Finding private landlords

Missconduct

First of all, apologies if there is already a thread somewhere about this, I did search but couldn't find one.

We are about to rent for the first time, having always owned our home in the past, so the process is new to us. Because of a period of ill-health in the past, our credit score is likely to be pretty bad (although no CCJs/IVAs or bankruptcies) but we can afford to pay 3-6 months' rent in advance as security. However, we are finding that letting agents are adopting a "computer says no" approach - saying that if we apply and our credit score is bad, they will require a guarantor, which we don't have. This doesn't make sense as surely cash in advance is better than having to sue a guarantor?

So, my question is how to find private landlords who may be less rigid about rules and take a more common sense approach. We want someone who will base our application on meeting us and accepting cash in advance as security (we can also provide character and employment referees)? We have tried searching online but can't seem to find private landlords, only letting agents.

Any tips appreciated please!

ellie99

Private landlords won't often have to facility to advertise online.
Have you tried reading the ads in the local paper of the area you want to be in? Or asking in local shops? I know it sounds very amateurish, but I did once find a private landlord with a vacant property by asking in the local newsagents.

Missconduct

Thanks, Ellie99. We haven't tried those things yet, we about a two-hour drive from the place we want to move to though :think:

ellie99

Missconduct wrote: »

Thanks, Ellie99. We haven't tried those things yet, we about a two-hour drive from the place we want to move to though :think:

My local newspaper is also online, and the small ads can be viewed online. A bit of googling to find out what the papers are called, maybe it's the same in your area.

ETA - realise I've just contradicted my first post...what I meant was private landlords don't have the big exposure online, like zoopla, rightmove etc. You need to look harder to find them.

Missconduct

LOL, thanks, Ellie.

penguingirl

Some landlords also advertise on gumtree (just don't pay any money before you view the properties as there are scams out them, but that's true for any means of advertising)

Eliza_2

I've never used an agent, but found rented houses through private ads in the local paper. Village or other local shop windows are also good, but best of all is word of mouth though not easy if not in the area. A wanted ad might also bring results. You can have local papers sent to you at home.

My current landlord doesn't agree with computers so wouldn't use any sort of online service, the previous one didn't need to, the ad in the paper brought enough applicants.

securityman

Gumtree and Loot