Homophobic landlords?

danpride

Hi all,

I'm beginning to get a little bit suspicious of landlord's I'm coming across. I'm looking to rent with my boyfriend in Cambridge and we've put offers in on two properties but when it comes to checking with the landlord, the landlord's opted to go with a single person on the first property and "no couples" on the second property. The second property is a two bedroom terraced house, so I'm not sure why that decision was made!

Also, I explained to the estate agents that I have a CCJ. They advised me that this wouldn't be a problem because I'm employed and can provide guarantors and pay the rent in advance.

So, I can only assume the landlord's are either homophobic or we're just incredibly unlucky?

Just to add that on both of these occasions we've paid the fee's to have the properties removed from listings, and each time had it refunded, but it's a huge annoyance to find out we haven't got it because we're a couple...

richardw

Who knows?

Just keep on looking for other places to rent.

vuvuzela

You might just be unlucky. However next time maybe worth just being "2 friends who want to rent a place together" ?

Emmzi

Well, try ignoring the being a couple bit (why would you feel the need to tell people anyway?)

Odds on it's really the CCJ.

ceh209

It's sad that you would have to do this, but...

Why is it any of the landlord's business? I'd suggest on the next property you try for, don't tell them you're a couple. If they ask the nature of your relationship, tell them you're best friends.

Then you might have your answer to whether they're homophobic or not. If not, maybe its the CCJ after all?

BigAunty

CCJs - a well known issue for tenants.

Homophobia - not a well known issue for tenants - you'll never be able to prove this as a factor whereas CCJs are a big turn off for many landlords.

ognum

I am sorry to hear this because this is my stomping ground and my belief is that Cambridge in general is open minded to everyone.

If its of any help most properties do have multiple enquires and landlords do have a choice, maybe it is you CCJ that is the problem if they have other with clear credit records.

What areas of Cambridge are you looking, are you part of the university because you can use the University Accomodation Service if you are and the landlords on there are not allowed to charge fees for tenancy start up.

Have you been well treated by the agencies, which have you used. As a landlord I use Russell's who I think are professional.

ognum

Could it be anything to do with your impending bankruptcy?

lovinituk

danpride wrote: »

landlord's I'm coming across.

Perhaps you should get to know them a bit better, or least ask first, before doing this :rotfl:

Running_Horse

A young straight couple I know found fierce competition for their first rented home in Cambridge. Looking at houses for sale on Rightmove, I can't think of another similar city with so few properties on the market. The university own everything, and aren't selling or renting to non-students.

rosyw

Competition for rental properties in Cambridge has always been fierce! You just have to keep going after anything you can until you finally get something - it was the same for me over 40 years ago, and things have got worse! :eek: