Need to leave husband but can’t afford a rental property

[Jakethesnack]

Marriage has broken down. I need to leave with 2dc. I can’t stay as we currently rent from his family.

I have no money for a deposit or the first months rent. We already claim UC.

I can afford rental properties I have found (I’m employed) but its the initial big payout I can’t afford.

Would discretionary housing fund help with this?

It's worth applying but honestly probably not. Some councils have deposit schemes though, worth a hunt through your local council site.

Speak to Women's aid and Citizens advice, they may be able to advise if there's any support funds available.

Is taking out a small loan not an option? It's not ideal but if you're eligible and could pay it back it's worth considering.

You will not be able to claim a discretionary housing payment unless you already claim housing costs via UC or housing benefit. Contact your local Council who may offer a deposit scheme or ask your local Citizens Advice who may know of a charity who might be able to help. I would also register with your local social housing scheme and let the council know of your situation. Social housing would still require rent in advance but it will be less than a private landlord would require.

I have bad credit, I've already tried but can't get a loan. I will try women's aid.

As stated in post we do claim UC.
I am registered for social housing and have been bidding for 2 years. Still coming in the 200ths.

Definitely speak to citizens advice or shelter - there might be somewhere like a credit union that could help

Could you borrow money from family if you can't get a loan?

Can you leave the kids with him, then just rent a small place for yourself?

If you leave your dh, then your situation will change as you'd present yourself as homeless Depending on the area you are bidding you could be housed with 2 months as a homeless family of 3

Unfortunately with bad credit you will have trouble finding a rental.

Oh hell no

Councils can often loan the deposit and first months rent.

I'm really not willing to go into emergency or temp accomodation. My kids will not cope with this well and it's unnecessary.

It's really tough. I had this with my ex husband. Exactly the same could not afford to leave and had bad credit. So I stayed and went to University and trained so I could get a job and leave him. Three years, saved for a year and then went.

Do you have any family support?

Sorry if this is way off the mark, but I was in a similar position and sold my engagement ring which covered my deposit and first month's rent. Could something like that be an option?

Sadly my engagement ring was £80 😂

I've since worked out that I am eligible for the household support fund to cover deposit and first month's rent BUT you have to pay it first, get a tenancy agreement and THEN they reimburse you - whats the point 🥹

Well it might be necessary as you’re unlikely to find a private rental with poor credit I’m afraid. They would as a minimum way 6 months up front and a guarantor. Not being judgemental just factual.
if you present as homeless then you will eventually get social housing.
I don’t see that you have much choice I’m afraid.

Council might not find her as homeless if she’s willingly left a joint tenancy and there’s no DV involved. She’s also stated she’s not prepared to put her children in emergency accommodation. If she’s coming in the 200s when bidding for social housing she obviously lives somewhere where there is limited social housing. She’ll probably be in temp accommodation for years