To ask what you’d do in this dire situation?

[ReallyStuck2024]

Posting for traffic.

I live in SE England. I’m trying to move to a cheaper part of the UK and I’m making plans to do so.

I work FT and have an additional PT job. I’m working around 55-60 hours a week.

No savings, can’t get a decent credit card or even a loan due to previous poor credit (which I’m working to resolve).I’m not entitled to any benefits.
I don’t drive so can’t take on work as for eg Deliveroo or Amazon or otherwise

Family can’t help me with financial support. I also cannot stay with family in the short term due to valid but complicated reasons.

the situation is: it’s going to cost me thousands to move: in terms of arranging a move but also because my current flat is furnished and I’d have to furnish an entire new house. So I need to save for six months or so.

whilst this is all going on, my LL announced he was putting the rent up by £450 a month, effective March. I can’t afford this and will need to move. But I can’t afford to move.

I am wracking my head for solutions here - even moving into a house share and getting rid of most of my belongings but that still wouldn’t work because I’d need a months rent and deposit up front and tbh, house shares and one bed flats aren’t that different in price where I’m looking.

What on earth am I meant to do? I’m seriously panicking

I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure legally he can only put your rent up a certain percentage. Get to citizens advice asap.

I'd try support services such as CAB, to see if there is anything you can access.

Well first off have you told your Landlord you can't afford it ? Maybe make a counter offer?
If you need to access enough cash to raise a deposit, could you agree with LL to get the deposit back early? If not then all I can suggest is that you get a house sit or pet sitting gig for a couple of months to bridge you for a couple of months whilst you raise the deposit money/get it back from LL?
Rentals are a nightmare in SE so not sure what else to suggest other than flat share etc

There isn’t a legal limit but he’s only able to do this once a year in writing by issuing a section 13 once the AST has ended. Which it sadly has (I’m on a rolling contract)

That sounds like a really difficult situation.

Have you looked at being a lodger?
Or something radical like house sitting? Or a scheme where you share cheaply with an elderly person in exchange for company and a bit of help? Or a different job that comes with accommodation included?

And then save save save. Spend nothing except for the absolute necessities like food and transport to work. It only needs to be temporary so you can move to a cheaper area.

Good luck.

Me, and the other three tenants in the building have explained we cannot afford it and he has acknowledged that all four units will therefore eventually need to be advertised as well need to move. I have offered an increase of what I can just about afford, he rejected it.

I think he is likely to take money off for the deposit because he’s petty as fuck (I know he has to actually evidence damage)

You can get most furniture that you need for cheap/ free from freecycle/ British Heart Foundation etc.

What is it you do for a living (in your main job) op?

I would second looking for work with accommodation if that's an option- care/hospitality can sometimes have live ins.

I'm not suggesting that as a permanent solution but might tide you over while you find your feet.

I actually work from home in a fairly difficult role so I don’t have travel costs but this is also why living alone or having a place I can actually work is crucial. Unless I actually change jobs which is proving almost impossible at the moment.

Trying to keep it vague but I work within the legal services sector.

I think don't worry about furniture etc - this feels daunting but when you get to it a few weeks on a matress on the floor whilst you sort out second hand furniture won't be the end of the world. Plus you'll hopefully have a bit back from your deposit which could go towards some second hand furniture.

I think that I would also try and go for the cheapest option for arranging the move. Does anyone you know have a vehicle who can help you out? If your current flat is furnished then hopefully you can move in one or two vehicle loads. There will still be a fuel cost obviously but thats hopefully more doable.

You should be able to save a bit extra by running things down - use up all of your food, cleaning products, smellies etc in the old house which will give you less to move.

So, I'd try and just focus on getting together enough for deposit and first months rent in new flat and then move and cope with anything that comes up as it comes. Is there any chance that you can save that December - March?

First of all challenge the rent increase. Contact Shelter for advice. I'm sure there are laws around the amount a landlord can increase the rent.

Working 60 hours a week at minimum wage is around £2800 gross per month, net around £2K after tax, pension etc. How much is your current rent? The landlord might be able to return your deposit promptly if you explain you need it for a new place.

Can you sleep in the lounge and sub let your bedroom to a lodger for a bit to save? Not great but needs must.

Your local council might be able to give you support in finding a cheaper private rental. They often have arrangements with local agencies whereby they cover a minimum deposit.

@ReallyStuck2024 there is certainly a limit for rental increases in scotland. think it is no higher that the council rent raise or thereabouts! someone miight correct me if i am wrong! £450 in obscene!!!

No one I know could help vehicle wise but they could help to drive a van - to rent one seems to be £200-300.

i also forgot to add that I have to pay for an end of tenancy cleaner, carpet clean and total oven clean in the flat which is going to be another £250 ish on top.

I feel like I’m drowning here. I can probably save about £400 or so, a month, if I put my mind to it. But then I’ve got another months rent and deposit for somewhere new on top

My neighbour used freecycle and a few more websites and kitted out all his furniture including a sink unit so it can be done. British heart furniture is useful as well.

Current rent is £1100. Bill on top are another £400. I’ve also got debt repayments which eat up around £200 (I’m close to clearing these, I’ve got a year left).
I don’t have a pension but I do have student loan deductions.
The flat is open plan so not sure how subletting would work, but I’m also sure my LL wouldn’t go for it.

It’s not ethical and I’m a landlord myself BUT if you think he’s going to try and make spurious deductions, don’t pay your last month’s rent. Let him take the deposit as your last month.

That at least helps cash flow for moving.

It is obscene but also not unheard of - a friend had an increase from 1250 to £1600. It was awful.

Would you consider a room in a shared house?

I'm in the SE and they can vary from £450 upwards but it includes all bills.

I have considered this but where I am / where I’m looking to move to, they’re not much cheaper than renting a one bedroom place, or studio. I do take into account that bills would be cheaper.

i have looked at house shares though and have considered this an option

Could you tell us vaguely where in the SE you are? Maybe we could help with looking for options for you.

Hi, I’ve had a similar experience.

I’m just going to add that you don’t have to leave by when he asks if you haven’t found somewhere. Legally, you stay there and he has to go through another process to evict you. Your local council will support you in this decision.This can take quite a long time.

So just make sure you don’t panic too much or leave with nowhere to go.

If you're WFH, can't you just move now?? Or is in office presence occasionally required??

@ReallyStuck2024 how about house sitting? Then you’d still be able to wfh and wouldn’t need furniture.

-Some uni accommodation rent out rooms which might do until you get your deposit back and find somewhere else
-Caravan parks are empty this time of year. DH and I renovated and lived in a single glazed one for 2yrs. Not ideal, but can be done. Electric blanket is essential to take the edge off, because we nearly froze the 1st year with a single water bottle in bed!
-Shelter might have advice
-Are you on your local nextdoor.com. I often see requests for help to move things, transport a bed etc. If you can't pay cash, maybe in exchange for whatever your skills are, bottle of wine, cake etc?