From temp accommodation to private renting

[Letsgettalking567]

hello everyone was wondering if anybody has some advice ? I’m currently living in a hotel with my toddler with shared facilities. Was wondering if I could find a private rented apartment who will take on a mum who is not currently working (I do 0 hour) but once I’m settled I will go back to work part time. Usually I leave my son with my mum while I work but this hotel is not close by so I’m not taking on shifts and he’s missing nursery. So how do I find a place ? I’ve only ever rented privately with my ex. Now I’m single im guessing I will have to find a place where they take benefits ? I get universal credit not anything else as I’m living in a hotel right now. Anybody been through this ? And what kind of places do I look for money wise as I don’t receive housing benefit yet etc I’m london based. Thank you all.

First of all you will need to check the local housing allowance which will tell you how much per week they will pay for your rent. You will then get the housing element of universal credit as housing benefit no longer exists for new applicants.

you will need a deposit and a months rent in advance to even be considered for a property and you may find it very difficult to get somewhere in budget and who will take housing benefit.

If you look for a private rental you can ask your council for a discretionary payment to cover deposit and one months rent - will have to be within the local housing allowance rate as pp said.
If you give up your temporary housing you'd probably lose your place on the bidding for council property - check with the council

The council may also have a list of landlords who accept benefits

You may find it difficult to privately rent op because of your circumstances..unless it is a private rental through the council.

I work full time and passed all the affordability checks but I still needed a guarantor because I hadn't rented before.

Do you have anyone who trusts you enough to be a guarantor?

Private rental landlords don't tend to accept housing benefit or UC tenants, not without a guarantor its unlikely you'd pass the checks..

Its a sorry situation but that's the reality of it.

Are you currently on your council housing register and bidding on properties?

The lettings agencies where we live use an income multiplier. So to rent x you have to earn a minimum of y. Around here to rent a 2 bed flat you need to earn around 35k minimum. London is more expensive, so not sure how you could do this without the guarantor.

Personally i wouldnt let to anyone who didnt have a permanent job, or was in a very high paid contract type role. I need someone who i can get money from regularly for rent and also be able to take to court and get money back if they trash the place.

Sorry. Can you get a better job?

It won't be easy. The majority of private landlords won't accept benefits any more.

Presumably you're bidding for housing association properties?

I was in your situation but fortunately was offered a housing association flat.

@Beezknees how long did that take ?

Round here if you're earning less than £30k then they ask for a guarantor.
It's ridiculous but they have so many applicants they can be picky.

6 months but I'm in a different area and I accepted the first thing I was offered which was a third floor flat with no garden.