Renting as a single parent & self employed.

[Cherryplum88]

Renting - single parent- self employed.

Hello I split with my ex when I was on maternity leave and now living with parents. Grateful for support but would like my own space.

Does anyone know how it works if you are self employed? Do you need a guarantor and what exactly does this mean?

Also regards universal credit, can some landlords refuse you because of this?

How would I show that I’m entitled to the housing benefit of UC when I am currently living with parents?

It's a case of finding an agency who will accept those conditions.

Recently there has been a ruling that states that they can't theoretically discriminate against rehouse those on benefits but in reality...

Your ideal scenario is to be able to pay 6 months up front. In fact that may be the only way...

@dalrympy
That seems absolutely absurd and discriminatory. Especially as the chances of getting a council house are absolutely minimal.
Great. Happy days.

Sorry not mad at you.. just think it's wrong.

In order to get round the 'no benefits' ruling, they ask for a minimum household income

@Svalberg
As I am self employed and topped up by benefits as I'm a single parent my income in pretty good overall.

try open rent and the papers small ads to see if you can find one dealing with the landlord directly, it was the only way for me for my first rented place, the second one wanted deposit, 6 months bank statements showing self employment, then wanted a guarantor as well but that was agency. Dealing direct with the landlord was no problem though for that first one

@lubeybooby to be fair I can afford to wait another 6 months to show a decent, steady income. Would you say if I did that I'd have a better chance?

How depressing. Why should it be such a battle?
I only want a home for my child and I.

It is such a battle because once you are in, you can stop paying and the landlord will currently have to house you for free for around two years. Result - rental shortage everywhere except London where no on wants to live at the moment.

Nothing personal, just cocked up legislation partly due to bone headed campaigning.

If you are self-employed an agency will most likely want to see your most recent year's tax calculation form as well as know your current income.

Recently we had to provide - 3 months bank statements, recent tax calculation, recent address history, and utility bills. Credit check had to be passed. Only income counted for affordability checks and not savings. We had no recent rental history so didn't have a landlord reference but that was fine. We didn't need a guarantor. I offered major client references but they weren't needed.

It is possible but it was extremely stressful - there were 20 potential renters for each house we viewed and the agents were "pre-selecting" likely candidates to come to viewings, then sending their shortlisted ones to the house owner to choose. Eventually we found one who wanted an older professional couple with no pets due to previous bad experiences - it was a matter of going to every viewing until we found the right match I guess. Probably others will have different experiences but that was mine.

@CatherineMaitland
It seems crazy that is the state of the rental market. Sounds less stressful to get a mortgage!
Or at least just as stressful.

I had a tenant on housing benefit. I had no problem with that. I think one issue will be you have no references as you are staying with family - unless your previous landlord will provide one?

@Changingwiththetimes
Yes I think it depends on the landlord hey.
Well my precious landlord was my ex in laws.. and my ex HATES me lol. But I think his parents are on good terms with me so I will hope for the best :/
It's stressing me out now, feel like there is a lot going against me.