Leaving DH and looking for rental, didn’t expect it to be this hard, any tips for being ‘chosen’?

[User0610134057]

There’s not much for rent in the area I need to be in.

i saw somewhere, liked it but have been put forward along with someone else and still waiting to hear. But have a bad feeling I’m going to miss out.

something else that would’ve worked said still available on rightmove but agent has told me applicants have been put forward now and landlord has made their decision.

im working full time but my salary doesn’t meet the minimum affordability test for the rent.
I’ve explained my situation (separation) and that I’ll be receiving maintenance to cover the rent. I’ve also shown evidence of savings in my name which is enough for over a year of rent and have offered to pay 6 months up front.
i have 3 kids aged 7-15 and am looking at 3 beds.

any landlords or agents out there who can advise if what I’m doing will be enough? Or do I have to have STBX on the tenancy or as guarantor? (I’d rather not)

I just have to be patient and trust something will come up but it’s hard as if I miss out on this one there’s literally nothing suitable out there and seems to be nothing new coming on at the moment 😟
I really need to get me and the Dc out of the home situation.

Bumping this for you.
I am also finding looking for rental properties a challenge, hopefully someone will be along with lots of tips soon.

I’m a landlord.

It would help persuade me if you asked the agent to tell me that your kids are well behaved but that you would be happy to pay a higher deposit (in case of any accidental damage), and that you are looking for a long-term home in this particular area so the children can stay in their school. Also worth telling the landlord that the relationship breakdown is amicable so they don’t need to worry about an angry ex turning up. Hopefully that would all be true!

but I’m sorry to say there’s a massive shortage of rental properties - and a couple / friends with no kids will always be a more tempting prospect as a tenant.

so I’d encourage you to be as flexible as you can with properties and to persevere.

Why isn't your ex the one moving out? I'd expect that the children could stay in the family home with whoever is the primary care giver.

Some good advice but it’s a bit worrying that you don’t know you can’t offer to pay a higher deposit as this is limited to (I believe ) 6 weeks rent maximum

I am also a landlord, and I disagree with the above poster offering more deposit, because that isn't legal. I would try to meet the landlord in person if you can, and not just the agent as it helps as you can then make a good impression.

My favourite type of tenants are women with children, so good luck!

I was selling my house at auction and had to find a rental. It was then I discovered your annual income has to cover 30 x the rent amount, savings don't count at all. I'd viewed a property and assumed I'd get it when I offered, I was so shocked to be told my 'income' wasn't sufficient for their tests.

Try this calculator to see what you can afford. Good luck.

rentright.co.uk/calcrent/

I meant to add you might find the MSE House Buying, renting and selling forum useful.

whoops! No tbh I didn’t know that - but we have agents for our properties so don’t worry I’m sure they do it all correctly!

Also a landlord. Agree about offering to meet the landlord and emphasising that you want to find a long term home. We had a tenant who was unemployed and in reciept of housing benefit a couple of years ago. He moved in with his young DC after we met. He paid 6 months upfront and had a guarantor.

Off topic a bit, but I am shocked at adults with full-time jobs being asked to provide a guarantor! We have done it for student dc, but it really seemed wrong to have to do it for the one who was working and in their mid twenties!
If we asked for one, am I supposed to ask my 80 year old Mum?!