Single parent renting?

[november90]

So basically I have a 3 year old and a baby who is 17 days old. My husband left me at 24 weeks pregnant out of the blue. Since then I've been living with my parents and I plan to do so for the next year whilst I get some money saved/pay some things off. I planned to rent via an estate agency but my ex said they won't touch people who claim benifits or work part time and both of them are me!! I'm so upset. I really don't want to just move into a council house/estate (absolutely no judgement to anyone else who does this by the way!!), I just wanted to get a rental with the security of an estate agency and perhaps pay a little more to make my home perfect for me and my boys. Surely this can't be true.... anyone have any experience with this?

OP, it’s not true that estate agents won’t let to you. I rent through an estate agent, work part time, am a single parent and I’m on top up benefits (UC/LHA). I had to jump through a few extra hoops (needed a guarantor, paid two months up front instead of one) as well as go through the usual reference details. I’ve been with two estate agents now. It’s not an easy option (I.e waltzing in with FT employment and blemish-free history) but it certainly is possible. Some landlords are anti-SP/benefits but there are plenty who are not and you can go through an agent to find these. Best of luck.

I'm sure it won't hold you back. But please don't dismiss local authority housing out of hand. I would put yourself on the waiting list and see if you are offered anything. It might be more suitable than you think.

The rent will be more affordable and more secure than private renting. If something doesn't come of it. You have lost nothing.

Oh gosh I really didn't think it would be an issue! Why is being a single parent so difficult! I do claim UC and I imagine I'll claim the funding for renting aswell....

I agree with PP don't dismiss LA - they may have something great. I am a LP on benefits and rent from a private landlord. It's fine. took me a while to find a suitable place but there are some agencies / landlords who will rent to someone on benefits. good luck! try shelter for free advice.

I did struggle to find one I liked that accepted housing benefit. That's not to say it's not possible though. And you would still need a guarantor.
I live in a housing association house, it's a new build in a lovely area and I know I'm not going to have a landlord decide they want me out, the rent is only £82 for a 3 bedroom house with garden and drive, and they do all repairs and maintenance, dont dismiss it. Theres no way I'd ever private rent now.

Oh gosh I'm feeling a bit deflated :(
I'm really set on living near my mum and the school I want my lb to go to so I just figured private renting would be easier :(
It seems so unfair. I just feel like I'm being punished all the time because my husband left me and he gets to go away now and save up for a deposit and own his own house and I'll never have that 😢

Single mum here who private rents, I don't claim UC but I do get tax credits.

Go and talk to estate agents, I went in and explained my circumstances, one of the agents I spoke to was INCREDIBLE!! She found a house for us that is in a really nice location, close to my parents house and my DS school. The landlord reduced my deposit for me and I managed to barter the rent slightly down too!

I felt like it would never happen but I'm so glad I went in and spoke to someone!

Single parent who rents and claims benefits: I didn’t have a problem, rent in a really good area near a wonderful primary school and even managed to get my landlord to reduce the monthly rent! I just needed a guarantor but most private rentals need that

I'm a single parent on UC I got my private rental I needed a guarantor didn't have one offered to pay 2 months in advance estate agents asked landlord who said yes. With most property u need to earn 3.5 the annual rent of the property so if the rent is £500 a month u will need an annual income of 21k this can be income from a job or benefits or both if it falls under this you will need a guarantor. The law has changed and I'm sure u can no longer advertise a property saying no benefits allowed that been said if a few apply priority will go to them in full time employment

dont dismiss council housing

honestly, its more secure than private. Speak to people, do not be ashamed of your circumstances and claiming

if you donot speak up, people cannot help you

good luck

dont dismiss council housing

honestly, its more secure than private. Speak to people, do not be ashamed of your circumstances and claiming

if you donot speak up, people cannot help you

good luck

dont dismiss council housing

honestly, its more secure than private. Speak to people, do not be ashamed of your circumstances and claiming

if you donot speak up, people cannot help you

good luck

dont dismiss council housing

honestly, its more secure than private. Speak to people, do not be ashamed of your circumstances and claiming

if you donot speak up, people cannot help you

good luck

There is such a sigma from some people in terms of social housing , I have family members who judge people all the time I think what some people go by is those channel 4 and 5 programmes. Some social housing is really good quality and secure and as some have mentioned no harm putting your name down as a option

I private rent on full benefits. I didnt go through an agency though. Luckily a friend of a friend of a friend needed a tenant.

Speak to your local council and see if they have deposit guarantee scheme housing, if that's still a thing. And like others said dont dismiss council housing. Although they are like gold dust here so you couldn't 'just move into' one anyway. My friends who do have council/la housing have a more secure tenancy than me, and more flexibility over decorating etc than I've had in any private rents.