Struggling to rent

[CrystalSkull]

DP and I currently live with my parents. They are generous and seem happy to have us here, but I do worry that we might be imposing. We both graduated and started jobs in 2013 (in the Home Counties but not Central London) and earn a reasonable amount combined.

We are trying to find somewhere to rent but we're finding it very hard. Neither of us can drive; my DP is currently learning but I cannot for medical reasons. We have no credit history (due to having no debt except for our student loans) and we have been turned down outright by several agencies due to that. To make matters worse, I'm a professional musician and need to be able to practise. That has been another reason why we have been turned down. We would love a pet but of course that is out of the question.

I know there are others who are much worse off, but I suppose I'm feeling sorry for myself. We went to see a flat today and it was horrid - damp, tiny and very much misrepresented by the estate agent - and that for more than £1,000 a month. Buying a property is an impossible dream but it seems like renting is as well.

Renting in the Home Counties and (even worse) London is hideously expensive. If I were in your position, I would sit down with my partner and make a plan to save as much money as you can each month. This would mean continuing to live with your parents for a while, but it would enable you to save for a deposit to buy a home. Once you are renting, that sucks so much of your income, making saving much harder to achieve.
Talk to your parents about it too, I'm sure they'd be very supportive of this goal.

Forgot to say, personally I think it's a good idea to build a good credit history. Go onto moneysavingexpert.com - you can see what credit cards you could successfully apply for, without leaving a 'footprint'. Use whichever card you choose to make purchases and PAY THE BILL IN FULL EACH MONTH. That really helps to build a good credit history.

Definitely address the credit history if that's holding you back. Take on a credit card each and pay back the balance in full every month, make sure you're both on the electoral roll. In the meantime, save like crazy. Would your parents be willing to take on a lease and sublet to you short-term?

Agree about addressing your credit history.

Where are you looking? In London? That price us the average going rate here I'm afraid, though if you could consider certain 'colourful' areas there you could easily find a one bedroom flat to rent for £650 - £850 PCM. And you can always direct to landlords, some of which aren't bothered about credit history's. None of my previous landlords gave done checks and neither did the one I'm with now.

I had a tenant viewing who was also a musician - the agent hadn't mentioned anything. She was quite interested in the property (it's a semi) because the room she had in mind to use was on the non-connected side. I wouldn't have had a problem renting to her on the basis that she practised at considerate hours. (She didn't take the place in the end)

forget the pet, you can't have a dog if you work full-time anyway, and cats can be destructive. Address the credit history - doesn't mean debt, it means activity, electoral roll etc.

you'll struggle to find a place that allows subletting.

like those looking to buy, you have to look for places that you can afford. That may mean moving area.

good luck.

Thank you to everyone who has responded; you have given me some really useful ideas. I think the solution might be to stay with my parents for longer as we actually really like it here and it allows us to save more than £1,000 a month. We will also address the credit history problem. Thanks again!

If you can save £1k a month, then definitely definitely stay put and get that deposit saved. Good luck :)