Finding an LGBTQ+ friendly private rented home

LGBTQ+ friendly housing can mean:

• living with other people who identify as LGBTQ+

• sharing with people who might not be LGBTQ+ but are welcoming and accepting

• having a landlord or letting agent who does not discriminate or break equality laws

It's illegal for landlords and letting agents to discriminate against you because of your sexuality or gender. 

Finding an LGBTQ+ friendly home online

Look online for LGBTQ+ friendly flatshares or rooms to rent. You could:

• filter LGBTQ+ friendly homes on websites like SpareRoom or Roomies

• check local social media groups or online forums for ‘LGBTQ+ friendly’ housing ads

• search for a local LGBTQ+ housing group on Facebook, for example ‘homes for queers'

You might see adverts that say things like 'LGBTQ+ friendly', 'trans friendly house', 'queer household' or 'allies only'. Landlords and other renters might give their pronouns.

Create a profile with as much information as you want to share. Say what you like and need in a home so other renters or landlords can contact you.

Other ways to find a home

If you're a student, ask your students’ union for help with finding a home.

Ask trusted friends and family if they know anyone with a room or property available for rent.

Replying to adverts

It might be clear from the advert that a house share or landlord is LGBTQ+ friendly. 

If you're not sure and feel safe to do so, ask some questions to find out. You could ask if they've had an LGBTQ+ housemate or tenant before and how they feel about this.

If an advert says 'females only', you could ask if they include trans women or non binary people.

Questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity

Many LGBTQ+ renters put their gender identity or sexuality in their online profiles. It’s up to you what you tell people about yourself.

Landlords and letting agents should not ask about either of these things. If they ask, you do not need to tell them. Check our advice on housing discrimination.

If you’ll be living with your partner and flatmates, you might need to disclose your relationship. HMO (house of multiple occupation) rules are different if you're a couple. Check our advice on your rights in an HMO. 

Staying safe when looking for a home

To stay safe online and when viewing a property:

• use the website to message landlords or other renters

• do not give out your personal details until you’re sure the person is who they say they are

• go to see the property before paying any money or signing a tenancy agreement

• walk around the local area to make sure you feel safe there

• trust your feelings and leave if things do not feel right

Viewing a room or a property

If people who live there advertised the room, they'll probably invite you to view the property and have a chat. It's a good chance to meet the people you might be living with.

Take a friend with you to help decide if it’s the right home for you.

Some landlords, letting agents or housemates might ask you to pay a holding fee to secure the tenancy. If the place feels right you can decide to pay this. Before you do, ask them to confirm that it’s refundable. 

Finalising your tenancy

You'll need to pay a tenancy deposit and some rent in advance. You'll also need to sign a tenancy agreement. Check our advice on finding a private rented home.

Your circumstances might affect the next steps. Check our advice on:

• living with flatmates

• joint tenancies