Finding new private accommodation (single parent on housing benefit)

[janelikesjam]

Hi, don't know if anyone can help me here? Myself and my 10 year old need to move and, because of health issues, I am reliant on housing benefit.

I am getting a sinking feeling that it is going to be difficult to find an agency or private landlord who will accept us .

Any ideas - or good experiences - around this would be really welcome. Thanks.

Do you know of any friends who are renting? If so ask for their landlords number. This way you can get directly to the landlord or landlady & see what there is. If not go into estate agents & let them know what you're looking for & they will usually ring you with offers but be very firm & clear on what you want. Otherwise they will ring with pointless homes you arent looking for. Also have you tried looking on the council list? I know some of the homes really arent nice or in nice areas but you could get lucky.

Hope you are having luck with your search!

Just thought I'd chime in with my experience. Basically most landlords will rent to you as long as you have a guarantor, my step dad did it for me and a lot of them are fine with it then. Its a pain in the bum though trying to find one without that, but in my experience going through agencies is not the way forwards, as private landlords are more understanding. I found my last place on gumtree and they usually say if they@ll take HB tenants in the add

:) good luck!

Thank you both very much. Don't have friends who are renting privately, but will take your advice Welshcat, thanks, Good luck, I will need it!