Private renting as a one income family.

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We are currently looking for a new home as our tenancy ends in March, my husband earns 51k a year. I had to give up my job this year due to caring for our disabled child. We have 3 children.

we’ve viewed properties recently and offered to pay the holding deposit but we haven’t been called back despite emailing and calling to see if the landlord wants to rent to us. We’ve been told they have to check with the landlord before taking money for the holding deposit etc and my husband passes the affordability for the rent on these properties as well.

we've also offered additional months rent up to 3 months and we are not getting anywhere, some of the estate agents are not even calling or emailing back to let us know the decision etc.
has anyone had any experience renting as a one income family and did it turn out ok in the end did you find a new home and was able to rent? I’m just so worried.

The problem you’re going to have OP is that although your husband’s salary may pass the first check, affordability checks also consider dependents, so essentially how many people that salary has to support, which reduces your affordability. His salary having to support 4 other people reduces his affordability. Being a one income family also increases your risk level to a landlord because they know if anything happened and he could no longer work or lost his job, the rent won’t be able to be paid, versus a 2 income household where even if one lost their job there is still another income to cover it.

I hope you find somewhere, good luck x

That’s really worrying, I didn’t realise they base affordability on other dependents as well. I’m just so worried and anxious over all of it. Thank you for the well wishes I hope somehow we do find somewhere.

Have a look at openrent. Easier to deal with landlords direct and more open to offers like six months rent in advance.

I did try open rent I was ignored by most of the landlords on there apart from one who messaged back to say they had already leased the property out.

In exactly the same position OP. Its an awful feeling 😞

@Peanutssuck yes it is hoping things turn around in the new year

But surely the agents should at least take you through the application process or get back to you? how rude. Our first year tenancy is up at the end of Feb, apparently the landlord wants to move back in. Very annoying as we'd hoped not to have to move again so soon. Was bad enough with the agent wanting to do a house inspection every 3 months. Hoping things pick up in Jan. Agent supposedly putting us on their waitlist for suitable properties but not a peep yet or confirmation that we can leave earlier if we find somewhere 🙄

Renting is very hit near me - things go in a couple days d agents can be picky. Are you sure it's not this rather than your single income status?

Hi all

just wanted to update if anyone is interested we’ve paid a holding deposit today and are currently going through referencing for a new home, we had to offer 3 months rent up front but I’m feeling hopeful we finally getting somewhere
hope those that are still looking get somewhere soon too 🤞

Congratulations OP, I have everything crossed for you. Pleased that you found something

It has to be your turn next 🤞 I hope you find something soon