Private renting

[Reeva18]

Hi Mums!
I’m currently renting a council property, it’s a joint tenancy with me and my sister as it was previously in my mum’s name however she passed away in 2012. My sister and I are currently living together with both our kids, she has 2 small kids and I have a daughter. Obviously it isn’t ideal in the long run for us to remain living together as we both need our own space and due to housing crisis in the country aren’t able to assist in finding us properties for both of us. They have offered to assist me with private renting, I’m currently working full time and will receive some housing benefit to help with the costs however in searching for places and attending viewings, however there seems to be a “first come first elder email basis”. I also have to make sure a property is close to public transport so I can get to work as I work in central London. I’m finding searching for places really draining and I know it’s part of life but I just feel like each place I like and view gets taken and then there’s the process again of looking. I’m also very clear to landlord and estate agents that I will be receiving housing benefit however my pay each month will technically pay for the whole rent, so I don’t think I’m not getting selected because of that. I’m just feeling low and really need to move out quite quickly as I suffer from GAD and depression as well as a close neighbour of mine that lived below me was sadly murdered in the summer in her home.A lot has happened and I just want a fresh start for me and my daughter-without needing to leave London. Anyone know how long it will take roughly for me to find a place. I can’t imagine going to 30 viewings and never finding anywhere. To top it off my viewing for tomorrow was cancelled as the landlord had found a tenant.

I do feel for you but also question the wisdom of your move. Is it just the murder that's making you want to leave? Why isn't your sister considering leaving?

A secure house is like gold dust...is there no way you could look at buying it in the long run and then making a change to it so that there's more space?

I've rented in the UK as a parent for 15 years before I emigrated with my DC and partner to Australia and I know how hard it is.

The problem with renting privately...especially for someone with anxiety, is the insecurity.

Your landlords can (and often do) decide to sell up....giving you 2 months notice to find somewhere else.

And that's VERY hard when your kids are in school. Because then you've got their journey to consider...and it reduces your pool of possible properties down to a few miles.

I've been there and done it and the stress of it, compared to sharing a secure place with my own sister...well I know which one I'd choose and it's not the private rental.

No way would I give up secure Council tenancy for the PRS.
One day the PRS may become more secure but even then there are so
many caveats like having to ask for permission to redecorate.
In areas of shortage there are still problems with repairs in the PRS
Rents are sky high .
Beware that many Council will leap at any chance to get rid of tenants
into the PRS as there have such a Council house shortage

I would also caution against giving up your share of a Council property. As you've found and as a pp said, renting privately is competitive and sadly you will not be an attractive prospective tenant due to needing benefits to pay the rent. Landlords in London will have others to choose from. Renting can be insecure - how would you feel if the landlord gave you notice after a year or two - you'd have to find the time and money to search and move all over again.

Could you look into buying your current home jointly with your sister? You would get the discount. Or shared ownership/help to buy properties if you can raise the deposit ( I appreciate this might not be possible in London)? Or is there a way you can divide the current home space up so you each have more privacy?

Please don't move. I am in private rental. My longest was 10 years and shortest was 6 months..10 years of magnolia and not being able to put a picture up and the 6 month one (landlord decided to sell) was heartbreaking. You moving solves a problem for them really conveniently.
How many bedrooms does your current accommodation have?

I would try and stay there as long as you can because its secure. Another council property might come up

I wouldn't give up a secure tenancy either. I'd wait until you've saved up more or maybe met a partner (if that's would you see in the future) that can share the risk and cost.