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Original poster

Is it near impossible to rent privately nowdays?

17 replies

Monkeybusiness2 · 11/01/2019 17:10

I've been looking to move after spending 3 years renting from my mum.
Separated from husband 3 years ago who still lives in the 'was' family home which is owned and mortgaged.
So, i don't think I've been in a position to rent by myself for many years.
I have 3 children who live with me and am working part time. I get some tax credits for child care etc but no other benefits.
H sends around £900 a month maintenance (he is on a v good income in London) and I have around £8000 savings.

I've been looking to move away from my area to try and get better work opportunities and for the children to get into better schools but it seems impossible. I've rung around several agencies some have just said landlords will not take me under about £27K employment income (this is for lowest rents of £800 - £900) and most have just not got back to me.
I feel really miserable. The kids want to move and it just seems we are stuck here.
My husband had a house he rented out and sold recently which I used to handle for him so I understand LL want the best tenants and no risky business but it seems there is a blanket ban on anyone on a low income nowdays.

OP posts:
Oceanfive · 11/01/2019 17:12

Yeah - plus massive costs and you’re screwed if you have bad credit.

I don’t know what people are supposed to do tbh.

Finfintytint · 11/01/2019 17:14

Could you use your savings to pay 6 months rent up front. We had different reasons for refusal when we sold our house and were looking to rent before buying again (pets). We found rules and regs faded away when that offer was made.

Original poster
Monkeybusiness2 · 11/01/2019 17:17

Ocean, it's so depressing. I just want to make a better future for us all.
I actually have a good credit rating and have built it up over the past few years.
I have asked Finfin but still not getting replies.

OP posts:
sillywitch · 11/01/2019 17:18

Yes agree, try six months upfront.

Finfintytint · 11/01/2019 17:20

Could you appeal to landlords directly and by pass agencies?

icannotremember · 11/01/2019 17:20

6 months upfront will sometimes work, or having a guarantor. Also, if you can find a landlord who doesn't go through an agency, not only are there far less extortionate fees to pay but you will often find they are more reasonable about things like this. Local facebook groups, gumtree and the site openrent are good places to look for private landlords.

SnuggyBuggy · 11/01/2019 17:21

Do you have something who could be a guarantor?

Original poster
Monkeybusiness2 · 11/01/2019 17:29

Thank you for the advice. Yes, my mum is happy to be guarantor.

OP posts:
bellsbuss · 11/01/2019 17:36

My friend was in a similar situation a few months ago, she said she went on gumtree and there were properties to let on there.

Original poster
Monkeybusiness2 · 11/01/2019 17:39

Thanks bell, I will have a look there.

OP posts:
Finfintytint · 11/01/2019 17:42

Depends on your area too. We found one landlord willing to accept pets as he was a farmer and couldn't understand why anyone would NOT have a cocker spaniel at home and another rural landlord who wanted actual humans as tenants. Keep asking OP on Gumtree, FB etc as suggested.

Original poster
Monkeybusiness2 · 11/01/2019 20:07

:) Thanks Fin

OP posts:
swingofthings · 12/01/2019 06:10

When the government introduced to added tax on interest, many smaller 'accidental' landlords decided it wasnt worth the investment and sold their properties. Many have also been done by difficult tenants, or worse those who stop paying and who had to be taken to court to evict.

I'll be honest and wouldn't rent my property to you as you fall into a very risky gategory. Assuming you are looking for properties that are quite a bit over the LA limit, what would you do if your ex decided to pack in his job or got made redundant? What if your kids decide to go and live with him? Or for all I know, your kids are 18 and 17 and about to finish education and you're about to lose maintenance and tax credits.

I know it is unfair to you because you might be the most reliable and trustworthy person but remember that the LL does t know you personally, you are just a person on paper falling into a particular category.

Your best bet really is to increase your income either working more hours or looking for a better paid job whilst continuing to look as you might always get a more novice LL happy to give you a chance.

Stuckforthefourthtime · 12/01/2019 06:18

Did you get a chunk of money for the fact he's in the family home? If he's on a very good income and living in your old place, it just doesn't sound like a particularly fair split.

VioletBedframe · 12/01/2019 06:26

Have you considered moving away from London? £8K would be a deposit to buy in some areas.

daphine2004 · 12/01/2019 06:46

Could you not sell the family home?

daphine2004 · 12/01/2019 06:47

If you’re married but separated you should see a solicitor to final your situation with a divorce.

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