Alternatives to guarantor?

amiehall

My LA would also accept 6 months rent in lieu of a guarantor. I think that's quite a standard thing.

incorrect_2

Outofmoney I was in the same position as you a few year ago and we kept looking,we found a place on gumtree with a private landlord been here 7yrs now. They accepted the bank statements as proof of our rent payments from previous place plus we had reference. There are loads on gumtree though that are not all LA.

[Deleted User]

I had the same problem, couldn't find a single LA that would make enquiries for me as I too have a special needs child and can't work, much as I'd like to. I have never been behind in my rent, was previously a council tenant.., and in the end found a private landlord who accepted me without a guarantor (which I couldn't have found anyway). I've been here 8 months and the rent is the first thing that gets paid.., again, never been behind regardless of what goes on with money coming in.

So yes, try and find a landlord who will rent to you without a guarantor.., if u speak to one that won't, ask if they know of one that will. Look in shop windows, your local paper etc. Unfortunately, be prepared that a landlord that will accept you without a guarantor is not going to be renting the best properties. Its unfortunate but I'm afraid its true (but as long as its got a roof, is dry and warm.., its better than nothing).

But also think .., do you have to move? I did but I must admit, it was about as stressful a process as anything could possibly be.., and I'd have not done it if I'd have had any choice.

China2

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LuFo

In similar situation the main 2 LA's where I wanted to rent both insisted that I pay 6 months rent in advance AND get a guarantor - despite having perfect references etc from previous landlords, I only got around it by insisting I wanted to meet prospective LL - so that they could see I wasn't a 2nd class citizen who would wreck their property because of my circumstances having to get HB. Even then the LA told me they would be recommending I was turned down if I didn't provide a guarantor! (And I had to borrow the 6 mths rent in advance money from parents too!). Luckily the LL chose me despite the LA sending another prospective tenant (not on HB) to meet LL too!

The problem now is that I would still like to move again but just can't face going through all that stress again!

outofmoney

Thank You. It is nice to see how others have got around the situation and that it can be done.

Our current LL didn't require a guarantor and in fact didn't even ask for references so we must look fairly decent, lol. We explained our situation fully and he was fine.

We don't really want to move. It's a nice area, great LL and other than a few small problems the house is in good condition. But it is too small and due to health problems we could really do with an extra bathroom or toilet. On top of this our HB has been dropped because of the new LHA and despite having a below average rent it is no longer covered so we have to make up the shortfall.

We saw a 4 bed house last week which was only £5 short of the LHA so we would not only get a bigger house but be better off financially. Sadly the agents didn't let us even view because of no guarantor.

Back to searching I guess.