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Original poster

No rental properties. Going to be homeless and so scared

87 replies

Cola133 · 27/01/2023 21:21

We are a family of 4 mature adults, ages 78, 68, 47 & 43. We can afford rent up to £2k pcm, but there are just no properties available. We have searched up to 40 miles within all directions from my sister's job, but the competition is so fierce and we keep losing out despite being financially stable and looking for long term! I am absolutely in despair, we are going to be homeless! Our current landlord is selling our property, I just don't know what to do. We also have a cat and I just can't give him up. I can't sleep or eat, I might as well be dead, this situation is so awful, the worse I have ever experienced in my life. I feel so unsafe. Any advice please? Thank you

OP posts:
lollipoprainbow · 27/01/2023 22:30

I'm in same situation but just and my daughter 10 and cat. My landlord is also selling and I'm terrified. Also West Sussex.

Onnabugeisha · 27/01/2023 22:34

OP,
It’s only been a week. I remember the panic well. Keep up the search. You do have at least sixty days from receipt of the section 21 before any court proceedings start. You can also ask the landlord for an extension if they’re half decent.

Most rentals they want you to move within a week or two of offer so make sure you have a plan to get removals in quickly when you do find a rental.

It took us about half our sixty days to find a new rental to go to. We did have to pay higher rent though…so also look at your budget and see how much you can go up by.

You could also look at 3 bedroom places that have an extra reception room or a dining room that you don’t really need for eating to create a 4th bedroom. We did that in our last home so our teen DDs could have their own bedrooms.

Can your sister transfer her job? If the employer is nationwide, that may be an option and give you the ability to move to a cheaper area.

Original poster
Cola133 · 27/01/2023 22:35

coteliq · 27/01/2023 21:56

Are any of you a couple? I mean can any two of you share a bedroom? There are plenty of 4 bed houses in Sussex for up to 2k a month but they are really 3 doubles and a single/box room. 5 bed houses will have to be above 2k.

Yes one couple, we have been looking at 3 beds even with a box room, if there is a dining room or conservatory, as we don't mind switching room use about. It's just what you see on rightmove and Zoopla have mostly already gone or they have enough applications and won't take anymore. Believe me we are trying everything.

OP posts:
hennylovespens · 27/01/2023 22:37

Contact shelter and acorn tenants union.

You still have rights even if the property is being sold. Don't agree to leave as that will be making yourself intentionally homeless. There's a formal process to evict you and it can take months. Longer if there are errors in the paperwork.

Good luck.

Snowybeach · 27/01/2023 22:39

Just because there are houses to rent on rightmove doesn’t mean they are available or that you would be accepted. When I needed to rent at short notice I found Many landlords seemed to want professional couples only. Sadly I had to rehome my pet. I also offered to pay six months rent in advance. Is that something you could do op?

crowsfeet57 · 27/01/2023 22:45

Have you contacted the housing team at your local council? They have a duty to work with you to avoid homelessness even if you don't qualify for social housing.
Also the two older members will qualify for sheltered accommodation. They are usually easier to get. But obviously you won't all still be living together, so I realise it's not ideal.

Casilero · 27/01/2023 22:45

Somebatshitteryonhere · 27/01/2023 22:05

What is it you’re not saying op, there are plenty of properties in your search area.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131159288#/?channel=RES_LET

You don't understand. For all properties advertised there will be many applicants. I know friends who are applying for rentals and where I am there could be 30 plus applicants per property. I have 2 friends currently struggling with being "chosen" as a potential tenant. Both have lots of money but aren't in a position to buy for different reasons.

Original poster
Cola133 · 27/01/2023 22:45

Snowybeach · 27/01/2023 22:39

Just because there are houses to rent on rightmove doesn’t mean they are available or that you would be accepted. When I needed to rent at short notice I found Many landlords seemed to want professional couples only. Sadly I had to rehome my pet. I also offered to pay six months rent in advance. Is that something you could do op?

We can offer 6 months rent, but it doesn't even get to that stage. It does seem like landlords only really want 2 professional people even in a 4 bed house. They say it's a matter of 'wear and tear'!!! I just can't see a future, with the economy this is only going to get worse. I really feel like ending it all, how can we have money but no home! We're not loaded by any means, but can meet a £2k monthly rent, we're great tenants, fabulous references.... This is just a hill we can't seem to climb and I can't see my family on the streets....

OP posts:
DoggerelBank · 27/01/2023 22:47

I feel your pain - horribly difficult to find a rental at the moment. But don't panic. Something will turn up. Just set alerts when new things come onto Rightmove and phone the agents IMMEDIATELY. You'll soon get some viewings, and you may not get selected, but you'll get a chance to write a letter setting out your situation. The nicer agents in our part of West Sussex seem to operate an informal priority list of people that they deem to be decent candidates. Once they decide you're a decent potential candidate, they decide how urgent a case you are. At first they'll have other more urgent people (or people they've had phoning them for a lot longer) but eventually they'll put you on the priority list - and may even offer you places before they come on the market, if you're lucky and they've got to know you. Weekly visit to all the agents in town that you haven't had a viewing with that week, so they don't forget about you. You'll get there in the end, so long as you're polite and persistent. (And the best news is a Rightmove listing with shitty photos. It may not be as bad as it looks, but bad photos will mean there's less competition.)

Houseplantmad · 27/01/2023 22:51

Register on Nextdoor and post on there, as you have on Facebook. I often see requests on our local one and they are often responded to by someone with a property available that’s not being advertised.
What about a house sitting site in the interim?

Casilero · 27/01/2023 22:53

Houseplantmad · 27/01/2023 22:51

Register on Nextdoor and post on there, as you have on Facebook. I often see requests on our local one and they are often responded to by someone with a property available that’s not being advertised.
What about a house sitting site in the interim?

Housesittong? Are you taking the piss?

Minimalme · 27/01/2023 23:03

I have no advice but I absolutely understand your terror.

We went through this in the summer, eventually found an extortionate rental property and are now fucking off up North because we can no longer afford SE prices.

I am so sorry and hope that you can find a safe and secure home soon Flowers

neurospicygal · 27/01/2023 23:04

crowsfeet57 · 27/01/2023 22:45

Have you contacted the housing team at your local council? They have a duty to work with you to avoid homelessness even if you don't qualify for social housing.
Also the two older members will qualify for sheltered accommodation. They are usually easier to get. But obviously you won't all still be living together, so I realise it's not ideal.

this

Bobsyouruncleand · 27/01/2023 23:15

@Cola133 Could you look for two separate properties, rather than living together? If not, could you apply for the house as a couple and then say your family members are moving in once you get the property. If it’s big enough and you’re not sub-letting, I can’t see an issue once you’re in.

Please don’t worry about the situation. Eviction doesn’t come at the end of the notice to quit date, but after also taking it to court and having bailiffs instructed, which takes longer and a judge may give you an extension. In the meantime, have you registered with your Council homeless team? They won’t allow you to become homeless and can provide temporary accommodation. It might not be what you want in terms of living together and being in a particular place, but you won’t be out on the street.

Homeless teams often have private landlords that they work with and could refer you to. Their role isn’t just housing you after becoming homeless but also prevention, if at all possible. They can be really helpful in many ways.

Mark19735 · 27/01/2023 23:39

Yikes - I really feel for you.

Primroseprimula · 27/01/2023 23:49

Cola133 · 27/01/2023 22:45

We can offer 6 months rent, but it doesn't even get to that stage. It does seem like landlords only really want 2 professional people even in a 4 bed house. They say it's a matter of 'wear and tear'!!! I just can't see a future, with the economy this is only going to get worse. I really feel like ending it all, how can we have money but no home! We're not loaded by any means, but can meet a £2k monthly rent, we're great tenants, fabulous references.... This is just a hill we can't seem to climb and I can't see my family on the streets....

Show quote history

Worst worst case scenario if it comes to it, could you find a house in a different area and the two working find jobs in that area? I know it wouldnt be what you want, but maybe having a worst case plan might help ease the panic a bit.

Please don't despair, it is early days. I know it's hard in such a stressful situation.

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 28/01/2023 00:13

Try spareroom.co.uk. There are often whole flats available on there, as well as rooms in shared houses. Definitely worth a look.

RubyPip · 28/01/2023 00:17

I really feel for you.

Definitely echo PP suggesting Facebook, post on all your local groups, also OpenRent for private landlords. Push the fact you are 4 adults, you want a long term rental, affordability, proven references, only moving due to sale. If need be, don't even mention the cat until you've viewed and are interested in one. I'm a landlord and don't mind a cat or two!

You've made a few references to suicide, are you okay? X

rebekahnorris · 28/01/2023 00:34

dreamingbohemian · 27/01/2023 21:44

I also wonder whether you're better off renting two smaller properties.

Agree

Original poster
Cola133 · 28/01/2023 03:20

Thank you, I'll look at spare room. I'm just so scared and if I'm homeless and my family are homeless, I might as well end it all. My cat is my world, he's blind and a rescue, I can't imagine giving him up. Thank you for caring and for your help

OP posts:
Monty27 · 28/01/2023 04:20

You could get two different properties and visit and support each other. 4 adults in a pokey house is what you'd be signing up for and at an extortionate price.

amylou8 · 28/01/2023 04:56

I rent and live in dread of being given notice. I'm also in the SE, have been in my rental for 17 years and would really struggle to find something else affordable. Don't make yourself homeless, don't leave where you are until you have somewhere to go or you are evicted. This takes months. There are organisations like Shelter that will give you advice.

Ladyofthesea · 28/01/2023 05:40

If you can't find a house you can buy two camper vans and live in them with the cat. You do need to keep the cat inside though (or take it out on a leash) if you move around. If you stay in one place the cat needs to stay inside the first fortnight.

RedHelenB · 28/01/2023 06:03

Could you look unti buying a property?

MarieG10 · 28/01/2023 06:15

Rowthe · 27/01/2023 21:33

Its government policy.

They are making being a Landlord really unprofitable and hard work.

So a lot are selling up now.

Problem is, there are fewer properties available to rent.

So unless people can buy, it's more difficult to actually rent a property.

Yep

Completely correct. We have several rental properties with long term tenants and due to the continuous government assaults on taxation and also pother requirements it isn't viable without huge hikes in rents (which are occurring now). We are considering selling as it isn't worth the hassle and I can't face putting the rents up so high when I know they will struggle, but we can't be their pseudo welfare support.

The theory that they will be able to buy the house just won't happen so it will be several families being made homeless.

What fantastic policy making this is....attacking "evil nasty landlords" just hurts those tenants that have had a nice home for years and could have continued

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