Finding a suitable housemate in London as a single mum

[CuriousCam]

I am a single mother with a son who is nearly 3. My long-term housemate is moving out with her partner and I need to find somebody to move in. I would LOVE to live with another single mother or somebody who is good with children (and dogs!) that would be willing to do some babysitting. I've always found it super easy to find housemates because the house (Haggerston E8) is gorgeous. But now I am a single mum I don't even know where to start looking or what I am going to do. I can't afford the mortgage without at least one other living here. Any advice/ ideas so so appreciated

Spare Room is your answer and there is one that is for the 40+ market too ... I think it is COHABITAS ... but local FB Groups and Nextdoor also probably very good ... there is also a Female Only one but cannot remember the name ... will find out and report back!

Found it!

COHABITAS
House Share, Flatshare and Rooms to Rent for the over 40s

cohabitas.com

I'd strongly recommend you insist on a DBS check and multiple references, as bringing an unrelated adult into your home is much more risky when you have a young child to consider. The DBS only covers offending in the UK so I'd be wary if someone has spent a lot of time abroad as it's harder to check their background. Also consider if they have a partner/friends who might visit/stay over.

I totally get that it would be great to have someone who can babysit etc but that potentially makes the landlord/lodger relationship quite complex. It might be simpler in many ways to have someone who just needs somewhere to sleep (e.g. a part time mon-fri let).

And there is OpenRent too ... I have always found great places via OpenRent!

OpenRent | Property To Rent From Private Landlords

The Female Only one is GirlsWhoSubletLdn.

Instagram. girlswhosublet.ldn
W/Site. girls who sublet london | London Sublet Community

Out of interest ... I would love to know more and totally agree to DBS Checks and Full On References too ... we do a questionnaire for any potential flatmates along with references.

We ask about music, films, theatre, languages, education, food tastes, hobbies etc ... a potential flatmate CV is what you will need OP!

Good Luck!

Thank you @YesTonightJosephine - you put so much effort in replying and gave multiple suggestions. Most grateful. Have found many housemates on spareroom, most I am now still good friends with. Its a different ball game now that I am a single mother. Will be impossible to replace my current housemate who has been here since before my son was born but I have high hopes that I'l manage to find another such gem of a human being

@Bundeena 100% once I find somebody that could fit the bill 🙏

Don forget the DBS check, background checks etc

and draw up a contract ,

Well, as a long term renter I know and have been very lucky with great landlords so I understand both sides finding a tenant and finding a great landlord to live with too!

I will send you a DM ... as I always know a few fabulous creative people who need a happy long term home.

And the questionnaire / survey really is the answer ... will see if I can find an example ...

I wish more Estate Agents would look after renters but they are just not interested unless it is for a whole flat or house!

Good luck CuriousCam!

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