Private rental - requires salary?

[essiedee]

Hi,
I'm looking to rent a property with my young son. Does anyone know if letting agents/landlords will rent to me if I don't have a salary (but have an adequate lump sum to cover rent until I get work)?

Thanks.

My DS is trying to find a private rental at the moment. All the letting agents are asking for payslips, as well as information on how long he's been in his current job.

This should be fine, but it honestly depends on the lettings agent/landlord. While searching for a rental through OpenRent, DH didn't have a salary (I did) and he just had to show proof of the lump sum he had to make up the requirement. Can you speak to the landlord directly?

You can usually pay 6 months in advance. It's often the only way people can get in and pass referencing.

Most letting agents require 3 months payslips and a job offer letter if relocating. Usually the only alternative is the whole letting period up front or a guarantor

I think it will depend. A house on our street was let to a family who had been evicted from social housing in the area. They were the worst neighbours! They were dealing from a littlet trailer parked up on the street. Loads more antisocial stuff going on. The estate agent didn't know what to do as they had accepted six month payment up front. I think the EA were scared of repercussions as there may have been a gang connection.

Thank you all. I'll have a look at openrent too - I feel as though a landlord might be more understanding than a letting agent.

Depends how big you 'adequate lump sum' is. As PP said - paying 6 months up front is normally fine, but if you mean you just have enough to cover 2-3 months and expect to find a job in that time, most agents/LLs wouldn't accept that...