AIBU to think it shouldn't be this hard to rent a house?!

[Someonefindmeahouseplease]

We have been looking for somewhere to rent for the last three months. We don't live in the country we are moving to which makes it all the more difficult.

We have found several houses and applied for them only to be messed about by agents or told the landlord has chosen someone else.

We now have two weeks until DH starts his new job and we have no where to live.

Why is it so difficult!
AIBU to ask for Mumsnetters help to find me a house?

[27Feb]

I thought paying in advance was quite standard for huge numbers of people. When I last moved we were told it was what anyone without a standard perm job and no guarantor did. DH and I paid in advance because he'd only been in his job two months and so they wouldn't count his wages.

It feels like calling it a 'drug dealers tactic' is like saying that paying cash in Tesco is a drug dealers tactic. Yeah, they would do that, but they aren't even the majority of people who do it that way.

[specialsubject]

I forgot that Mn is not the place for English comprehension skills or logical reasoning, although it is a place where facts are offensive.

Advance rent IS a drug dealer tactic. That statement does not say that all who pay in advance are drug dealers. Any more than all nail bars are a front for trafficking, because many are.

[Shiftymake]

www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/45081790?search_identifier=37480f09e7c5f682eeb7ea6e14933023#DKaIG7G2zPzIKL6s.97 not sure what area you need but this is sort of fitting the bill.. Regardless, good luck on your hunt

[NotTheQueen]

To me a three bedroom house is a family home. It seems greedy to have all that space just for one person when there are families in desperate need of a home. But maybe that's just me!
No wonder there is a housing crisis when single people are taking three bedroom houses "just because they can afford it so why not"
It's selfish and greedy and I'm sure most families who are struggling to find somewhere to live would agree with me.
But if your friends weren't taking up all these huge houses for themselves then maybe you could live in a more suitable property for your family Expat? That makes no sense to say it's nothing to do with them? They don't NEED all that space, but maybe you or I or any other family need it. How is that not selfish and greedy?
How do you know they don't need it? We have three bedrooms although childless. I have a long term illness which affects my sleep, so we don't sleep in the same room. We are both expats and frequently have visitors from home. Just because a property has multiple bedrooms doesn't mean it needs multiple occupants.

You are right I am a bit miffed at the fact that some people can afford things that we cannot and that we have missed out on finding somewhere to live because of this.
We have had a hard time the last few years and are just getting back on our feet, hopefully this move will be the first step to a better future for us as a family.
You're not the only people in the world who have had a rough time, and be frustrated or envious of someone else hard work isn't nice. I could be envious that you have two kids when I have none, dies that mean that all the extra children should be collected up and redistributed so everyone can have one? Instead be grateful that your family has the opportunity to live and work in a safe country with lots of freedoms (including who to rent to)

A couple of years ago we had lots of difficulties with our housing association neighbours who tried to bully and intimidate us into moving out, hoping the housing association would obtain our home and give it to them. Their HA manager even suggested it to us as a solution because " This is family home in a family area and you're not really a family are you?

Good luck on your hunt for a new home

[JustPutSomeGlitterOnIt]

fruit Yes there's those in Kingsdown too, but also in High Kingsdown there's those beautiful cobbled streets, and great big houses. Lots of them rentals. And it actually makes for a funny little close-knit neighbourhood. The local pubs have millionaire lawyers who are life long drinking pals with the high rise council residents. So many different types of people all getting along (including smack heads offering to help me down the cobbled steps with my newborn in pram. Cute 😳 Haha) We don't live there any more but I wish we did. But yes definitely, it has lots of sides, you're right, so I'm not surprised we both have different views of it

[FruitCider]

Yes, think about it. Kingsdown? More town houses than you can shake a stick at. Fab. And its maze with all those 3 beds.

Loads of old garages, outhouses etc being turned into posh 2/3/4 beds around Stokes Croft, Whapping Wharf etc. And self builds too. Cotham isn't too far off central either, loads of 4 beds. And Montpelier! Splitting at the SEAMS with middle class hippies!

