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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Lack of rental properties in the West Midlands ?

31 replies

flowalover · 28/02/2024 12:01

I am currently trying to find a house to rent in the West Midlands and it is impossible.

I currently live in a 2 bed apartment with my baby but the apartment had so many issues.

Condensation on the windows, there has been mould as a result of this, a fly infestation in the summer, an oven which is supposed to be integrated but moves every time I open the door.

I am desperate to leave but I never even get offered any properties.
I have tried OpenRent too.

I have asked the Council for help and they advised me the waiting list is 10 years.

I have always paid my rent on time and in the past I had no trouble renting somewhere.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
BugsyDrakeTableScape · 28/02/2024 12:26

What advice are you looking for? If you say there are no properties and a ten year waiting list then you've obviously done your research about the area. What are you hoping for from others?

Is moving area an option?

wombat15 · 28/02/2024 12:35

Where in the west Midlands? How much rent are you able to pay?

Original poster
flowalover · 28/02/2024 12:46

Looking in the Birmingham area and max budget is around £900 - £1000 for 2/3 bed house.

Was hoping for advice of people who may of been in similar situation.
I would be open to moving but still remaining in the West Midlands.

OP posts:
anotherdayanotherpathlesstravelled · 28/02/2024 12:51

If you have a baby are you working? Presumably that could be an issue too?

ForeverWinter · 28/02/2024 13:24

Do you need to be in the city centre?

Quite a few come up that fit your requirements under Tamworth/Lichfield/Sutton and they all have decent rail links into Birmingham

Cazpar · 28/02/2024 13:26

There are an awful lot coming up in Birmingham, min 2 bed, max £1000 on Rightmove, although you have to wade through the student accommodation.

Are you actually on the books of any estate agents?

Original poster
flowalover · 28/02/2024 13:39

I'm currently on maternity leave at the moment.

I am on the books of quite a few letting agents but apparently there is a lot of demand right now and they have a strict criteria.

I will look in surrounding area's and see if I have any luck.

OP posts:
wombat15 · 28/02/2024 14:47

Have you tried Sutton Coldfield? There are quite a lot of two bedroom properties in your price range on rightmove. Good rail links to the centre of Birmingham.

PassingStranger · 28/02/2024 16:25

I have no answer but understand your predicament.

Lots of landlords are also selling up because renting out is stressful.

Original poster
flowalover · 28/02/2024 17:06

@wombat15 -Sutton is a lovely area, I have started to register with letting agents.

@PassingStranger -In certain area's in Birmingham landlords have to pay a licence fee of £700 a year to the Council.

I guess I will just offer to pay a couple months rent upfront and see if that helps.

OP posts:
wombat15 · 28/02/2024 17:36

flowalover · 28/02/2024 17:06

@wombat15 -Sutton is a lovely area, I have started to register with letting agents.

@PassingStranger -In certain area's in Birmingham landlords have to pay a licence fee of £700 a year to the Council.

I guess I will just offer to pay a couple months rent upfront and see if that helps.

Do you mean that you register and then hope that they contact you. I think in a fast moving market it would be better to find accommodation on right move and then call the agent to view.

andHelenknowsimmiserablenow · 28/02/2024 17:40

Do you mean you can't find anywhere you like, or you don't fit the criteria the landlords are asking for? As PP said there are lots of properties available in Sutton Coldfield, maybe flats rather than houses though.

Jabberwonky · 28/02/2024 18:05

South Staffordshire and East Shropshire might open your field of searches.

HelloMiss · 28/02/2024 18:09

Is it the 'strict' criteria that is holding you back?

Original poster
flowalover · 29/02/2024 00:05

@wombat15 - Yes I am on email mailing lists and I also call for viewings.

@andHelenknowsimmiserablenow - The problem is I apply for properties (as well as several others) and the Landlord's always goes for another applicants.

I have also tried Facebook market place and 90% full of scammers asking for money before even viewing the property.

I will try further afield and see where that gets me.

OP posts:
Original poster
flowalover · 29/02/2024 00:07

@Jabberwonky - yes I will have a look now and see what is available.

