I haven't told my potential landlord we are expecting

[BabyB22]

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...

Ha… you’d want to move with a 3 month old?!

and… if the landlord knows that pregnant but doesn’t feel can decline on those grounds, what will he do? Simply insert a 6 month break clause!

Sorry, a great many are naive, first place away from home, no idea about money.

@Intrigueddotcom

Yep, you're still being a bit alarmist. Op is visibly pregnant so i'd assume she'll probably be in, or close to, her third trimester by the time she moves in. She won't be moving with a newborn.

The point about the break clause is reasonable but in my experience, landlords don't generally let to someone if they think they'll want to serve notice and have them out within 6 months. Op can also just not rent somewhere with a break clause if that doesn't suit her.

I moved rentals while pregnant and we asked for an 18 month term so we had security for the baby's first year and the Landlord was happy to give that to us.

That is great but this is a landlord with a different stance to yours
and I wouldn’t want to move after a year living somewhere unless that was my plan. It’s expensive moving!
and a 6 month break clause would mean even sooner.

not for me. First child, big move, I’d want the reassurance that landlord is not going to use a 6 or 12 month break clause. If not happy with 18 month, I’d look elsewhere

And op has told them, so now she will know either way

The flat has been let to someone else either way. It was still interesting to hear the opinions though. Been pregnant is hard enough for some without the stress or even shame you feel about renting a property. Completely understand there are people that take advantage of renting but not all are like that and we certainly aren't that way inclined.

Back to square one now, the panic is setting in as I'm due in August!

The agent has no right to pass on their client’s data regarding their maternity status. This would be a breach of GDPR.

Yes but if the landlord has said to the op he thinks his property is unsuitable for children due to a h&s risk, the agent could reasonably say that it was relevant data to convey to the landlord. So would not be a breach

Has said to the agent I mean

It’s a blessing the flat has gone op
First because you would have moved in slightly unsettled knowing that your new arrival may herald the beginning of a move as soon as the break clause is hit.

Best tenant I ever had was a single mother of three children
she looked after my property like it was her own
and consequently - if she ever came to me about anything over the years, I didn’t question or hesitate as trusted her implicitly