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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

I haven't told my potential landlord we are expecting

61 replies

BabyB22 · 17/05/2022 21:27

We have been renting a one bed which is quite big and we decided big enough for a newborn and up to one year or so when we could potentially be in a position to buy. However, when I told my agency we need some work done they actually came out to have a look but the reason was to tell us he was selling up. Anyway cut to the chase we have been viewing apartments and some had things to say when I said we are expecting (I think it's to do with Maternity pay not being as much as if I was working full time) so when a flat came up in our area I got a call to view where the letting agency asked if we had children, I said no as technically I don't (more to do with the fear of being rejected) I went to view the flat and it's perfect for us. I am visibly pregnant and by no means trying to hide it and at the end of the viewing I asked what would make the landlord accept us over someone else and she said usually the prefer working professionals and generally no children (said awkwardly) The next day she called me asking if I would like to put in an offer which I did and she asked the question again if I had children and I SAID NO! I am cringing at this but we are so desperate. Part of me is thinking she knows hence why she asked twice. I now want to email them and explain we are expecting but this will in no way affect out ability to pay rent but my partner is adamant we wait until they atleast accept our offer. My argument will be technically we don't have a child and also the description doesn't say anything about no children and actually describes a "family bathroom". What would you do in this situation? I know I've dug a hole...

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Qwill · 17/05/2022 21:33

I would just leave it. Nothing you have told them is incorrect.

genetictesting · 17/05/2022 22:23

No need to say anything.

ShirleyPhallus · 17/05/2022 22:25

I’m a landlord, you don’t have children. your maternity pay has nothing to do with affordability checks either

Don’t worry about it. Congrats

caringcarer · 17/05/2022 23:51

I'm a LL and having children is no to a problem. The inthing I look at for is the ability to pay rent on time every month so a reference from previous LL stating that a tenant has always paid their rent on time goes by to top of my in list. Children, babies and pets I'm not in interested in, tenants can have them or not in have them, no e of my business providing they make good any damage caused and a deep clean if pets when moving out.

Original poster

BabyB22 · 18/05/2022 07:25

That is what I wanted to hear! Just another question if I am breaching any contracts by saying no to the children question? After all this worry we may not even get the flat but still good to hear opinions on the matter!

Thanks for the congrats!

OP posts:

stuntbubbles · 18/05/2022 07:27

None of your landlord’s business. You haven’t been dishonest. Hope you get the flat!

MrMrsJones · 18/05/2022 07:28

I didn't think LL can discriminate against parents any more.

You dont have children, so just keep stum

Moancup · 18/05/2022 07:29

You don’t have children. Until you give birth to a live child you won’t have children. I’m going through this with a mortgage application and it’s absolutely legit to describe your circumstances as they are now.

The agent will probably mention that you are pregnant if it’s obvious. If the landlord is worried about wear and tear from old children then a baby won’t be a problem anyway.

Tortoisetroubles · 18/05/2022 07:37

None of the landlords business. I did the same thing, no need to mention it and I was never asked if I was pregnant anyway. You don't have children yet. No different to moving in and getting pregnant after that. Your pregnancy is nothing to do with them and it would be clear discrimination anyway. It's bad enough renting without losing your human right to a private life and family! I've had a 2nd child since renting here and the only mention I've ever made is occasionally when the letting agent does an inspection they ask how many occupants there are and at some point it went from 2 to 3 then from 3 to 4. They weren't interested, just a box on a form.

Alovelydayatlast · 18/05/2022 07:43

We just had to tell our ll if anyone over 18 came to live there not about dc.

PBJTime · 18/05/2022 07:47

Surely it's discrimination to say no children anyway!

You're not doing anything wrong technically you don't have a child.... yet. Just make sure you read the contract fully.

GreenRainbowSun · 18/05/2022 07:50

You don't have children so there's no issue

ShirleyPhallus · 18/05/2022 07:50

PBJTime · 18/05/2022 07:47

Surely it's discrimination to say no children anyway!

You're not doing anything wrong technically you don't have a child.... yet. Just make sure you read the contract fully.

Of course it isn’t discrimination. A private landlord has to consider who is the least risky tenant in terms of potential damage to their property.

ComDummings · 18/05/2022 07:50

No need to say anything at all.

choosername1234 · 18/05/2022 07:55

I think pregnancy is a protected characteristic (as far as it can only be applied to women) and therefore illegal to discriminate on grounds of pregnancy. I may be wrong though

Marblessolveeverything · 18/05/2022 07:56

In Ireland it is illegal to ask any questions covered under equality law, so family status is covered. Does the UK not have this protection?

PrinnyPree · 18/05/2022 07:58

No don't say anything OP, its none of their business and they have no legal right to be informed (and quite frankly I believe it should be illegal to discriminate someone with children from housing and even ask the question). Congratulations. Xxx

Original poster

BabyB22 · 18/05/2022 08:40

In the UK it's not illegal for Landlords to request no children however it is illegal to reject a candidate because of. So basically they can reject you but not disclose the actual reason. Bit of a cop out really. Definitely understand children may cause some wear and tear but I can't see my newborn getting up to much.

OP posts:

Crazykatie · 18/05/2022 08:53

We have a couple of small flats we rent out, they are advertised as “no children, no pets”, there is no outdoor area at all and a single bedroom, a baby is not a problem but it’s not suitable for older children.
Some prospective tenants are totally unrealistic expecting a couple of dogs and children to live happily in a tiny flat

BackflandedCondiment · 18/05/2022 08:55

You haven't dug a hole at all. If they didn't want children they need to specify that clearly. They haven't done that, instead there's just this suggestion that children might not be welcome but nothing in writing, nothing specific.

The result of that approach is that they have had a veiwer who is also using some subtlety - when asked if they have children, they are telling the absolute truth and no more.

If you being pregnant (or not) was an issue for them, they should have asked - and could then deal with the legal repercussions of doing so

The preference of 'working professionals' is toxic (imo) - because it basically is saying you want the money for renting out a property to someone wishing to use it as a home, but you'd rather like it if that property was used as a home as least as possible.

ottanxious · 18/05/2022 08:55

we rent.
Didn't tell landlord or estate agent.

I was really worried- but they were fine with it.

It literally didn't change anything at all.

ElephantLover · 18/05/2022 09:05

Working professional Couples can always go on to have children. It's hardly preventable by a landlord. You've given the right answers, don't change anything.

Headabovetheparakeet · 18/05/2022 09:10

You haven't done anything wrong, don't worry.

Crazykatie · 18/05/2022 09:37

Wear and tear
Children may well increase that but adults can do that all on their own, spilling wine, not cleaning, breaking fittings. “Working Professionals” most importantly is an indication that the rent will be paid on time but no guarantee, a baby is not likely to damage the property, as long as the rent is paid no problem.

Our best tenants have been single working men, they stay longer and pay on time, we do inspect the property every couple of months to make sure they clean properly.

Intrigueddotcom · 18/05/2022 09:39

Don’t be surprised if he serves notice at the first possible opportunity

just when you are settled and have a baby

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