I wouldn't call Cotham or Montpelier central as they don't clip the centre but perhaps that's just my way of looking at things! When I think of kingsdown all I see is Jamaica street hostel and the high rise on the top of nine tree hill, along with a load of student house and HMO. Perhaps I view areas differently to you? It's interesting how 2 people can have such a different view

[JustPutSomeGlitterOnIt]

fruit

Surely those terms contradict themselves? I wouldn't call St. Paul's, st werburghs, stokes croft, redcliffe or old market up market. The only area I can think of is spike island or hotwells but you'd never get a rental, certainly not a 3 bed house anyway!


Yes, think about it. Kingsdown? More town houses than you can shake a stick at. Fab. And its maze with all those 3 beds.

Loads of old garages, outhouses etc being turned into posh 2/3/4 beds around Stokes Croft, Whapping Wharf etc. And self builds too. Cotham isn't too far off central either, loads of 4 beds. And Montpelier! Splitting at the SEAMS with middle class hippies!

[Canyousewcushions]

I'm a landlord in Scotland and Ive always been asked to pick tennants from the prospective pool that the agent has found- it wouldn't make sense to do it first-come-first served when there are so many differences between applicants- how long they want to stay, what configuration of people etc. Seems sensible to make sure that tennants and landlords are matched up to suit both parties as nuch as possible.

[GoldilocksAndTheThreePears]

Try renting while disabled took me over a year to find my current place, no children no pets just me but no one will rent to anyone on benefits, even those with no choice in the matter. And although I'd never begrudge anyone who can afford it living larger than needed- i have to do so myself as the only place I could get is 2 bedroom- I do have issues with people who buy a second home and barely use it, taking away much-needed housing for locals.

[emmyrose2000]

We are in Scotland so not a completely different country. Its first come first served here, I've never come across this system of the landlord getting to choose

I live way outside the UK, and it's the most normal thing in the world to choose the (hopefully) best tenant from a group of applicants.

It sounds incredibly foolish to just take the first person who rocks up. The landlord has no way of knowing that the first person in line is remotely suitable to rent to. A proper agent/landlord will vet all the applications and make the decision based on the information s/he has.

As an aside, reading about agencies in the UK charging fees (and the amount of the fees) just to apply to rent is obscene. What a scam! I'm glad agencies where I live aren't so greedy.

Offering rent in advance is a drug dealer tactic
Glad to know that the time we rented whilst our new house was being built, we were actually considered drug dealers because we offered the rent up front. Oh wait. We weren't. What a stupid thing to say. We just wanted to make one payment and then forget.

[esk1mo]

they're only moving to England from Scotland..no immigration.

[TheDodgyShoesOfDrFoster]

I am a single person and I own a three bedroom house with a huge garden. I chose it because I like peace and quiet, privacy, and a lot of space. I have loads of books to accommodate, for one thing. Would you try to requisition it from me and give it to a family with multiple children, communist-style? Or is it only renters who are not allowed to live in the kind of property that suits their personal tastes, needs and affordability?

[D0ntLik3Mondays]

There are new laws in UK if you are a landlord, you have to confirm the immigration status of tenants either yourself or via letting agency. Landlords are liable to pay for fines for a variety of reasons. I would suggest one of you goes to the country where you wish to rent and treat it like a full time job. Tenants and landlord information is on the HMRC website. Get everything in writing, take photos when you move in. You will need to have credit checks, identification checks, pay deposit and other fees.

[MehMehAndMeh]

There may be a lot more to the housing crisis than houses being rented to under occupiers, but it is a big part of it. Landlords want to maximise their profits with minimal outlay. A fully occupied home in constant use by a family will incur more wear and tear and repairs as a matter of course, no matter how careful the occupants are. By comparison, renting the same property to a professional couple who travel frequently will incur less wear and tear. Over my years renting, I lost count of the number of homes larger than 2 bedroom that went to people without children or pets who would hardly be there yet still pay rent.

[itshappening]

Fair enough, but honestly I don't think single people taking a three bed house is why you have missed out really. There is a lot more to the housing crisis than that. Good luck anyway, I really do hope you find somewhere nice soon and have a good fresh start.

