Aibu to ask them to waive the need for a guarantor

[Tiredunicorn55]

So I have got myself into a bit of a sticky situation.

I have given my house up (due out on the 3rd August) and I’m currently staying with friends to enable me to save up to rent a bigger house as the one I had was far far too small for me and a baby- let alone all the things I need to for the baby.

I have found a house and applied for this and divulged that I am going on maternity leave in November and they have asked for a guarantor.
I’m assuming they have asked for this as I will be on reduced income and/or in receipt of universal credit for a period of time.

My problem is I have NONE to ask. My mum has an IVA and my dad is apply for his second mortgage and doesn’t want to get into golfed with it. Can’t ask my sisters or anyone else really.
Foolishly I didn’t think I would need a guarantor - it’s my first baby and thought it would be a simple straight forward process with the only obstacle being the raising of funds to get myself through the door.

Do I NEED a guarantor? I understand the reasons behind asking for one, of course, but I have an impeccable history of rental payments and household bills. I have got into a bit of difficulty with my council tax once but that was sorted within a month, but would this show on a credit check? Maybe? I don’t own my car so can’t even put that down as collateral.

Really at a loss as to what I can do now, any rental experts out there who can offer any advice? I’m not in a position pay a huge lump of rent upfront as I’ll just be able to get together the deposit and first month rent needed in time.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you

I suspect that the op has room in her small cottage for her and the baby if push came to shove but really wants the the boyfriend and his children to be able to stay when they can. Changing to a single bed therefore wouldn't be an option she'll consider. She seems very invested in this new relationship. Perhaps more so than the bf?

Bananas gave her experience, you gave yours. They’re radically different, but you insisted (and still insist) that yours was the only way; which is blatant nonsense? Scroll by any of my posts which irritate you, they won’t be addressed to you directly.

Yes, I think my experience is more valuable. What with working for landlords who own tens of thousands of properties for rent for the last 20 years at a strategic level. Don’t worry, I don’t need your endorsement

What a silly decision to give up a cottage.

Then turning down a house because of location.

I’m sorry it just baffles me

I think you’re being unfair there happy. OP gave up her cottage just to move to a bigger place- totally normal behaviour. She only found out after moving out that she would need a guarantor- which is the only thing stopping her moving as far as we know.

OP hasn’t been offered a council house. She doesn’t even mention investigating this ie getting on the list. She only said that if she were offered a council house it’s likely to be on a nearby estate which has a bad reputation

....but she hasn’t moved out though. She can still attempt to rectify matters

The council will have to assess your situation and help you find an accommodation. If you are desperate and homeless you might end up in temporary accommodation, not ideal but better than nothing.

It's very important that you contact your LA now, some in London have special schemes where they pay your first month rent and deposit upfront and act as guarantors for your. I have also seen in some cases they paid non refundable cash incentives. Ask if you qualify for housing benefits.

You need to contact them and ask for all the options available right now that you are pregnant don't wait until baby is born.

She has moved out she’s staying with friends to save a deposit

Sorry correction: she has given her notice and moves out (next week I think?) to stay with friends to save the deposit. The house is given up

You could try asking your current landlord to stay where you are, as there's a relationship of trust you should just do some adjustments when you pay the rent and how you save.

They might say no. Ask CAB as well, phone shelter and your LA.

3rd August - so she’s half way through her notice period (assuming the norm of 1 month).

If the cottage is as small as she makes out, I can’t see a rush of potential renters for it. There is still time to speak with landlord and remain.

I have read the whole thread.

Agree that the best option is stay in the current rental cottage, if the landlord allows. A baby does not need much. You can re evaluate once the baby is at least one. No baby needs a garden and their own bedroom. Even though we had bedrooms for our children they were in our (rather cramped) bedroom until at least one, if not older.

Put car seat in the car and store the pram chassis in the car boot. Clear out some old stuff to make space for baby clothes storage. Baby clothes don't take up much space. Store highchair with a relative until needed.

Also agree that you are being naive about what the council will offer.

The only alternative is to move in with family. The friends will get fed up. It's human nature. Especially once there is a baby in the house too.

How old are you @Tiredunicorn55 ?