Benefits/private renting

[Milla11]

Hi everyone, I'm in a little pickle?
Baby is 3 months old and me and partner have split up- currently living with him & his parents still it's a nightmare! On the housing list but seems impossible to get a house quickly! Looking at private renting but everyone is saying no dss/ wanting working applicants only.. or on a certain income.. I'm not working yet either as I'm going back to uni October & looking after baby?
Help please!

I managed to get a private rent, but I had to get someone to act as a guarantor. Do you know anyone who could help with that? I had an old friend who stepped in, it was uncomfortable asking, but it was worth it.

I'm off benefits now, working full time and have just bought a house. So as much as it's been a long hard road, persevere, be determined and you'll be so proud of yourself when you get there. Good luck!

I have rented private and I know how you feel but you can find something. The agencies often write no housing benefit but it's up to the landlord. Get them to ask the landlord to consider you. Offer extra references or if you can a larger deposit.
If you really like somewhere show a budget sheet of how you can afford the rent with a student income. Be pushy you have nothing to lose.
Good Luck.

Phone an agent, and ask them if they ever take anyone on housing benefit. If they say No, ask them if they know which agent does. There's generally at least one that does in an area, and all the agents will know which one it is.

Contact the agents/landlords and as if they'll accept you as a HB claimant with a guarantor. This can help, although they may want a larger deposit.

Can you contact the university for help? You won't be the first student they have had in this position and so they may have their own contacts.

Would you be effected by the benefit cap? If you went private?

Some landlords can't let to HB etc as it's in their mortgage, insurance etc. Others just put it automatically but can be persuaded. Takes persistence but is possible.

Private rent is extortionate and the new benefits cap will seriously affect how much housing benefit you receive. I'd speak to your local housing office, they are obligated to provide shelter for you and your baby even if it's temporary until a permanent house becomes available.

Thanks for the replies! Id get around 500 in hb, but most houses around South Manchester are 650 and above! The council have pit me in band 3, so not getting anywhere with them even though I had a letter to say I had to be out of this house by July! Obviously they aren't going to kick me and their grandchild out but it's awful living here as you can imagine! Only option I've got left is to go into temp accommodation but when I was in it when I was little (11)(im only 23) it was awful sharing with drug users and alcoholics, anyone know what if is like now?
Thanks everyone for your suggestions

Local housing associations usually have several houses/flats within the area to decant families for temporary residence. You could be there a while though but at least you have a 'home' for the time being.

I'm currently in a 'homeless' flat with my dc right now and have been told that I may be here for around 2-3 years before an offer of a permanent council house comes my way. It's ok, too small (3dc & only 2 bedrooms) but I've made it look nice and the dc seem to have adapted fairly well. I do sleep in the living room though which isn't ideal . I was in a private let prior to this but benefit cap made it impossible to keep on living there. Funnily enough I'm a full time student (for a highly paid sector) so within 2-3 years I should be able to afford a house (rent or mortgage hopefully) of my own without any benefits.