Renting while self employed

[redlittlesquirrel]

My partner and I are looking to get a flat together at the end of the summer. He is in a 9 to 5 job and I am self employed and have been since the start of the year.

I am a bit worried that my employment status will make it more complicated to rent somewhere. Does anyone have any experience of this? I'm not earning a massive amount at the moment but I pay rent and bills etc on time but am worried that this is going to cause problems for any potential landlord/agency.

Will the fact that my partner has a 9 to 5 job ease any possible worries?

I don't want to cause my partner more problems than necessary so would appreciate any advice or opinions!

We rented for a while quite recently and we're both self employed. It WAS harder.

It will help that your partner is employed...it also helps if you can offer 6 months rent in advance or a guarantor.

Do you think it will make any difference that my partner isn't self employed? 6 months in advance is a lot of rent to be paying in one go!

Hi, if it helps I was a student when me and now husband had to move out.
He was employed and they just took his wage into consideration.

I still had to fill out a form to be on the tenancy but I wasn't liable for rent as I was a student and therefore they didn't base it off what I got (which was bugger all) we got the apartment.
And even after when I left uni, I was u employed we got the next two houses after that as well.

Now he's self employed and I'm starting my own business too it'll be harder for us in the future I think.

Thank you PopcornBits - I was hoping his wage would be the one that was mainly taken into consideration. Obviously I will be paying my share but I was concerned that it might make it harder to get into a place to begin with. Hopefully that is how it will work out for us too!

You should phone some agencies now Squirrel and just speak to them...they won't mind...explain your plan and ask them how they think that will work out for them.

Another thing that helps is as much proof of your income as possible.

Don't worry. My husband and I rent, in the same position as yourself. Husband works 9-5 and I'm self employed.
The company that does the financial audit might ask to either speak to your accountant (if you have one) or check 6 months of bank statements. It was a hassle (and embarrassing as we're not the best with money, often dip into our approved overdraft). That is an excruciating day, but the auditors care less than they make out. I think as long as they can see you have a regular source of income and pay your bills, you'll be fine. All the best with the move!

Thank you, that's good to know!