Can't afford a flat deposit

[DollhouseBurglar]

Does anyone know how I can get help for a deposit on a flat?

I'm a single mum with a reception child. Staying with ex and now asked to find my own place as he's in a new relationship.

My daughter goes to the local school so need to stay in the area. I've looked up housing benefit rates and I think I may be eligible for help with rent on a 2 bed property-anyone know if that's right?. If so, could I also get benefits for a 1 bed if I find one?

Anyway, been looking at what's available and most places ask for a deposit, holding fee and 5 weeks rent upfront. I'm penniless on universal credit so unable to save. Also just started my last year at university and I've worked out that I won't have enough to pay these upfront fees.

What it be wise to take out a loan with my bank to pay for a new place?

I'm looking at furnished as well because I can't afford to furniture for an empty flat.

Really can't become homeless at university (which is in another city), especially as DD has started school. The university were no help either, just asked me to put in an application to the council but I don't qualify as I have no local connection (university students don't count).

How can I get a deposit together?

People are saying the deposit and first months rent are the same thing. Not true, I'm afraid.
Deposit, this has to kept in a deposit protection scheme, and you get it back when you move out. Unless you have caused damage, in which case the landlord can apply for part or all of your deposit for repairs.
1st month/5 weeks rent. Your first payment of rent, always due in advance.

People are confusing security deposit with a small holding deposit to reserve the property while all your credit checks etc are done. Not everywhere charged these. If they do, yes, it should be counted as a part payment of your first rent, if everything goes ahead.

So to move to a rented property, you do need to have an amount equal to at least 2 months rent to hand.

@DollhouseBurglar

Get a part time job and save up?

I'm a single parent with no childcare and that wouldn't work as I'm in my last year and need to do well.

Is your dc's father around? Can they help with childcare while you part time work?

@ShalomToYouJackie

Thank you so much. I couldn't find anything like that on their site- it's all so confusing. So really, thank you x

www.lambeth.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice/contact-the-housing-advice-team

OP this page has the number and email for the Lambeth preventing homelessness team, give them a bell!

DD dad is useless and a lousy dad. Very unreliable so won't have great childcare (except for my mum maybe on weekends). He's in massive debt so can't help with a deposit.

My university is not in London so they can't help with accommodation and I don't want to take on any work this year as I have to do well to get a 2:1 and need all the time I can get to study and complete assignments.

I'm sending in the adult learning grant and dependents grant in the next few days, when I get some stamps to send the form.

Theres a form I've found on the council's website to get housing advice. So I'll fill that in now.

You're more than welcome, really hope you get some support, I know how crap it is when you need to move and can't afford it, it's so expensive, especially when you can't actually save any money

Can you get a job?