It shouldn't be this hard to find somewhere to rent

[lotsofbirds]

Served a section 21. This has now expired and we're being taken to court. We have nowhere to go. Every rental we apply for we don't get. We're employed (but not huge salaries) and good history of paying rent (no missed dates of arrears). So scared now we're going to be homeless. We're on the housing register, but haven't 'won' any houses we've applied for and there's not tonnes in catchment/driving distance for the kids schools.

What are we meant to do? It shouldn't be this hard to find somewhere to rent. Add to that everything is an extra 1/3 to 1/2 more rent than we are paying now, so we are going to really struggle to make ends meet.

I feel really sorry for anyone trying to rent, it's almost impossible now. There's not much you can do, maybe try putting a post on fb in your area to ask if anyone is looking for renters?

I'm afraid this is because landlords have had enough of government policies and are leaving in droves. It will get worse.

I'm so sorry! It must be incredibly scary. Surely when you become homeless the council will have a legal obligation to house you? (Even if it's just B&B etc)

have you tried asking on SM if anyone knows if any rentals not yet online? several people have had luck with this approach.

Do you have any pets or anything else that'll make it more difficult?

what distance are you looking at?

price is location dependant obviously, but cheapest 2bed here is £950 for a 2bed, tiny flat. It's scandalous.

wishing you all the best 🤞🏼

Oh & when I say 'here' it's actually 5 miles away from school, so not that convenient.

Thanks, we have tried asking about friends etc, but no one has anything.

We've looked in a 10 mile radius.

I started looking in November 2019...

I'm still looking in June 2022...

The housing on the country is messed up.

Yes, we’ve stopped renting our second home out since the changes in how the income is taxed stopped it being worthwhile, and it’s only going to get worse if the proposed changes about security of tenancy and about pets go through.

Are there any shared ownership options in your area?

There are 10 million more people living in the UK than there were in the year 2000. That's 19 cities the size of Edinburgh.

Oh wow, that's loads!

Its something we looked into and will continue to consider (not loads coming up), but I think buying anywhere will take longer than we've got to leave.

It's not really surprising. For every anti landlord/pro tenant law passed, many landlords will sell their property as it becomes more and more difficult to control what happens to their property.

Try your local Facebook group and Nextdoor ... around here people rent directly to avoid agency fees

Also try housing associations who have rent to buy

have you tried looking at things like flats? We live in one and it's fine.

Are you happy to give a rough idea of areas op? . I work for a reputable ll...

Don't forget it can take months for the court case to come round. If a shared ownership option pops up, get the wheels in motion. By the time the court case goes against you and the bailiffs turn up, you could be close to completion.