Renting - what are my chances?

smj43

Yes, as has been mentioned, deceiving the landlord/EA is not a good idea nor one I wish to try. I want to be upfront about my circumstances but it's not exactly easy given most landlords don't want LHA tenants, whether for insurance reasons or the fact benefits claimants are seen as high risk.

It seems the only way to get around it is to not mention it and just pray that the EA turn a blind eye?

[Deleted User]

smj43 wrote: »

Yes, as has been mentioned, deceiving the landlord/EA is not a good idea nor one I wish to try. I want to be upfront about my circumstances but it's not exactly easy given most landlords don't want LHA tenants, whether for insurance reasons or the fact benefits claimants are seen as high risk.

It seems the only way to get around it is to not mention it and just pray that the EA turn a blind eye?

You won't be able to do anything with the ones who can't due to mortgage/insurance terms but if you tell Llds/EAs the truth and can pay a bit more upfront as rent in advance or deposit they're likely to be more receptive.

Personally, I value money upfront more than credit references. I've not used it in this sort of situation but have given discounts to tenants for money upfront.

smj43

Maybe I could offer deposit (6 weeks) + 2 months rent in advance. This is the most I am willing to pay upfront for my own protection. Would a landlord consider this or are they looking for 6 month rent advances?

[Deleted User]

smj43 wrote: »

Maybe I could offer deposit (6 weeks) + 2 months rent in advance. This is the most I am willing to pay upfront for my own protection. Would a landlord consider this or are they looking for 6 month rent advances?

I'd consider it if I were them, it does give more security.

They might counter with asking to rearrange it as 1 months rent upfront and the rest as deposit.

You have nothing to lose by asking. Good luck.

Morglin

Some councils have schemes working with private landlords to offer guarantee of rent, bonds etc., - might be worth asking yours, as they also hold lists of LL's happy to take those getting HB or on low incomes.

I would also go onto the council home waiting list in your area - having a child, whilst living with parents, gives you a certain priority, particularly if you may be overcrowded etc.,

Council benefit departments are no longer supposed to tell landlords if a tenant is getting HB, or anything connected with it, so it's up to you whether you come clean or not.

Lin

smj43

Morglin wrote: »

Some councils have schemes working with private landlords to offer guarantee of rent, bonds etc., - might be worth asking yours, as they also hold lists of LL's happy to take those getting HB or on low incomes.

I would also go onto the council home waiting list in your area - having a child, whilst living with parents, gives you a certain priority, particularly if you may be overcrowded etc.,

Council benefit departments are no longer supposed to tell landlords if a tenant is getting HB, or anything connected with it, so it's up to you whether you come clean or not.

Lin

I don't think I would get many points if I were to join the council waiting list. I mean, there are many more people in greater need than me. At least I currently have a home, overcrowded or not.

smj43

After doing some research, I am slightly worried about paying agent fees only to lose the money if I fail the check. Surely the check can't be that extensive since I know unemployed people and people that have just had their house repossessed and they seem to have no trouble renting. Am I worrying over nothing? Or should I go for an agent with no fee just in case?

BitterAndTwisted

There will alwayd be fees of some description when trying to rent through an agent. Someone has to pay for the credit-checks and it won't be the landlord or their agent.