@HelloMiss Yes the strict criteria is holding me back.

In all the years of renting I have never experienced such difficulty finding somewhere to rent.

Even before your offered a viewing they pre screen every applicant.

OP posts:
Original poster
flowalover · 29/02/2024 00:20

RachelGreensHair · 29/02/2024 00:18

Thank you, I will have a look now. Smile

OP posts:
QueenCamilla · 29/02/2024 00:29

The condensation on windows is difficult to avoid particularly if the windows are single glazed. It's often the coldest surface in the room, so that's where warm&humid air will condense. A dehumidifier under the window will help.
It's also been so wet weather wise this autumn&winter that it's been difficult to drop the humidity via opening the windows. I've found heating plus dehumidifier to be more effective in achieving lower humidity levels inside. I can only hope it's not the same next year!

Flies... Sorry to say, that's on you OP. Unless they're attracted by something just outside your windows.

Not that the above helps if the rental market is dire and you do wish to move. But the issues might follow to a new rental if the cause of them is not fully understood.

JobMatch3000 · 29/02/2024 00:30

I think moving is risky and your issues are easily solvable.

Issue 1:
Condensation on the windows, there has been mould as a result of this.

Everyone has condensation at this time of year and you'll likely have the same issue in another property. Open your window and/or use a window vac or dehumidifier.

Issue 2: a fly infestation in the summer

Nothing in your post to suggest this will happen again.

Issue 3:
An oven which is supposed to be integrated but moves every time I open the door.

Probably solved in 5 minutes with a screwdriver to tighten a likely loose screw.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 29/02/2024 00:34

What area do you need to be in for work/schools/family etc? You may find one of the neighbouring authorities cheaper and with more availability eg Sandwell or Dudley.

Original poster
flowalover · 29/02/2024 00:49

QueenCamilla · 29/02/2024 00:29

The condensation on windows is difficult to avoid particularly if the windows are single glazed. It's often the coldest surface in the room, so that's where warm&humid air will condense. A dehumidifier under the window will help.
It's also been so wet weather wise this autumn&winter that it's been difficult to drop the humidity via opening the windows. I've found heating plus dehumidifier to be more effective in achieving lower humidity levels inside. I can only hope it's not the same next year!

Flies... Sorry to say, that's on you OP. Unless they're attracted by something just outside your windows.

Not that the above helps if the rental market is dire and you do wish to move. But the issues might follow to a new rental if the cause of them is not fully understood.

The condensation is a pain, I am constantly wiping down my windows.
I try to open my windows as much as I can in the day as I don't want moths at night.

I think there is an issue with the whole apartment block, 2 tenants have already moved out in the last 6 weeks.
Even the maintenance man who works for the Housing Association says he has been called to these apartments to many times by different tenants during the years.

OP posts:
Original poster
flowalover · 29/02/2024 00:53

JobMatch3000 · 29/02/2024 00:30

I think moving is risky and your issues are easily solvable.

Issue 1:
Condensation on the windows, there has been mould as a result of this.

Everyone has condensation at this time of year and you'll likely have the same issue in another property. Open your window and/or use a window vac or dehumidifier.

Issue 2: a fly infestation in the summer

Nothing in your post to suggest this will happen again.

Issue 3:
An oven which is supposed to be integrated but moves every time I open the door.

Probably solved in 5 minutes with a screwdriver to tighten a likely loose screw.

Hi yes, I will look into a window vac, anything to stop me constantly wiping down my windows all the time.

The oven stopped working and was replaced by AO Business who installed it and I have been told by the HA not to use it until they can send AO out again to secure it.
It's been over a week now and still nobody has come out.

OP posts:
JobMatch3000 · 29/02/2024 01:03

You're looking to move from a HA property to a private rental? With a young child?

Original poster
flowalover · 29/02/2024 01:15

JobMatch3000 · 29/02/2024 01:03

You're looking to move from a HA property to a private rental? With a young child?

It is an Intermediate Market rental property through a HA, I got the apartment through Right Move, it is the first HA I have lived in.

OP posts: