Renting a property

[Anonymoususer11]

We have been attempting to rent a property for several months, (almost 6 months now) attending multiple viewings. Despite finding suitable properties and promptly submitting offers, they were not accepted. In some instances, we were the first to offer with no competing viewings, only to not hear back and later discover that the property was given to someone else.

We are baffled by the challenges in securing a rental, especially after offering more than the asking price. As both of us are employed with decent salaries, we are puzzled about the lack of successful applications. We are eager to move, especially as we need more space for a toddler.

I would appreciate any insights or advice from those who have experienced similar challenges.

So sorry to hear this, it's the worst. We're trying to rent to move for primary school, and we have pets.... We are looking for a rental now and are offering 6 months upfront to cover a guarantee. I'm not working though, so that's a plus in your favour.

It's truly awful at the min, for both renting and buying. When we were buying our house in 2022 we were the first ones to view and we secured it, but there were no less than 22 people behind us hoping it would fall through, madness!

I'd imagine landlords are favouring childless people.

No crayons on wallpaper, no scrapes from buggies, no likely second pregnancy and a drop in income/affordability.

It's rotten

I rented a flat as a single mum with one 2yo, but I took a flat with such a horrible kitchen and bathroom, that no-one else wanted it. Also the flat was filthy and took me weeks to get clean.

Good luck, I hope it gets easier.

I'm a LL and I had I think it was about 45 enquiries for the 3 bedrooms house with a back yard, not even a garden. This was in 3/4 days it was advertised and a few people offered just from photos without setting foot in the house. Tbh about 30 of the enquiries would have been suitable. The EA asked us to pick one so I picked a family with a DC with special needs because I foster a child with SN's and I know they get discriminated against. The EA kept asking if we were sure this family was our pick. Providing no CCJ in the last 6/7 years and credit check shows they can afford rent I was happy. They are still there a couple of years later. Just keep trying. The competition is fierce.

It’s your toddler that is putting people off renting their house to you . Toddlers can cause damage that a childless couple won’t !

I did suspect that having a toddler might be affecting our chances of being approved for a rental. I've always been honest and disclosed our toddler before viewings (although I'm unsure if that's legally required) we have not being picked by any LL yet unfortunately.
Thanks to everyone for responding, I appreciate your insights.