Renting without a guarantor

Ceerey

Good afternoon. I hope you're well.

I am quite stressed at the moment. I approached my council regarding housing, however, they directed me to look for privately rented accommodation. I live with family, the house is overcrowded and mouldy. I do not work at the moment as my son is disabled and in and out of the hospital. I have enquired about privately rented accommodation, I mention paying for rent via home finders and I'm told I need a guarantor. I don't know of anyone who fits the requirements, so I'm stuck. I found one property and the agent said I didn't need a guarantor. I viewed the property, and I was told there were a lot of offers on the property and I made an offer. I haven't heard anything since Tuesday. Should I wait it out? or contact the agent?

Has anyone else had a similar experience or any advice, please? How do I get around not having a guarantor if this doesn't work out?

Ceerey

I also contacted my MP who has been trying to get answers from the council. She was not happy with their response and said she is going to follow it up.

theartfullodger

Sorry to read your story:  I am not suggesting what I'm mentioning is fair or reasonable, just wishing to describe the processes the Tory government has in place.  Not the country we should have.

Are you on the council housing waiting list ?? - see e.g.
https://www.slough.gov.uk/housing/apply-council-home

- but be aware that often means waiting 10 or more years.

If your family gave you notice to quit (formally, in writing..) then many might suggest you present yourself (physically) to the council, wishing to make a homeless application. See, from the experts Shelter....
https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/homelessness_applications

- however be aware that the council may then place you in a homeless hostel, homeless B&B or a minimum 12-month private tenancy, possible hundreds of miles away.

Sorry, sympathy, best wishes and good luck...

pinkshoes

Ceerey said:

Good afternoon. I hope you're well.

I am quite stressed at the moment. I approached my council regarding housing, however, they directed me to look for privately rented accommodation. I live with family, the house is overcrowded and mouldy. I do not work at the moment as my son is disabled and in and out of the hospital. I have enquired about privately rented accommodation, I mention paying for rent via home finders and I'm told I need a guarantor. I don't know of anyone who fits the requirements, so I'm stuck. I found one property and the agent said I didn't need a guarantor. I viewed the property, and I was told there were a lot of offers on the property and I made an offer. I haven't heard anything since Tuesday. Should I wait it out? or contact the agent?

Has anyone else had a similar experience or any advice, please? How do I get around not having a guarantor if this doesn't work out?

You need to go back to the council. 

When you say overcrowded, how many people are living in the property and how many bedrooms? How old is your son? 

If the property fits the correct definition of overcrowded, then get your parents to write a letter saying that you are unable to continue living there as it is overcrowded and not suitable due damp for a disabled child, and state that you need to move out of their accommodation by X date. 

The council will have to house you if you are unable to find anything else. 

You might end up somewhere miles away and not ideal though, hence it is always best to look for private housing first, as there is a very limited supply of council or housing association properties.

theartfullodger

pinkshoes said:

When you say overcrowded, how many people are living in the property and how many bedrooms? How old is your son? 

If the property fits the correct definition of overcrowded, then get your parents to write a letter saying that you are unable to continue living there as it is overcrowded .....

Be aware that overcrowding is permitted if due to "natural growth" (eg babies, children getting older etc etc etc...).  (ie own goal..)  .

See from the experts...
https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_conditions/overcrowding#title-3

""""

Permitted overcrowding due to natural growth

There is no offence if the standards are breached because a child of the household has reached one of the specified ages (one year or ten years) and the household has not changed in any other way.[6] The birth of a child also does not count, as children under one are disregarded. In order for this exception to apply, the occupier must have made an application to the council for alternative accommodation. In addition to this, if there was an opportunity for the occupier to require one of the household to leave and this was not done, an offence would be committed.  """"

Alderbank

I'm sure you understand that since you have no history of paying rent on time etc. that taking you on as a tenant has some risk for the landlord.
Some landlords will consider 6 months rent upfront instead of a guarantor for new tenants in your circumstances but that can be a considerable sum to scrape up. Could your family help you with that?

Some councils and charities have rent deposit or bond and guarantee schemes that  give cash to help with rent in advance and a deposit, or act as a guarantor service and cover unpaid rent or damage up to a certain amount.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/rent_deposit_bond_and_guarantee_schemes

Depending on where you live, some of these schemes might be just what you need to get your own place.

dimbo61

Scotland has just introduced a Rent freeze and ban on evictions till next match at the earliest.
Can you think of any other industry where the government could tell them you can't increase your prices or kick out a tenant who won't pay ANY rent ?
Many people and housing charities are asking England to do the same.
Lots of Landlords selling up while house prices are crazy.
In many big towns and cities hundreds of people are chasing any rental properties that come on the market.
So if you were a Landlord would you take someone who is working and has the money ready for deposit and first month's rent? Guarantor and reference from employer.
Or someone on housing benefits ?