Finding somewhere to live whilst pregnant!

[KirstyP0594]

Hi all,

I have recently found out that I’m pregnant which I am overjoyed about. However it has now become very real that I am going to need to find somewhere to live now I have a baby on the way. I currently live with partner in my parent’s house. They have a 2 bedroom house with my younger sister moving back home in about a month’s time, so I am now stressing about having nowhere to live! We have been trying to search for private rentals, but my partner has got a ccj from a few years ago and we have already been turned down for 1 rental property. Even if we weren’t to have a joint tenancy and put everything in my name, my salary is 25k so I wouldn’t be allowed to rent much for that salary (a tiny one bedroom flat would be about it - I live in London so renting is ridiculous prices). I am also unsure of what to do once I go on maternity leave, how on earth would I afford the rent on SMP?

I’m not certain that the council would help us as we both work full time, and I am aware there is a real shortage of council housing currently.

I am stressing too much about this at the moment and I know I shouldn’t be but it’s proving very difficult!

If somebody could please give us some advice I would be so grateful!

[SleepingStandingUp]

Even if you get a one bed in your name, surely your bf would still be paying his share which means on may leave he covers most of it?

It's worth registering with the local HA and explain your situation - that you're about to be made homeless. They might also know of any Bond Schemes running where they can help with the initial deposit etc.

Do you both work centrally? Could you move outwards reasonably to reduce rent prices?

A lease on a 1 bed would be fine, there's months until baby comes and they're in with you for 6 months at least anyway, often up to 12 months

[BunnyRuddington]

Did your DP ever pay off the CCJ? If it's marked as satisfied this can alter some Landlord's perspective.

Do you know how long the CCJ will remain on his Credit Report for?

[BasicMadeira]

Hello, if a tiny one bedroom flat is all your budget will stretch to well that will have to do for now. When you are on maternity your partner will have to cover the rent with his income (as he is living with you he can pay his half up until then but he will have to make up e shortfall while you are on ML)
Hopefully with two incomes (although childcare costs will probably take half of that when you do go back to work) you may be able to save small amounts and when he clears his debt or the period of time expires then you can reassess the situation. Whatever you do do go back to work as you are not married. You pay half the rent and half the childcare and he pays half the rent and half the childcare just so the childcare is not something viewed exclusively as your cost.
Truthfully the baby is not good timing so it may be a little tough for a few years but the main thing is that you will be happy and your baby will be safe and lived regardless of how tiny the home is.