Aibu to think renting shouldn’t be this complicated?

[CheddarTheDog]

I need to move for work (new job/major lifestyle change for various reasons) ideally ASAP, and want to go into rented as not 100% sure about which part of the town I want to live in yet and don’t want to tie myself into a mortgage and then want to sell again in a year. I need to move asap as the job is a two hour round trip.

I have proof of earnings, deposit and six months rent up front plus the guarantor needed to do so. I thought this would make things easier with getting a rental arranged.

Current house is awaiting sale completion. ExH is paying mortgage until then (we’re only five weeks off completion).

So my income and bills will pay for the rented property.

Am I explaining this wrong to agents? They’re all saying they can’t even show me properties even though I’m working and have savings. Am I missing something?

AIBU? Or do I need to wait until the house is sold, go into an Airbnb and then apply for rent?

*I meant income and savings will pay for rent and bills

What reasons do the EA give for not showing you any available properties? I assume you have tried more than one EA.

Quite a few! When I’ve had a reason it’s because of the house sale but the house sale has no bearing on my ability to afford the rent, all of which I can prove.

I’m not always getting calls back, and I know that properties are going quickly but there’s five still available that I really want to go and see and I’m just getting nowhere.

Very strange, maybe they’re worried if the sale falls through at this late stage (very unlikely as you’ve exchanged) you’ll have to pay the mortgage and they’re not convinced your ex husband will be the sole one expected to pay?

What do they say when you ask why?

Just don't tell any more estate agents about the house sale.

"I'm relocating. Yes I have payslips and 6 months rent in advance."

They should be biting your hand off.

I think the market is just so competitive at the moment EAs can go down the easy route, especially if guarantors are needed.

I was looking back end of last year and it was soul destroying, enquired about 30ish, viewed 5, only heard back from one. The only reason I managed to find somewhere was through a friend so I was really fortunate (thought I'd end up at XHs😮)

We’ve already exchanged so it’s very unlikely.

They don’t really say much. My credit ratings excellent, I could afford the mortgage too if it comes to it as it’s only one payment left so I really can’t understand it.

Unless things are moving faster than I think and I’m just not getting in quickly enough. I’ve been checking daily first thing and contacting them too though.

@PeeAche I hadn’t thought of not mentioning the sale! Think I thought it would give extra reassurance I’ll have money for the rent.

Guarantors seem to be necessary when you pay up front. I don’t have to do that obviously but I thought it would be a positive.

Don't tell them anything at all in the future

Are your earnings high enough on their own to meet the required income? If not, they won't rent to you. If you are relying on savings and or lump sum from the hoyse sale, that doesn't count, as its a finite resource.

Offering to pay 6 months up front also makes you look dodgy, as in you have a lump sum now but aren't sure of ongoing earnings.

What they want is a nice steady regular earned income.

Dont offer to pay upfront. I think some of them are suspicious of that.

Yep, earnings more than high enough so I absolutely can cover it all on an ongoing basis. I’ll go back to basics and just say I’m earning X when they ask.

In fact, I’ve not even said it as I want to pay up front, just that it’s an option thinking it would be a bonus point for me.

It’s so long since I’ve rented/am so desperate to get us moved that I think I’ve overthought it all.

Im so grateful for your help! Thank you