Finding accomodation after relationship split - tips wanted?

gwynnington

Hi all
I'm here on the trusted forums, as i need help from all you thoughtful and resourceful people as i am in a bit of a mess.

My long term relationship split up last week - wont go into details, but the upshot is ive had to move 100 miles back to my original home town and am currently sleeping on friends and family's floors at the moment.

Im a complete loss now what to do and where to start regarding getting myself a roof over my head. I currently only earn £12,000 an year gross as a freelancer, self employed, as due to leaving the area i moved to with my partner, could not continue with my other part time work that supplemented my freelance.

Ive been into estate agents and looked at papers and have practically been laughed out of the office. Basis rent for a horrible bedsit starts at £500 and the 'means' test so to speak based on your income, and they say for a £500 rental i need to earn over £15,000.

I have no health problems or disabilities, have no children and have in the past had a mortgage, so ive automatically been scrapped of the council list.

Ive been to citizens advice this morning, but they were too busy to fit me in..i came out in tears with only the thought of after easter living in a cardboard box. If i cant find a roof over my head with a reliable internet connection, then i will lose my freelance work as i work from home.

Does anyone have any tips or have been through the same and can offer advice on what i can do?? Im not a key worker so dont qualify for any housing association schemes (i think).

I could rent a room in someone elses house, but had not had great feedback that i am at home all day working from home as such, they seem to think im not actually 'working'. Im on the look out for another part time job to try and get some extra income and boost the salary, but i was looking for months in my old area so im not assuming im going to get something asap.

Im in the herts area. Still licking wounds and feeling down, but would be grateful for any advice, or ingenious ways forward.

thanks to everyone for help in advance.

overandout_2

Try www.spareroom.co.uk - they are private landlords and you can rent a room from them. Usually the rent will include utilities bills and if you are lucky, free internet access as well!

Though you would probably require a month's rent as a deposit.

Hopefully everything goes well with you.

lincroft1710

I don't think it's possible to live in Herts on £12K pa. Could you not have stayed where you were with P/T job and found accom there. A room in a house would seem only option at the moment.

Fire_Fox

Not had great feedback from whom? Surely you can show tax returns or bank statements which prove your income to any future landlord or lady? As long as you have a proper tenancy agreement, you would be able to claim means-tested benefits to top up your income if your freelance work dried up. The key is to get in with a claim at an early stage, not wait thinking next week will be better. TBH living in a bedsit is seriously depressing, taking on a one bed flat with sole responsibility for all the bills will be stressful come winter. Shared flats, shared houses or lodger arrangements will give you company and perhaps new friends.

Debt_Free_Chick

gwynnington wrote: »

Ive been into estate agents and looked at papers and have practically been laughed out of the office. Basis rent for a horrible bedsit starts at £500 and the 'means' test so to speak based on your income, and they say for a £500 rental i need to earn over £15,000.

You need to look at a house-share. Local papers, small ads, cards in local shops etc.

Others may be able to suggest online options, too.