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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Telling prospective landlords you're pregnant

14 replies

LuluLozenge · 28/01/2011 15:32

We're looking to move out of our flat and into a more baby-friendly one in the same area.

Are we under any obligation to tell the agencies we're looking with that I'm expecting? Is it to our advantage to let them know or might it be a handicap?

OP posts:

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bunnyfrance · 28/01/2011 15:37

I wouldn't say anything - you're certainly not under any obligation, as far as I know, and if you're aren't showing yet, it's early days anyhow.

Original poster

LuluLozenge · 28/01/2011 16:02

That's what my instinct is telling me. God, it's hard enough moving somewhere with a bloody cat.

Will definitely be used as leverage in the winter. "The heating's off and me bairn's frozen!"

OP posts:

Firawla · 28/01/2011 16:06

I dont think you have to if you don't want. some landlords say no children but i doubt you would want such a miserable landlord anyway, i would rather steer clear of those pregnant or not . Have never seen that thru agencies anyway more like private landlords, dont even know whether its legal for them to say it

Queenofthehill · 28/01/2011 16:32

I've literally just found a new flat and decided to be up front about what's going on, er, up front. I figured it might get me sympathy, too! (Am single.) Landlord was 'thrilled' I was going to be her new tenant, apparently. And old landlord let me off some of my notice period because of the very same reason. I guess go with your instincts, though, as I'm sure not all landlords are as lovely... Good luck in your quest!

spaceal · 28/01/2011 16:45

We're just moving into a new rented place and had some issues with this. I didn't initially tell the agent or landlord on a (different) place we wanted to rent, but something made me tell them before we signed the contract and it turned out 1) he didn't want children in the house (not even an immobile newborn!!) and 2) he wasn't actually in a position to guarantee us more than 6 months, which at the time would have meant we'd probably have to have moved again when the little one was a couple of months old. Not ideal.

I think I felt I needed to tell them so that we would have the security we needed, not out of any courtesy to the landlord. I didn't want to feel that revealing our new baby might mean our home wasn't secure, IYSWIM.

The landlord of the house we're moving to (next Friday, at 35 weeks - eek!) knows all about the baby and is absolutely fine about it. I feel much more comfortable with that.

Original poster

LuluLozenge · 28/01/2011 16:46

Ooh, that's a good point QotH!

I suppose one point in favour is that the landlord will realise you're hardly going to be having big mash ups. Although I guess some manage.

OP posts:

1Catherine1 · 28/01/2011 17:51

I've lived in this rented place now for a year now and haven't yet told my landlord I'm expecting. Probably should since I'm due in less than 8 weeks. Before I moved in though I knew I was ready to start TTC (although OH still had to come around to the idea) so I mentioned it to the landlord that I was "of an age where I might start considering a family". He told me that it wouldn't be a problem and then jokily told me that it was "fine" and he'd just "double my rent". Probably why I haven't told him yet. I sorta wondered if it classed as a verbal contract although I am 99.9% sure that it wouldn't be legal.

I would tell them especially if you are only signing a 6 month contract. They will find out eventually and after your contract is out they can evict you without reason (although notice must be given). You don't want to be house hunting again in a few months.

caramellokoalalover · 28/01/2011 18:20

I don't think you have to tell landlords as if you were already living in rented accommodation you wouldn't call your landlord and tell them you were expecting...would you?

I'd go with your instincts on this one as others have said. If they ask you if you have children and it seems to be a negative, say no. You don't...yet . If they are asking if you are a family then it's more positive and I would probably say you were expecting.

I've just signed a new agreement and I was 6mths pregnant when we were looking. I decided not to tell the agents but when we saw a place being offered by a private landlord and I met her and saw that she would be happier with a family moving in (elderly neighbours to consider) I did tell her and she was very happy.

So to cut a lot of pregnant waffling short...depends on who the landlord is!

Crystylline · 28/01/2011 18:49

i had a nasty experience with this.

landlords didn't mind at all, but the credit/reference checking agency did. when they did my work references, my employer was legally required to tell them if my employment was changing in any way in the next six months - which of course it was, as i was going on maternity leave.

the reference agency decided that due to the terms of my maternity pay i.e reduced from my normal salary, that they couldn't guarantee i could afford to pay the rent for the tenancy and turned me down.

i contact the Equalities Advice service and discovered that under the terms of the new Equalities Act - the agency was acting illegally and discriminatorily against me - so had their decision overturned.

it was a frustrating and ridiculous fight to get into, but thought it might be useful for you to know, in case any of this might apply to you.

cowboylover · 28/01/2011 18:55

I used to work in a lettings agency and as others have said I would go with your instincts.

On average I found the landlords where pleased to accept pregnant women as it meant that they where more reliable tenants, not so likley to have parties and also more likely to stay longer.

Original poster

LuluLozenge · 29/01/2011 00:13

Some great info here.

Crystylline - what a horrible experience, I hadn't even thought about the finance side of it in that respect. What a bunch of bastards, not nice to have to go through when you're feeling pregnant and vulnerable.

Thanks again everyone. x

OP posts:

HollyBollyBooBoo · 29/01/2011 00:57

I feel your pain when it comes to finding a rental property with a pet (1 dog in our case), a nation of animal lovers -my arse.

My only thought is that when you apply don't you have to put how many adults and children are going to be occupying the property? Don't think you should lie if you fill that in.

My worry for you NOT declaring that a baby will be an occupant is that when they do find out they could use it against you and withhold more of your deposit.

Mahraih · 29/01/2011 12:24

We told every agency we went through - and when we filled in the credit check forms, we'd have had to reveal the information anyway.

It just felt safer that way, nobody wants things to fall through at the last hurdle because they didn't reveal something.

On a more positive note, it meant that the agencies were looking for the kinds of things we'd need, as they had more information. Also, I think they pushed us through faster because they knew we weren't time wasters as we NEEDED to move asap!

On balance, I'd tell them.

jellybellybiz · 29/01/2011 19:45

We have just started our hunt for a new flat.

We're seeing a lot of properties advertised with a 'no children' rule, but I don't think it is wise to lie, I wouldn't like to face the consequences.

Very interesting post from Crystylline as this seems to be a problem for us already - before even performing a credit check a lot of agencies are asking us to provide a guarantor simply because I will be going onto maternity pay.

I'm sure it will work out - good luck with your search OP!

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