with rooms and supported accommodation across many areas. Whether you are after a room to rent or a supported placement, it helps to know where to look and what to check.
Where people look in Birmingham
Rooms and shared houses turn up right across the city and its suburbs. Popular areas include Erdington, Handsworth, Aston, Small Heath and the areas around the city centre. Each has its own feel and price range, so it is worth looking at a few. You can browse by area, for example rooms in Erdington or accommodation across Birmingham.
If you claim benefits
Plenty of Birmingham providers accept benefit supported tenants. Search specifically for Universal Credit accepted and Housing Benefit accepted rooms so you only see places that welcome them. Our page on Universal Credit accommodation in Birmingham pulls these together.
Before you enquire, check the rent against the Local Housing Allowance rate for the area, so you know whether it is fully covered. Our guide on Local Housing Allowance explains how that works.
Supported accommodation in Birmingham
There is a good range of supported and exempt accommodation across Birmingham, for different needs and support levels. Some is direct, and some needs a referral through your council or a support worker. Our guides on supported accommodation and referral required accommodation explain how to get in.
Staying safe while you search
Wherever you look, never pay before you have seen a room, and message providers through your account so you have a record. Our guide on how to avoid housing scams covers the warning signs.
What to do next
- •Decide which areas suit you for work, family or support.
- •Search Birmingham rooms and filter for benefits if you claim them.
- •Check the rent against your Local Housing Allowance rate.
- •For supported housing, ask whether you need a referral.