Page 2 | Is it because I'm a single parent?

SirScallyWagsWife · 2021-09-06T15:55:03+00:00

I've been looking for a place to rent for me and my two DC for months. I apply and then get rejected, I have a job, I can pay 6 months up front if needed. I can very easily afford the properties that I'm looking at so I know they're not out of my budget. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong and beginning to think it's because I'm a single parent! If they're are any landlords out there do you pick the two parent family's before any others? Tia

PalmarisLongus · 06/09/2021 17:28

What you do now is Google your town name and Home Choices.

You may find your councils housing department that way. They don't really do 'lists' anymore and most now offer a Home Choice website. Anyone can apply, working people and parents etc.

Fill in the application and they'll give you a "Banding" based on your circumstances.

Then you can search through local Housing Association rentals and apply for any you'd like to view.
Depending on where you live you could get a viewing quickly or.it might take a long time. If you're in North Lincolnshire, for example, www.HomeChoiceLincs.co.uk is the site.

Besides that. There is Gumtree and other classified sections that advertise properties from Private landlords.

Then try Facebook, search for groups along the lines of 'Town Name Private Landlords' or 'town private lets' etc.

It isn't impossible, but it is an absolute ballache and you'll feel judged, looked down and dismissed... And then you'll get a landlord who treats you like they're doing you a massive favour and expects you to bow and scrape and doff your cap.... Whilst you pay their mortgage...

It's shite..

InglouriousBasterd · 06/09/2021 17:30

I had to offer a guarantor when my landlord found out my partner and I had separated. It’s worth trying individual landlords rather than agents as they are often more relaxed.

Good luck! It’s holding me back from moving too.

Marni83 · 06/09/2021 17:33

Guarantors are very rare these days. Certainly if done privately.

Op, ration of rent to income?

Marni83 · 06/09/2021 17:33

Ratio

Original poster

SirScallyWagsWife · 06/09/2021 17:35

@InglouriousBasterd

I had to offer a guarantor when my landlord found out my partner and I had separated. It’s worth trying individual landlords rather than agents as they are often more relaxed.

Good luck! It’s holding me back from moving too.

I can even offer a guarantor when I’ve been asked.

There aren’t many private landlords in the area with houses I have looked on Facebook/gumtree but there’s literally none they are all estate agents.

OP posts:

bodgersmash · 06/09/2021 17:45

Yep, when I was trying to find somewhere to rent as a single parent it was a nightmare: they would always, always choose a couple over me. It really got me down in the end. Good luck, I hope something good comes through for you. Suggest meeting letting agents in person if possible so they can get a feel for you as a person.

alexis4theppl · 06/09/2021 17:46

Experiencing the same issue at the moment. I've been told some landlords not accepting UC based on

AmelieLovesAutumn · 06/09/2021 17:54

It wouldn't bother me one bit, but last I looked my mortgage wouldn't permit me renting the house out to someone in receipt of benefits (though someone up above said UC isn't a benefit!!). So if I was going to rent it out I'd need to check properly.

But no problem whatsoever with you being a single parent 🌸

Original poster

SirScallyWagsWife · 06/09/2021 17:55

@bodgersmash

Yep, when I was trying to find somewhere to rent as a single parent it was a nightmare: they would always, always choose a couple over me. It really got me down in the end. Good luck, I hope something good comes through for you. Suggest meeting letting agents in person if possible so they can get a feel for you as a person.

Thanks I might try that.

It’s just really frustrating.

OP posts:

MissyMooKins · 06/09/2021 18:34

It will be that you receive UC. I'd rather rent to a working couple. Seems more stable.

PalmarisLongus · 06/09/2021 18:42

@MissyMooKins

It will be that you receive UC. I'd rather rent to a working couple. Seems more stable.

Someone on UC loses their job. IC goes up to cover the loss of wage.

Someone not on UC that's working loses their job, they get £0 "Unemployment" for at least a month, often 6 weeks, sometimes more and then they get UC after that.

I'd think the former more stable than the latter...

there's a weird preestablished opinion some landlords have when it comes to benefit claimants...
They're happy to be served by claimants in restaurants, or cared for by nurses on UC in hospitals and have their elderly parents cared for by carers on benefits, but the thought of claimants renting 'their' houses is a step too far...

