Would you tell new potential landlord you’re pregnant ?

[Kt1704]

Hi ladies. Just need some general opinions
im 13 weeks pregnant with twins
we are looking for a new flat to rent and need to secure one asap as already gave current landlord our notice
Today we viewed a flat we love and want to put an offer in
we asked the estate agent if the landlord minds families - she said she would prefer no children as would like to keep the flat upstairs she also rents out happy with noise etc (It is an old Victoria style house so I’m sure there isn’t much noise going from each flat)
estate agent basically said of course she won’t kick you out if you fall pregnant in the flat
so the moving date will be beginning of October when I’ll be 20 weeks and for sure I won’t be able to hide it with twins haha
I wouldn’t want to start the tenancy contract on a lie? Should I mention I’m pregnant and there will be children very soon in the flat?
we want to stay there for 2 years or more
we really prefer to be on good terms with our landlord so her seeing us move in at 20 weeks fully pregnant she may be shocked

also bare in mind our annual salaries combined is very good.. more then 4 times the rent yearly which im sure she’ll be over the moon about
and she will be able to see we are long committed tenants as we’ve been in current flat 5 year and flat before 3 years

@Raggeo Lovely 😊 Yea we have always paid rent on time never been in any arrears in the 8 years we have rented. We aren’t that kind of people. Our salaries and job titles I’m sure will impress the landlord that maybe she won’t even worry about the children side of things. Really do neighbours complain about noise when it comes to children?! My sister has always lived on a converted house with two children and not once had a complain. Some of the comments now making me think ha!

Just go for the flat. They can’t just kick you out just because you have kids - that’s not really how it works. I’m an accidental landlord and I don’t even ask about babies/pregnancy to prospective tenants as it’s discriminatory (and I had a baby in that flat so would be a massive hypocrite 🤣).

@Solo So would you be honest and tell them in the offer email?

If it wasn't for no-fault evictions, I'd say no. But if you surprise your LL like this, and they don't like it, they might kick you out.

@DadJoke If I sign a 12 month contract, they cannot just kick me out right ?

This is what I need to send for the offer.

if I didn’t ask the agent about families, I wouldn’t of even second thought this and made this post, as she did not mention anything to me first! So maybe she would even be confused why I would mention I’m pregnant in the offer email!

Yes, but check for a six-month break clause - if there isn't one, they can kick you out with two months' notice at the break.

I mean, it's illegal for a landlord to specify "no kids" but they have all the power.

If they actually say "no kids" they are in deep trouble.

Personally I don't think it's any of their business, and if they give you a one-year contract without a break clause and you are good tenants, they probably won't mind. Families are pretty reliable. If that's the case, just don't say anything if you don't mind the risk.

@DadJoke Thank you! I wasn’t too sure what a break clause is. Could I ask for no break clause? Or does that sound dodgy? In the offer paper I attached above it does say what length of contract do you want

OMG! I am a landlord and I love people with children and pets because it usually means they don't want to uproot.

Last tenant but one they had a baby and we sent a hamper. (The husband got a job in Singapore, otherwise they would still be there).

Break clauses are good for both sides generally, because if the LL does not fulfill their side of the bargain you can leave.

I'm a private LL though and make it my very serious job to ensure my tenants are happy. Longest tenant has been with us 17 years and counting.

Congratulations on your pregnancy, OP.
I don’t think that you have to say anything if you don’t want to. I would be prepared for possible noise complaints as @BeretInParis says. it will depend on the neighbours, some people are less laid back about crying babies than others. Not that you can do anything about this, babies cry, that’s life!

@HMTheQueenMuffin Wow. So lovely of you. Can you be my landlord 😂🥰
We definetly wouldn’t want to move until we are ready to purchased out of London in few years to come. My current landlord is useless with repairs otherwise we wouldn’t be moving at all. 5 years here and would of stayed another 5 if he cared about his tenants!

Don't say anything. If you're good tenants and keep the place in good condition then at the end of your contract they won't kick you out regardless of the fact that 2 extra people have appeared.

@BruFord Thank you! We are very laid back neighbours so if I had any noise from upstairs I wouldn’t complain (unless they was having a crazy party during the week haha)
Im sure if the babies do make lots of noise I will apologise to the neighbours as much as I can, my partner is a chef so he can apologise with some home cooked food until the babies start sleeping through the night! 😂🙏🏼

I feel the same way, I’d only complain about deliberately antisocial behaviour, not a child waking up hungry!

We did have some moany neighbours below us several years ago who regularly complained when we walked across the living room floor in the evening (during normal hours like 7pm).…I’m not sure what we were supposed to do, slither or walk on tiptoes? Some ppl are weird.

@BruFord Definetly some people are weird. Some people get a thrill out of complaining and making drama for no reason. Luckily we are in the flat below so footsteps and children stamping wouldn’t be an issue. The only real noise complaint one could make is if it comes to the babies crying. We wont be having any late night parties with babies ha! 😂

You do not have to tell them at all, however if you want to lose the flat then tell them or just don't bother applying.

Why, is it his baby?

@Kt1704 I moved at the end of July I’ve just had my 20 weeks a scan and showing massively. I asked the same as you in here whilst my contract was being sent for me to sign. Do not say anything. Right now you have “no children” you’re just Pregnant - with not one but two!! - how exciting!
not allowed to discriminate against you.
offer sign and move in. I’ve private rented for a few years and hardly seen landlords in person.
I think as long as you pay the rent respect and look after the property there should be no reason why you wouldn’t be a great tenant. Xx

Agree the housing situation is awful but the fact is it IS the landlords business given they think they are renting to 2 people and the OP already knows it will quickly be 4 people.

Its not sharing personal medical information, it’s being clear about who will be living in the property.

I would mention it OP, you don’t want to start on the wrong foot and deserve the security of knowing you’re all on the same page and can start nesting when you get in! If they decline, it’s not the right home for you. Good luck.

No landlord will agree to a contract with no break clause I don’t think, and to be honest you shouldn’t want to either. It’s good to have the easy out if either of you aren’t happy x

Congratulations OP

I have twins.....and trust me when both are crying at the same time you are going to piss off the neighbours above and probably the whole block...

I really wouldn't be happy if I was your landlord but there isn't much they can do once you've moved in

Personally I'd be honest. With twins on the way there will be noise and lots of it. Not ideal when you're living in a flat.

Don't assume that being high earners with good job titles will work in your favour. I'm a landlord and like longterm tenants, and I'd assumed you'd ultimately be looking to buy so wouldn't stick around long.

Do not mention it. They will have multiple people to choose from and you'll never be able to prove why they didn't pick you if that's what happens. Just give the requested information and stop over thinking it.

I wouldn't mention it!