Can’t rent as a single mum

Jobhunt

I live with my parents and brother at home with my 10 month old. I work full time in a stable job, not on benefits . 

Prior to having my baby I rented a flat , then moved home after split from babies dad . 

It used to be on my wage I could afford a two bed rental . Now I can just about afford a one bed . I’ve been told by the estate agents landlords don’t want single mums. Whilst I thought this was the case I do feel quite disappointed . 

I am not eligible for the housing register as I have over 16 k savings.

What can I realistically do ? Should I try to get my savings down to go on the housing register ? Or accept living at home ? 

Any experiences of renting as a single mum etc or any advice welcome . 

turnitround

If you have over £16k in savings and a stable job would it not be possible to get a mortgage?

Skiddaw1

That's what I was thinking. Could you use the time with your parents to max out on your savings? Perhaps set a mental date for when you'll start seriously looking for somewhere to buy?

silvercar

"I am not eligible for the housing register as I have over 16 k savings."

Not heard of this one. You are in need of a home, so put your name on the list.

housebuyer143

You can go on the list with savings I believe but because you have a home with your parents you are not going to be high priority. 

Can you not ask to pay rent upfront? I haven't known many landlords turn someone down who is working and pays all the rent upfront.

tealady

Have you tried housing associations in your area?

Loza2016

Have you tried looking for landlords who self manage? I have family who self manage their properties and majority of their tenants are single parents. 

user1977

silvercar said:

"I am not eligible for the housing register as I have over 16 k savings."

Not heard of this one. You are in need of a home, so put your name on the list.

Some councils have minimum criteria before you can even join the waiting list:

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/council_housing_association/how_to_apply_for_council_housing/who_can_join_the_housing_register

propertyrental

Can you not show agents or landlords how much you are also receiving from your ex?

The baby's dad IS paying you maintenance, yes?

[Deleted User]

turnitround said:

If you have over £16k in savings and a stable job would it not be possible to get a mortgage?

Is this some kind of joke? What do you think the chances are that she has a big enough deposit and can pass affordability tests with a very young dependent? Single income reduces the amount she can borrow too.

Sistergold

Sorry to hear about your challenge as a single mom. I am a single mom too and also had challenges getting rental(despite savings) after split. What worked for me was I offered to pay 6 to 12 months in advance and I had to do this for 3+ years. I did not have family to stand in the gap during that time so you are in a better position. Is there any chance of buying in the area you are or are you in London type areas where houses are almost beyond reach? If I were you and in the more affordable parts of England then the long term solution as a single mom is to buy your own no matter how small. So if there is a chance to buy and family is accommodating then stay put and save aggressively buy, without moving into rental. If funds are tight and you move into rental then it might be difficult to save enough to buy.