To ask how to secure a rental property!?

[Toffee86]

Hi,

I'm about to conclude missives on the sale of my house and long story short , I haven't found a new house to buy. Therefore, I'm going to have to move to a rental accommodation.

The rental market is really tough round here. I think because I'm a "homeowner", landlords dont think I will rent with them very long when the reality is that I can imagine myself renting for a year.

My real big problem is that I have a 1 year old baby and that in a months time, we wont have a home!

It's a long time since I've rented but km a good tenant with a good income.

What can I do to increase my changes of being picked at the application process?

TIA

Have you thought about a caravan on a site?

That might be better and cheaper for you.

Focus on stable income, professional person etc...

View as many as you can and proceed with several.

Airbnb is also an option.

A caravan, really?
With a one year old?! My dd is the same age and that seems a fucking nightmare!

Anyhow, I probably wouldn’t mention that you’re a homeowner unless asked. Stress that you’ve got references (presume you’ve got one or two from your renting days) a verifiable income, no pets, non smoker (assuming that’s the case) rather than focusing on the perceived “negatives”.
Maybe offer to pay 2-3 months rent upfront if you can afford it? Ask for a 6 or 12 month tenancy, if you’re able to, to demonstrate you’re looking for a longer term let.
I see no reason you’d be turned down if you do the above.

@YDraig

I am a landlord and I wouldn't give her one of my houses, that is why I suggested a caravan because most landlord want tenants that will stay years not months.

Look for a house which states short term let only. I see them quite frequently round here. Although they often come fully furnished which may be an issue for you

Youre overthinking it all

Number 1 concern for any landlord is can you afford it? Show you can and youre mostly there.

Initially they will offer a 6 month or year contract which will be fine for you. Dont mention long term plan of buying

Thanks everyone for your replies already.

I've looked up Airbnb and it's like 3 times the price of rent....yikes! I live in the suburbs of Glasgow and there doesn't appear to be any short term let's round here....is there a special website for short term let's? I can go furnished or unfurnished.

My parents have a caravan but after a long weekend away in it, I think that will be my last option for sanity reasons!

@YDraig, thanks for your sensible advice. Will try going in from that angle. Most applications ask for current status e.g. home owner, renting etc and I think this is where I get de- selected.

@Jesaminecollins, can I ask you as a landlord, would you rent to someone who would guarantee to stay for a year? (Bearing in mind I've just sold a house). I'm willing to make a commitment of a year.

@araiwa, what should I say when they ask why I sold my house/not buying again?

Thanks

The issues you might face are:
-Wanting a short term rental
-Not having a reference
-Having a small child

I'd try and find a private landlord rather than going through an agent (OpenRent is great) and explain your situation, I would rent to you. Good luck!

I didn't have a landlord reference when I moved out of the house I owned with ExW, but had a steady income (and a 1 year old at the time). It wasn't a problem in standard referencing checks as having paid a mortgage shows you can pay rent. I never mentioned how long I intended to stay, signed a 12 month lease with a 6 month break clause, and am now just on a rolling tenancy while I wait for my house purchase to go through

If you're selling your house and not buying another can you afford to pay for the full year up front?

I’m a landlord and I have no issue taking people for 6 months. I’d prefer longer tenants but its not a dealbreaker here.
It also didn't cause me any issues when I rented myself for a couple of years whilst relocating areas. I still owned my previous house but was able to rent short term easily (6 and 12 months).

Shame my house is the other end of the country as my tenants move in October!

Hi OP we live in Edinburgh and the rental market is insane here too. Some people offer 6 month's rent up front to secure a property. Some offer a larger deposit. It can be quite brutal but hopefully you'll find a place soon!

The problem will be that you’re market is so competitive - I’m a landlord in a rural area and can’t afford to be so choosy. Could you move a bit further out?

@Toffee86 1 year isn't much of a committment.