To ask how long it takes a single mum on benefits to get a private rental

[Freddiesextrateeth]

Pretty much the title.
Separating from partner and ringing round agencies. Luckily my mum has said she will be my guarantor and pay deposit, but even saying that to the agents didn't feel enough. One almost laughed saying we wouldn't rent to you unless you had a guarantor anyway 😒 I have 3 young kids and didn't need to work. No pets. I guess I will be low on the list. I don't have a chance in hell of getting a council/housing association property as partner isn't violent I'm not a priority.

How long did it take you to be accepted by a private landlord if you were a single mum on benefits?

ages! I kept getting turned down unfortunately. Then I eventually found somewhere luckily. I was really annoyed, so discriminatory.

Why don't you "need" to work?? I don't know any private landlords who'd accept someone who isn't working

She said she didn't need to work when she was with her partner, not that she won't work now but they'll be childcare issues with three kids.....

I spoke to an agent yesterday about something else and they just don’t have the rental stock as investors are selling up due to new regulations. They said the wont even consider one income for rental properties at the moment, has to be at least two, a guarantor and 6-12 months up front. I’m not sure what to suggest other than find a location where there is still a lot of rental properties available.

Whereabouts in the UK are you looking? Some areas are not too bad, others next to impossible.

I went council and got a housing officer, they new local landlords who were happy to take on council suggestions. So managed to get a private landlord that way :) honestly the letting agents I never got anywhere with. They'd generally show rentals to multiple applicants, then landlords could pick who they wanted, obvs the childless couples snd professionals got first dibs

This is a good idea I'll do this. The agent just said exactly the same that the houses are shown to multiple people and the landlord chooses who they think is best

This. I don't get threads like this. It depends entirely where in the UK you are. I read so many threads on here about people not being able to book doctors and dentist appointments at least 3 or 4 months in advance, or not even having a NHS dentist, or not having an active taxi service, or fast food deliveries, and it is just an entirely different worldly experience to me, even though we are in the same country.

I would say from a personal point of view however, that if I was left feeling vulnerable and turned to asking for help from someone who was paid to do so and they just laughed and sneered in my face, that I would turn very violent, very quickly.

You need to get an agent onside. When we were in rented but about to move (had bought) the rental agent showed people around, one was a single mum and one child with her dad who was going to act as guarantor - she got the house and I'm in contact with her still (small town, bumped into her afterwards and we've kept in touch). The owner listened to the agent , understood the situation and chose her over the other 2 who applied as she wanted a long term rental (still there 3 years later). But you do need a guarantor for most rentals, sometimes the council will act as your guarantor

Just keep calling round. Sorry I know that's not helpful but what more can you do. Can you get a job?

even if the OP got a job it's more than likely that with three children she would still be in receipt of some benefits, unless it was some super high paid one. That's the ridiculous nature of the rental system! Also with three young kids trying to fit in anything other than a part time job (which are often low paid) is super hard as a single parent. I wish you luck op!

Just one child. But got a place straight away, with a guarantor.

I’m not on benefits but a single mum and just moved to a rental from living in a family members house last few years. I saw 2 properties and the one I got had 5 applicants and I got it, the 1 I didn’t get had 10 applicants. They show everyone around and then discuss applicants with landlord and decide on someone. I have a good salary which helps and didn’t need a guarantor which helped, but letting agent told me they consider how many people live there as wear and tear more with more people etc. As suggested above contact your local council as they do help people find private rentals when on benefits. I’d explain when looking you’re divorcing and finding a job but will be on benefits until you’re sorted with a job and childcare

Thanks all for the replies. Fingers crossed I'll find somewhere soon. I didn't need a job when partner and I were together, obviously it would help now! But then i would still be on benefits even if i was working as i dont have any skills, experience or high education. My youngest is 1, eldest 5. I live in the South West, there isn't much available in my price bracket.

About three weeks. Live in Yorkshire.