Renting a flat - pre-pay contract?

Lee95

Hi, me and my partner are looking to move out of her parents house and into our own 1 bedroom flat.
We would like to know if it would be possible to pay rent up-forth for a period of time (4-6 months) and in the meantime, search for a full-time (me) and part-time job (her). This would allow us to pay the month's rent after the initial 4-6 months.

In other words, if we were to say to the landlord, here's the £... deposit, and the initial 6 months rent equating to £...
So after that payment we don't have to hand any more money out until the 6 months is up and we pay the 7th, 8th month etc.

Obviously all landlords have different opinions on the matter, but do you think this is a viable option or will 99% of landlords just say no (because we don't currently have a job) however in 4-6 months we're pretty much guaranteed to get jobs, even if they're low-paid 'bad' jobs.

Thanks.

pmlindyloo

Lee95 wrote: »

Hi, me and my partner are looking to move out of her parents house and into our own 1 bedroom flat.
We would like to know if it would be possible to pay rent up-forth for a period of time (4-6 months) and in the meantime, search for a full-time (me) and part-time job (her). This would allow us to pay the month's rent after the initial 4-6 months.

In other words, if we were to say to the landlord, here's the £... deposit, and the initial 6 months rent equating to £...
So after that payment we don't have to hand any more money out until the 6 months is up and we pay the 7th, 8th month etc.

Obviously all landlords have different opinions on the matter, but do you think this is a viable option or will 99% of landlords just say no (because we don't currently have a job) however in 4-6 months we're pretty much guaranteed to get jobs, even if they're low-paid 'bad' jobs.

Thanks.

This is possible but you may have to search until you find a LL willing to take you on.

Will you be claiming Housing Benefit? Some LLs will not consider people on benefits/others will.

Some LLs might ask for a guarantor. Have you anyone who owns their own house who would act as guarantor for you?

LLs are basically interested in making sure that the rent is paid and tenants do not 'trash' their house. If their property is desirable and they have a lot of people interested then they will obviously pick the ones that are the safest 'bet'.

Other LLs may be put off if you are very young as well as the fact that neither of you have jobs at the moment.

Although they could give you a rental contract of 6 months they could not evict you without going to court and if you couldn't pay your rent during this time then they would be out of pocket.

This is nothing personal.

Most LLs operate as a business and are therefore guided by the risk factor.

Certainly try but do consider waiting it out until you both have secure jobs. Even then most LLs want tenants who have been in their jobs for a minimum amount of time.

Not trying to put you off but just being realistic.

Also worth looking at the local housing allowance for a one bed place on your local council website and try to look for accommodation at this figure (just in case you have to claim Housing Benefit.)

Good luck!

Lee95

Thanks for the reply.

No to housing benefit.

We have a guarantor yes.

All the other information is noted and will assist us in making our decision. Thank you.

[Deleted User]

Be very very careful handing all the rent upfront, if you're looking at relatively cheap properties you're going to be interacting with more dodgy landlords and letting agents. If there's problems with the property and the landlord isn't forthcoming with repairs, you'll have no leverage.

A much better option would be to look around for letting agents, present your situation (and proof that you have the money) and ask them if they can find you a property with a landlord willing to let to you, you might not have as many options with properties but you'll be protected.

Guest101

I think it's fine, it's exactly what im doing. I've just sold my house, going back to education and will pay 6 months upfront

Wont be claiming benefits, as others have said some LL dont like this,

As for 'leverage' you still need to pay your rent, no matter what. what you are doing is ensuring you have a place to live whilst you search for work.

Every LL is different, but you should be fine.

Some LLs would love to get the 6 months upfront, no hassle, and lump sum.

sandsni

Some LLs might not fancy taking the chance on you and your GF finding jobs before the next rent is due in case they have to go to the bother of evicting you if you don't find jobs. It's a lot easier saying "no" up front than chasing up guarantors or trying to get you out if you can't pay after the 4-6 months. You would have a lot more options if you wait the 4-6 months until you DO both have work.

They might also wonder where two people with no jobs got 4-6 months' rent from in one lump sum. But maybe I'm just cautious that way. Do you have any kind of references that might convince a LL you're a good risk?