MrsKellySeveride · 06/09/2021 19:01

When I first rented as a single parent, I had to have my Dad as guarantor. This was despite the fact that my Dad was retired, I earned more than my Dad ever had done when he was working, had a good credit score and I could provide glowing references.

Never did understand why my Dad was less of a risk than me!

Marni83 · 06/09/2021 19:03

@MrsKellySeveride

When I first rented as a single parent, I had to have my Dad as guarantor. This was despite the fact that my Dad was retired, I earned more than my Dad ever had done when he was working, had a good credit score and I could provide glowing references.

Never did understand why my Dad was less of a risk than me!

He owned a property… yes?

LumpyandBumps · 06/09/2021 19:43

As a landlord I can only say that in this area the rental market is manic at present.
I advertised a decent, but very ordinary, mid terrace house. I included that I was happy to accept children and dogs.
The response was ridiculous even though I only put it on Gumtree and one local Facebook page.
Whereas in the past I might have had 5 people interested and 2-3 show up for viewing, this time I had to stop accepting applications when they reached over 20 in a few hours.
I had no idea of anyone’s circumstances when I stopped taking applications.
It certainly wasn’t because of them being a lone parent or getting UC.
I wouldn’t necessarily choose a couple over a lone parent, or a single person.

There is a website called Openrent which is mostly private landlords, but I think they advertise on Gumtree so you would possibly have already seen those.

I hope you are able to find somewhere suitable soon.

NotRightNowPlease · 06/09/2021 20:09

Try Open Rent and also the local council, they may well be able to give you a list of landlords that will accept UC.

notanothertakeaway · 06/09/2021 20:43

Children could go in your favour, as landlords know you'll be looking for a stable home

But two tenants may be more likely to be able to pay the rent eg if one is made redundant and the other still has a job

Pebbledashery · 06/09/2021 20:55

Don't think it's a single parent issue. I found the loveliest house, there was an open day for it with 9 other people viewing.. 4 offers. Landlord chose me because I said I wanted a long term rental and not just a stop gap, been here every since. How are you coming across to the agents when you're viewing these places, that's really important as the agent has to sell you. If you tell them you're looking for a long term home, you're clean, respectful, will treat the property with care and respect, you have a good income, you really have to sell yourself.

Pebbledashery · 06/09/2021 20:56

And I'm a single parent to a 3 year old.

PumpkinKlNG · 06/09/2021 21:00

I don’t think you will get accurate answers on here, this is MN where everyone would pick a single parent, someone on benefits etc but irl yes it will be because you’re a single parent

WhatsTheBFD · 06/09/2021 21:13

I’m in a similar position OP and it’s really, really shit.

Original poster

SirScallyWagsWife · 06/09/2021 21:22

@WhatsTheBFD

I’m in a similar position OP and it’s really, really shit.

It really is!! 🙄🙄

Hope you fine somewhere soon!
x

OP posts:

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 06/09/2021 21:47

I can very easily afford the properties that I'm looking at

From a landlords perspective if you are reliant on UC top ups you can't "very easily afford it". Define afford it? When I was renting lots of agencies etc required you to prove that the rent wasnt more than 30% of your post tax income etc.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 06/09/2021 21:49

Ps sorry op I meant to add - it is shit, but it's due to a history and the government screwing over landlords , combined with higher insurance premiums for landlords who let to tenants on UC.

Original poster

SirScallyWagsWife · 06/09/2021 22:21

@NoIDontWatchLoveIsland

I can very easily afford the properties that I'm looking at

From a landlords perspective if you are reliant on UC top ups you can't "very easily afford it". Define afford it? When I was renting lots of agencies etc required you to prove that the rent wasnt more than 30% of your post tax income etc.

The rents are extortionate in all areas, mine where am i am now is going up this month. The reason I am reliant on UC top ups is because of these high rents.

I'm a single parent and i'm being penalised for the fact that i don't have a partner due to him walking out on my and my kids after 11 years together. Should that mean i'm not allowed to want a nice house or even be given a chance.

Not everyone on UC are benefit scroungers and need this to help them it's the reason why it's there surely.

Even two grown adults working could qualify for UC if they are on minimum wage with high rents so should they get penalised too?

OP posts:

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 06/09/2021 22:23

The point is the landlord isn't penalizing you for being a single parent. Honestly. It's the UC.

I suspect a couple on UC will struggle more to rent a property than a high income single parent not in receipt of UC. Can you look at some cheaper areas?