How is anyone getting by?!

[Positivevibes01]

Not sure where else this thread fits so posting here.
33 F, no kids, 2 cats.
Currently living with partner but due to relationship break down I am trying to move out.
Not in a position to buy my own property as I currently have zero savings so looking to rent as I was previously. The problem is, extreme lack of properties and ones that are suitable keep turning me down because of pets. It's a situation I've been in many times over the years but right now seems harder than ever.
I've offered larger deposits but not allowed to give more than 5 weeks rent due to govt restrictions. Also offered to pay more per month but many say due to their insurance they can't allow pets.
I have no family that I can move in with and I'm also not eligible for any social housing as I do not have a priority need.
What am I meant to do?! Get rid of my cats that I've had for 9 years who have been by my side and help me greatly emotionally. Which sounds sad but they are my family. I'm at a loss and hope something comes up soon but just really struggling mentally as I need to move sooner rather than later for my own sanity due to constant arguments and bickering in my relationship.
Staying in the current property is also not an option as he will not move out as he says I'm the one who's unhappy so I should be the one to move. I don't disagree, but have told him it's nigh on impossible for me to find somewhere, whereas he could without the cats (the cats are mine, I came with them when we decided to move in together). Just to also add, we moved in to this property with the idea of starting a family so have a three bed house. He has said before during arguments that he doesn't need three bedroom house to himself and can't really afford to stay, but has changed his tune as he paid to carpet the property, get blinds fitted and new appliances. I asked if he would be likely to end up leaving eventually anyway and he has said that isn't my buisness or my problem once I've left. Feeling increasingly frustrated.

If you go for an unfurnished rental it will be easier to hide the fact you have cats. Still risky, of course, though. Sorry, this does sound difficult. It might be worth asking advice from Battersea Cats and Dogs or PDSA or somewhere with expertise on pets. They might see this issue a lot.

They are all unfurnished that I'm looking at. I dont want to lie, I'm an honest person and wouldnt want the upheaval of getting kicked out and being stuck in an even worse position. My cats also go outdoors so neighbours would see them. I've offered everything even down to references from previously properties I've lived in. There just doesn't seen to be any way out

Can you look on Spare Room website for a house share with others that accepts cats? An HMO option. You may find a largish double room for you. Pets are a barrier though but at least look. To rent a whole home on your own is too costly these days unless the person is a very high earner. It may turn out sadly you give up the cats but at least get a furnished double room. You would be sharing with others the kitchen and bathroom with your key to your room only plus of course the front door key.

What is your monthly income
When you save you have no money for a deposit for buying a house, but offering a larger rental deposit. I'm assuming you have some savings just not a lot, how much have you got in savings at the moment?
What area (roughly) are you trying to find a property?

Offer your ex money to move out, maybe a reimbursement of what he’s spent if you can afford it. Maybe negotiate in terms of eg he paid for a new carpet 2 years ago that cost x, he’s had some use but you could offer half the cost.
Obviously you you shouldn’t have to do that, but keep your end goal in mind.
I have to ask, why would anyone pay for new carpet on a rental property?

Sorry you're in this situation private renting in this country is hell. I think you need to avoid the outcome of rehoming your cats. If your relationship is in any way toxic/could be considered to be emotionally abusive then you could also try to get somewhere via the council route, especially considering you don't have family to help you. The only other option I can see is appealing to your ex's good nature regarding the desperation of your situation and the impact it is having on you, and seeing if he would be willing to move and allow you to stay.

I have considered this but giving up my cats is a sadly a firm no.

I have absolutely nothing in savings currently. Just my monthly income which leaves very little spare, and that gets spent on petrol for work (I need my car for work) and food shopping.
We moved in to a rent to buy property with the view to buying in 5 years time. The house is a new build with no floorings provided so that is why he paid to have it all fitted

I have thought about this but I would feel a bit of a fraud. Although there have been times where I feel as though there are small elements of emotional abuse (he's said once that I'm eating like a pig, that I'm the most selfish person he's ever met, that it'd be best if I move out ASAP and berated me for calling in sick (to my second job as trying to earn a little more) as in his eye I "can't afford" to give up a days pay :(

When I rented, I told lettings agents i had cats, they would then speak to the landlords for me and then only show me properties that allowed pets. I had several landlords say that it was fine after initially saying no pets, and they were more accepting of cats.

@Positivevibes01 depending on where you live it could be worth going down the council route, some areas (like London) you probably have no chance but other areas you may stand a chance. It's worth a try. The worst they can say is no. But in my area you would be eligible to apply based on the fact the relationship has broken down.
If he became abusive, or kicked you out and you had nowhere to go, you would likely end up in temporary accommodation through the council however you would be a priority then for housing. There are schemes such as cats protection that will help with temporary foster care of your kitties.
To be honest it's going to be hard to secure a private rental, depending on where you are located.
You're in rent to buy? Does this give you some security of tenure? This isn't a standard rental.. would you get some equity back? Don't move out unless you have to, you have a right to be there as much as him.

Agree with the previous poster. Offer to pay your ex upfront to leave. Pay him back for the carpets.

Oh I’m really sorry - such a tough decision. There are some private landlords on spare room who offer a whole place, rather than it just being a house share. Maybe a landlord on there might be more amenable to your situation than a letting agent?

This is a completely left-field suggestion, but I was reading about companion accommodation recently. An older person (usually) offers subsidised living quarters in return for (agreed) light support and companionship. All the case studies were very enthusiastic and said it was way beyond their expectations.

This may be an option to look into? Maybe more flexible than standard rentals?

Have a really good look on spare room - theres always a good possibility that you can do a house share with another person who has cats.