From January the 1st, 2010 you must apply through Housing Options if you want to rent an intermediate rent home in London.

Through the intermediate rent product, you can rent a brand new or refurbished home at less than the market rate. The rent charged is normally 20% lower than what you would expect to pay for a similar home in a similar area if you were renting from a private landlord and you have the assurance that your home is built, managed and let by a Registered Social Landlord.

This option has traditionally only been available to key workers, this choice is now available to other home seekers who do not qualify for social rent homes.

Eligibility terms are:

• Households with a total income of less than £60,000 a year who cannot afford to buy a suitable home on the open market without assistance
• Applicants must be able to afford 80% of the local market rent without further assistance e.g. Housing Benefit
• Applicants should make a commitment to enter home ownership through low cost home ownership products in the short to medium term (within five years) and be able to demonstrate how the discounted rent will enable them to save a deposit. You will be required to complete a financial assessment with your prospective landlord (housing association)

Use the ‘find a home’ search facility on this site to look for homes available to rent across London, you can then check for more details by clicking into each development listed in your search results.
Intermediate rent is a great housing option for people who are not ready to commit to buying a home straight away or who have difficulty securing a mortgage at the moment. Intermediate rent homes are usually let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy basis with a 6 month contract period.