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Original poster

Can I make myself more desirable to landlords?

84 replies

Hulke · 15/12/2022 13:43

I've been viewing houses recently but seem to be having no luck. I'm moving because landlord is putting the rent up (I don't mention this). I seem to view houses but don't get offered them, they go to someone else, I suspect because I'm a single mother, and others earn more than me (I'm on 34.6k a year so not a low wage but not as much as a couple would ordinarily earn). Is there anything I can say or do to make myself seem more desirable to a landlord? I'm looking for long term as have applied to schools in the area so this might help. But keep getting knocked back. I have good credit and references, always payed rent on time etc. Any advice?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulke · 15/12/2022 14:46

dreamingofsun · 15/12/2022 14:44

have you stayed in previous jobs a long time? that might help soften any concerns about my previous post.

Yes I worked for the government for 6 years before this then a similar role beforehand and moved for a payrise.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulke · 15/12/2022 14:47

The joys of being a lone parent.

OP posts:
EndlessRain1 · 15/12/2022 14:49

I'm going to go against the grain and say a child isn't a negative. You are likely to stick around to for longer (and be entiteld to more substantial benefits if you do lose your job)

dreamingofsun · 15/12/2022 15:02

sorry dotjones but i dont agree. There is no point paying higher rent as this would raise alarm bells for me as it shows desperation. And slightly higher rent for a few months is not going to cover a debt of say £10k.

its not the kids that cause the damage either, its the parents who are normally the worst. most families are fine. And whilst i would like the neighbours to be happy i really am only interested in rent on time, place not trashed and if the worst happens a way i can get some money back from tenant via the courts.

dreamingofsun · 15/12/2022 15:04

In fact dotjones, both our tenants pay a bit below the going rent. we are fine with this as we know they are good tenants.

orchid220 · 15/12/2022 15:06

It's could just be the others are offering several months rent upfront. DD had to do that in the end as despite the fact that she and her partner both work, accommodation was always offered to someone else.

AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 15:10

How much is your current landlord raising the rent by? If the property you are interested in is on the same street how do they compare, and you do need to aware that rents are generally rising everywhere.

TallulahBetty · 15/12/2022 15:16

Are you on the electoral roll?

Nicewarmfeet · 15/12/2022 15:21

I am a single mother I am incredibly lucky that my landlords are my parents. It makes me feel very worried and angry to think that it's such a struggle for people like me to find somewhere to live. Best of luck OP. ❤️

fyn · 15/12/2022 15:30

How much is the rent on the property? The maximum you’ll be approved for by referencing is about £1,200 on a salary of £36,000.

To add when referencing they don’t look at your credit score as a number, they look at whether you have any CCJs/bankruptcies etc… We always declined tenants that offer lump sums up front (unless they had serious savings I.e hundreds of thousands), we wanted people to demonstrate that they can pay regularly. It’s very common for people to pay a year up front and then stop paying afterwards. I used to manage estates for landowners and large conservation charities, it’s been the same everywhere I’ve worked.

Original poster
Hulke · 15/12/2022 15:32

AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 15:10

How much is your current landlord raising the rent by? If the property you are interested in is on the same street how do they compare, and you do need to aware that rents are generally rising everywhere.

From 850 to 1000 which I found to be unreasonable.

OP posts:
MotherOfRatios · 15/12/2022 15:38

Whereabouts are you based OP? There is a national housing crisis right now I'm sure you'll know this as I work in the the women's sector and it's coming up a lot in regards to victims.

a lot of renters currently are overbidding on properties, offering to sign longer term tenancies and often paying a year up front in rent.

itwas · 15/12/2022 15:38

is it the landlord you’re meeting or a letting agent? it’s much easier to charm the landlord directly (I’m a shit tenant on paper but in reality I’m a great tenant and i’ve always managed to charm my way into a contract when I’ve met the landlord rather than an agent)

dreamingofsun · 15/12/2022 15:39

you could explain about living on the same street and asking if LL would like to see current house. you could also drop into conversation that you know all the neighbours (if they are all telling LL you are a lovely trustworthy lady that is going to make a difference). if asked about why you want to move you could also be upfront about wanting somewhere cheaper (this shows a proactive approach to money management and there is currently a cost of living squeeze).

having a professional job is also going to help. talk up about why you moved to the current one.....eg promotion, more money etc. show that you are in control of your life and plan.

being single parent is not necessarily bad - we had a single mother in the police who was great. worst tenant started off as part of 2 parent family and male moved out.

AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 15:46

Is the house you are interested in smaller/cheaper than you are currently paying ?

LisaJool · 15/12/2022 15:47

I hear you OP, I just started my own thread about the woes of private renting.

Appear presentable, preferably sans kids
Offer 3 months up front (if this is feasible)
Supply a great reference from your previous ll
State that you are looking for something long term

Aintnosupermum · 15/12/2022 15:53

The rent increase from £850 to £1000 is a lot but not unreasonable considering the higher interest charges and charges which now apply due to selective licensing in many areas.

If I were you, I would try to negotiate down the rent increase and stay where you are unless it’s not suitable for the schools you are aiming for.

As a LL, I look at the whole picture. A single mum with one child isn’t an issue. I would assume you would be a long term tenant which is what I prefer.

TheTeenageYears · 15/12/2022 15:56

I don't think you'll pass a credit check at the moment in a new job. How long is your probationary period? Do you have anyone who is willing and able to act as a guarantor?

Original poster
Hulke · 15/12/2022 15:58

TheTeenageYears · 15/12/2022 15:56

I don't think you'll pass a credit check at the moment in a new job. How long is your probationary period? Do you have anyone who is willing and able to act as a guarantor?

Yes my dad will.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 15:59

What part of the uk are you in ?

Original poster
Hulke · 15/12/2022 16:04

AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 15:59

What part of the uk are you in ?

Norfolk

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 16:07

Ok

Original poster
Hulke · 15/12/2022 16:08

AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 16:07

Ok

Any reason why you asked?

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 15/12/2022 16:14

Yeah, you seem like a good tenant 😊

Greenfairydust · 15/12/2022 16:15

No wonder that landlords have a (deserved) bad reputation. Frankly I cannot believe some of the comments on this thread.

Only in England would having a small child or having recently started a new job be considered a ''red flag'' or would people think it is OK to tell someone to get a guarantor while they are making a perfectly decent income...

Frankly I find all of this sickening.

OP if I can give you some advice is to try to get yourself out of relying on the whims of landlords and estate agents.

Try to rent from a housing association instead, look at shared-ownership, save to by yourself a small flat if you can even if that means moving to a new area.

I would stay in your current home for now and instead make long term plans to try to get yourself out of the private rent trap.

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