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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask what you’d do in this dire situation?

356 replies

ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:14

Posting for traffic.

I live in SE England. I’m trying to move to a cheaper part of the UK and I’m making plans to do so.

I work FT and have an additional PT job. I’m working around 55-60 hours a week.

No savings, can’t get a decent credit card or even a loan due to previous poor credit (which I’m working to resolve).I’m not entitled to any benefits.
I don’t drive so can’t take on work as for eg Deliveroo or Amazon or otherwise

Family can’t help me with financial support. I also cannot stay with family in the short term due to valid but complicated reasons.

the situation is: it’s going to cost me thousands to move: in terms of arranging a move but also because my current flat is furnished and I’d have to furnish an entire new house. So I need to save for six months or so.

whilst this is all going on, my LL announced he was putting the rent up by £450 a month, effective March. I can’t afford this and will need to move. But I can’t afford to move.

I am wracking my head for solutions here - even moving into a house share and getting rid of most of my belongings but that still wouldn’t work because I’d need a months rent and deposit up front and tbh, house shares and one bed flats aren’t that different in price where I’m looking.

What on earth am I meant to do? I’m seriously panicking

OP posts:
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11
Smithhy · 10/12/2024 17:02

Is £1550pcm in line with similar properties in your local area?

If it’s higher then you could look at going to a rent tribunal instead.

RandomMess · 10/12/2024 17:01

What happens if someone presents themselves as homeless?

Do councils still operate a loan deposit scheme?

AlisonDonut · 10/12/2024 17:01

You really need to speak to someone at Shelter. Before you make any more decisions and plans.

VodkaCola · 10/12/2024 17:00

I know that you're already working long hours but is there any way you could do something extra, such as babysitting? Or a shift or two in a pub or nights in a care home?

It all sounds very hard, I'm casting around for ideas!

Do you have things you could sell on vinted or marketplace?

I know that my suggestions are all small ones but the pounds all add up over time.

Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:56

Just to say thanks to all and I’m noting the suggestions. Sorry if I sound dismissive. I’m distraught and worried and it’s making me fairly pessimistic.

OP posts:
Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:53

coxesorangepippin · 10/12/2024 16:50

If you're WFH, can't you just move now?? Or is in office presence occasionally required??

I can’t move immediately because I don’t have the money for a months rent up front and a deposit. I would in theory on the 23rd Dec when I next get paid but that’s only if I don’t pay my last months rent and don’t pay for any end of tenancy stuff here either. This also assumes I’ll be sleeping on the floor of whatever place I’d manage to find.

OP posts:
JC03745 · 10/12/2024 16:52

-Some uni accommodation rent out rooms which might do until you get your deposit back and find somewhere else
-Caravan parks are empty this time of year. DH and I renovated and lived in a single glazed one for 2yrs. Not ideal, but can be done. Electric blanket is essential to take the edge off, because we nearly froze the 1st year with a single water bottle in bed!
-Shelter might have advice
-Are you on your local nextdoor.com. I often see requests for help to move things, transport a bed etc. If you can't pay cash, maybe in exchange for whatever your skills are, bottle of wine, cake etc?

goody2shooz · 10/12/2024 16:51

@ReallyStuck2024 how about house sitting? Then you’d still be able to wfh and wouldn’t need furniture.

coxesorangepippin · 10/12/2024 16:50

If you're WFH, can't you just move now?? Or is in office presence occasionally required??

OriginalUsername2 · 10/12/2024 16:50

Hi, I’ve had a similar experience.

I’m just going to add that you don’t have to leave by when he asks if you haven’t found somewhere. Legally, you stay there and he has to go through another process to evict you. Your local council will support you in this decision.This can take quite a long time.

So just make sure you don’t panic too much or leave with nowhere to go.

VodkaCola · 10/12/2024 16:50

Could you tell us vaguely where in the SE you are? Maybe we could help with looking for options for you.

Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:48

I have considered this but where I am / where I’m looking to move to, they’re not much cheaper than renting a one bedroom place, or studio. I do take into account that bills would be cheaper.

i have looked at house shares though and have considered this an option

OP posts:
VeterinaryCareAssistant · 10/12/2024 16:46

Would you consider a room in a shared house?

I'm in the SE and they can vary from £450 upwards but it includes all bills.

Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:42

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 10/12/2024 16:37

@ReallyStuck2024 there is certainly a limit for rental increases in scotland. think it is no higher that the council rent raise or thereabouts! someone miight correct me if i am wrong! £450 in obscene!!!

It is obscene but also not unheard of - a friend had an increase from 1250 to £1600. It was awful.

OP posts:
StormingNorman · 10/12/2024 16:42

ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:25

Me, and the other three tenants in the building have explained we cannot afford it and he has acknowledged that all four units will therefore eventually need to be advertised as well need to move. I have offered an increase of what I can just about afford, he rejected it.

I think he is likely to take money off for the deposit because he’s petty as fuck (I know he has to actually evidence damage)

Show quote history

It’s not ethical and I’m a landlord myself BUT if you think he’s going to try and make spurious deductions, don’t pay your last month’s rent. Let him take the deposit as your last month.

That at least helps cash flow for moving.

Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:40

Current rent is £1100. Bill on top are another £400. I’ve also got debt repayments which eat up around £200 (I’m close to clearing these, I’ve got a year left).
I don’t have a pension but I do have student loan deductions.
The flat is open plan so not sure how subletting would work, but I’m also sure my LL wouldn’t go for it.

OP posts:
madaboutpurple · 10/12/2024 16:40

My neighbour used freecycle and a few more websites and kitted out all his furniture including a sink unit so it can be done. British heart furniture is useful as well.

Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:37

NC10125 · 10/12/2024 16:33

I think don't worry about furniture etc - this feels daunting but when you get to it a few weeks on a matress on the floor whilst you sort out second hand furniture won't be the end of the world. Plus you'll hopefully have a bit back from your deposit which could go towards some second hand furniture.

I think that I would also try and go for the cheapest option for arranging the move. Does anyone you know have a vehicle who can help you out? If your current flat is furnished then hopefully you can move in one or two vehicle loads. There will still be a fuel cost obviously but thats hopefully more doable.

You should be able to save a bit extra by running things down - use up all of your food, cleaning products, smellies etc in the old house which will give you less to move.

So, I'd try and just focus on getting together enough for deposit and first months rent in new flat and then move and cope with anything that comes up as it comes. Is there any chance that you can save that December - March?

No one I know could help vehicle wise but they could help to drive a van - to rent one seems to be £200-300.

i also forgot to add that I have to pay for an end of tenancy cleaner, carpet clean and total oven clean in the flat which is going to be another £250 ish on top.

I feel like I’m drowning here. I can probably save about £400 or so, a month, if I put my mind to it. But then I’ve got another months rent and deposit for somewhere new on top

OP posts:
allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 10/12/2024 16:37

@ReallyStuck2024 there is certainly a limit for rental increases in scotland. think it is no higher that the council rent raise or thereabouts! someone miight correct me if i am wrong! £450 in obscene!!!

Turmerictolly · 10/12/2024 16:35

First of all challenge the rent increase. Contact Shelter for advice. I'm sure there are laws around the amount a landlord can increase the rent.

Working 60 hours a week at minimum wage is around £2800 gross per month, net around £2K after tax, pension etc. How much is your current rent? The landlord might be able to return your deposit promptly if you explain you need it for a new place.

Can you sleep in the lounge and sub let your bedroom to a lodger for a bit to save? Not great but needs must.

Your local council might be able to give you support in finding a cheaper private rental. They often have arrangements with local agencies whereby they cover a minimum deposit.

NC10125 · 10/12/2024 16:33

I think don't worry about furniture etc - this feels daunting but when you get to it a few weeks on a matress on the floor whilst you sort out second hand furniture won't be the end of the world. Plus you'll hopefully have a bit back from your deposit which could go towards some second hand furniture.

I think that I would also try and go for the cheapest option for arranging the move. Does anyone you know have a vehicle who can help you out? If your current flat is furnished then hopefully you can move in one or two vehicle loads. There will still be a fuel cost obviously but thats hopefully more doable.

You should be able to save a bit extra by running things down - use up all of your food, cleaning products, smellies etc in the old house which will give you less to move.

So, I'd try and just focus on getting together enough for deposit and first months rent in new flat and then move and cope with anything that comes up as it comes. Is there any chance that you can save that December - March?

Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:27

Trying to keep it vague but I work within the legal services sector.

OP posts:
Original poster
ReallyStuck2024 · 10/12/2024 16:26

I actually work from home in a fairly difficult role so I don’t have travel costs but this is also why living alone or having a place I can actually work is crucial. Unless I actually change jobs which is proving almost impossible at the moment.

OP posts:
Coffeebookscarbs · 10/12/2024 16:25

What is it you do for a living (in your main job) op?

I would second looking for work with accommodation if that's an option- care/hospitality can sometimes have live ins.

I'm not suggesting that as a permanent solution but might tide you over while you find your feet.

nightmarepickle2025 · 10/12/2024 16:25

You can get most furniture that you need for cheap/ free from freecycle/ British Heart Foundation etc.

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