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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not tell landlord we've got 5 year old twins

27 replies

Ghanagirl · 09/08/2012 11:28

Having spent ages trying and failing to secure a reasonably priced 6 month let to stay in while we have our house extended, I found a one bed new build quite expensive one bed flat, but because a lot of landlords seemed put off when I mention the twins I kept quiet.
Now feel really guilty and nervous, have I commited a huge fraud Sad.
I will take good care of flat

OP posts:
ChocolateHips · 09/08/2012 11:30

It depends, if they haven't asked then you don't need to tell. But if they have asked and you have lied you could void your contract (I think)

CrispyCod · 09/08/2012 11:32

I don't understand why you think a LL wouldn't accept you with kids....unless the 'twins' are dogs? Grin

floranora · 09/08/2012 11:32

i agree with chocolatehips, as long as you have not lied when asked then its fine!

OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos · 09/08/2012 11:33

YABU. Did they ask who would be living there with you?

Trills · 09/08/2012 11:34

Every place I have ever rented has asked for a full list of the people who will be living there.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 09/08/2012 11:35

If they've not asked (and lots don't, round here, they just specify if it's for single occupancy or not), then why not?

They would ask if they minded, but do go over your tenancy agreement carefully because if it does ask who is living there, you really need to get in touch and say so.

squeakytoy · 09/08/2012 11:43

Two 5 year olds and two adults in a one bedroom flat is not really ideal is it?

LRDtheFeministDragon · 09/08/2012 11:46

Would she not be turning the living room into another bedroom?

I assume she means one bed and not one room (that would be really not ideal!)

WaveringButterfly · 09/08/2012 11:50

But won't the landlord/agency want to do inspections every so often? (Was every 3 months when we rented.) The children's beds and toys might be a bit of a giveaway...

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 09/08/2012 11:52

Unless you lie during the inspection and say they only come for visits but live elsewhere, they will notice their things... can you look them in the eye and lie?

WaitingForMe · 09/08/2012 11:54

If they don't ask, don't tell.

When DH and I were renting we got rejected by one LL because we had his sons (aged 2 and 5) on alternate weekends. We were somewhat curious as to who the LL hoped to rent to given that it was a 3 bed semi in a very quiet and dull part of suburbia where pretty much every other household had 2.4 children Hmm

squeakytoy · 09/08/2012 11:57

Are there rules for landlords on allowing over-crowding. Two children and two adults in a one bedroom property would surely be classed as unsuitable.

CajaDeLaMemoria · 09/08/2012 11:57

Have you filled out the application forms, and references etc?

If you have, and it didn't ask about dependants under the age of 18, you've got nothing to worry about. If it did, you need to declare them.

Another consideration is, if they contact your current landlord, will they mention the children?

If they don't ask, you don't need to say anything. Lying by omission doesn't really stand up in court. If they do, you'll need to mention them.

I've just applied for a new flat - it's hard enough without kids, so I hope it all goes well for you!

LackingNameChangeInspiration · 09/08/2012 12:00

They need to have a certain amt of windows per person don't they? not 100% on that one

but

I've never rented anywhere where I havent had to say who was living there,

OP did they not ask if you were a couple, family or sharers?

some LLs could risk their freehold (some freeholders say no children)
there could be insurance issues?

janey68 · 09/08/2012 12:01

I thought they usually ask for a list of everyone who will be residing there. Would be mad not to.

LackingNameChangeInspiration · 09/08/2012 12:05

"some LLs could risk their freehold (some freeholders say no children)"
their leasehold that should say

our freeholder is very specific about what kind of tennants we can have if we rent our flat, must be single family units - so no sharers, so its possible that other leaseholds specify family size?

LolaThePregnantFlyola · 09/08/2012 12:06

i think the landlord would need to know your not overcrowded, and if your looking for a one bedroom for you and two children, that is probably why you couldn't secure a tenancy before

rubbish if it is all you can afford but more than likely the reason

LRDtheFeministDragon · 09/08/2012 12:08

janey - they don't always. I checked with our LA when we thought we might be having a baby here, and they said they never check about children. Though, knowing my LA, this may have nothing whatsoever to do with the law, and I've not had reason to follow it up.

janey68 · 09/08/2012 12:10

Maybe not always- but whenever we rented we had to provide written conformation of who was going to be living there. Id certainly ask for it if I were landlord.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 09/08/2012 12:12

Sure, just saying that they don't always ask.

It would be a really bad idea to hide it if they do ask, though.

LackingNameChangeInspiration · 09/08/2012 12:13

I know families of 4 who have got leases in 1 bed flats, but they are big corner type flats with lots of windows, if I'm right about the window thing I can see how a lot of 1 beds (1 window in sitting room, 1 in bedroom, internal bathroom and kitchen) could be unsuitable for anything more than a couple

LIZS · 09/08/2012 12:16

Agree, normally you'd have to list all those residing at the address including under 18's as part of the contract. A new build 1 bed with young chidlren over the winter doesn't seem ideal.

SirBoobAlot · 09/08/2012 12:22

Understand your anxiety, but yes, YABU. In the long run it could well get you in to trouble.

MAYBELATERNOWIMBUSY · 18/08/2012 19:20

IT may involve a buy to let ? that means he has to know to comply with his agreement , thought he would ask thou"?

NarkedRaspberry · 18/08/2012 19:25

Have they asked if you have children? If they have and you lie you have broken the contract before you've even moved in.

Two 5 year olds in a one bed flat sounds like a nightmare. And the landlord might get an idea you have children when the neighbours complain about them making noise.