How can I rent privately when leaving an abusive relationship?

[Cloudsky0]

Hi

Not sure where to post this. So apologies if not okay to post here.

Leaving an abusive relationship.

Trying to get things sorted but I'm struggling.

If I cannot get housing with the council and I decided to rent a one bed for the time being until LO is in nursery full time and I'm back working etc how do I even get to rent a private property without any references and finding one that accepts benefits?

Every property I have looked at that is within my range is asking for references, I don't have anyone to be a guarantor. They also say I have to arrange a viewing which isn't possible in my circumstances.

If I tell the council this will this get me help quicker?

I feel so confused

The organisation Shelter is worth calling op if safe for you to do so

You need to give women's aid a call from a place of safety

It really depends on if you are still in the same home as your abuser and if you think he might be monitoring your calls and whereabouts

It's hard to give better advice without knowing your circumstances but you can present as homeless with your DC to a local authority if fleeing DV but leaving is statistically the most risky time so you need a safety plan from professionals ideally

Stay safe xo

First speak to Women’s Aid and Shelter. Check their websites first - there is a lot of useful information there.

You also need to speak to all the letting agents in the area where you are looking, to find out what they require and to check what potentially suitable properties are available.

Most landlords are chiefly interested in whether you have a secure job, your credit score and whether you can afford the rent. They are no longer allowed to discriminate against recipients of universal credit.

References could come from your employer, as well as previous landlords.

It's worth seeking advice from the homeless team at your local council. Usually they have someone who is a homeless prevention worker who can give advice, and in some cases they'll have links with landlords who have properties to let that are affordable in relation to how much benefits will pay. Or they might be able to recommend letting agencies that have been helpful to other families on low incomes.
There are agencies that will be your guarantor for a fee, it's a bit like buying an insurance policy, though whether it's affordable will depend on your credit rating.

@Cheesecakeismeesecake
Thank you.

In his house he owns. He has a airtag in my car that I'm not allowed access to. Has changed the security cameras that monitor the driveway that I'm not allowed access to, so he can see me leaving and returning home. We did have cameras we both had access to but he changed them as he didn't believe I wasn't deleting data, this was after he accessed me 3 times of sleeping with a neighbour because said neighbour said hello to me and our child.

I am threatened with being thrown out, him stopping any money etc every 4-6 weeks.

I don't have any references from previous landlords as I rented with a partner before this relationship and it was under his name and with this relationship the house is his and my name is on nothing.

In regards to presenting as homeless while living in the home do you know if I'm able to stay here until suitable housing is found?

I'm very nervous about getting the ball rolling, I have the form the housing officer sent me to fill out after contacting my council. I haven't filled it out yet. I keep thinking what if he somehow finds out.

Only yesterday he came to look over my shoulder at my phone and I said what are you doing? Out of surprise as he was standing so close and he said I will take your phone anytime I want to look at it and later that evening, he raised his hand at me twice because I apparently shouted because he threw a rubbish bag out of anger and I asked what are you getting upset about? and apparently the neighbours heard and I embarrassed him.

Thank you for your advice.

If you do nothing else, at least call Women’s Aid and/or Shelter.

You seem to be in a high risk situation op.

I don't know if your phone is secure from him now.

The DA helpline is 24hr but they won't talk if he's in the property. If needed call 999 and press 55 and cough, they will know you are in trouble and can't speak.

Once you present as homeless you would be put somewhere overnight, so you'd have to take a bag with essentials.

Going back once he knows you're gone would be really risky.

He sounds volatile. I don't know how safe your situation is but it sounds like you might need to get professional advice sooner rather than later