[Someonefindmeahouseplease]

Wow thanks for the lovely comments!
You are right I am a bit miffed at the fact that some people can afford things that we cannot and that we have missed out on finding somewhere to live because of this.

We have had a hard time the last few years and are just getting back on our feet, hopefully this move will be the first step to a better future for us as a family.

Thanks to all the people who gave me good advice. That is why I posted this thread as I know MN can be a helpful place. I'm not going to post again as I'm stressed and not in the mood for a stupid arguement.

[itshappening]

Maybe you are used to housing that has all the usual desirable spaces, hallway, utility area, garden or back yard, a storage cupboard etc. Many places near me, even ones well over 2000 pcm, have none of those. So a couple in a one bed may have one small bedroom where they have to store outdoor coats and bags, shoes, two sets of clothes, and airers drying all their laundry. I can totally see why a second bedroom to help with that and to have guests is useful. But it does not have to be justified. Also yes, just you, free country etc!

[coddiwomple]

No wonder there is a housing crisis when single people are taking three bedroom houses "just because they can afford it so why not"

There are so many reasons why a single person can chose not to live in a studio flat, I am bloody glad we are not living in communist country! (and read your history books.. IT DIDN'T WORK!)

You have been given plenty of good advice on this thread, you can stop criticising people whose choices are none of your business and have no impact on your life

Your financial situation doesn't sound that great, (just reading your post), which might be another reason why landlords are reluctant to rent to you. Being bitter about single people who earn more is not going to help you.

To ensure we could rent a house without fuss (with our kids and dogs...we sounded like a nightmare family!) , we ended up paying a year of rent. (we could afford it because we had just sold a house). Landlords are just protecting themselves, I can't blame them, I would do the same.

[Lweji]

MN is a bizarre place sometimes!

Yes it is.

I recommend North Korea for you. I'm sure you'll be given the housing you require.

[Biggreygoose]

If you're moving from Scotland remember to check the estate agents fees.

They aren't capped in England and can be horrific.

[YouCantArgueWithStupid]

Whaaaat! £750 for a three bed house?! We pay nearly double that in SE London for a 3 bed Victorian terrace! 😱 Bloody hell I might get on right move myself!

[5rivers7hills]

It's selfish and greedy and I'm sure most families who are struggling to find somewhere to live would agree with me.

How do you feel about families with 2 children living in 4 bed houses? Should they downsize to a 3 bed? Is it all spare rooms you object to or just those for single people (who you seem to hate because they can afford things you can't). It is entirely normal for people to have a guest room, you know, so they can have guests.

How do you feel about people living in mansions?

You think single people should live in one bed flats in high rises so more deserving families can rent a 3 bed house? Or a studio apartment maybe?

What about couples? Do you have to live in 1 bed flats or can they have a 2 bed?

I shared a 1 bed flat with my partner for 4 years. Does that mean I'm cool to have a spare bedroom for the next 4 years in you allowed allocation?

No wonder you're struggling to find a rental, you sound kinda strange and bitter.

[expatinscotland]

'But if your friends weren't taking up all these huge houses for themselves then maybe you could live in a more suitable property for your family Expat?'

Nope, wouldn't make a difference. They live in locations that aren't suitable for us, and they rent or have bought in price brackets we cannot afford. Nothing at all to do with them. It was our choice to have our family, why should others have their own choices curtailed because of our choice. Not a one of them is selfish or greedy, quite the opposite.

[littlepinkgiraffe]

Not sure where you are looking for specifically but lots of 3 beds in Wiltshire on Rightmove for around £750 a month. They all include garden and parking too.

[Womble75]

Whereabouts in Wilts are you looking? I can recommend some local agents who are reputable, it would be worth calling them (if you haven't already) and getting on good terms, whilst explaining your predicament.
Before I bought I rented a lot in Wiltshire (Salisbury and Amesbury areas) so can recommend those to avoid and those to give a call too. The independents I found much more amenable and often approached me with rentals before they hit the market.