Sorry unsure if this is the correct place to put this in.
I am trying to move out of my shared place into a place where I can live alone.
I am unemployed (unable to work due to health issues and mental illness) however I do have savings, I receive UC & PIP. I am able to pay rent as I have been doing for the last four years in my shared place the reference from this place will attest to that.
Yet I can not get past the pre application stage with property agencies to even view a place. I don’t know what to do? Should I lie and say I work? And then after I view the place update the status to unemployed?
I have worked out what I get yearly, I put that down, I say the truth and that I have savings and that I am on benefits and that a reference will prove that I can pay and have been doing for the last four years at my current shared place, yet nothing.
If anyone is in my position or has been, do you have any advice? I really want to move out and can’t even get my foot out of the door to view potential places.
Don’t lie
You will get caught out and if you lie at the beginning no one will touch you
Unfortunately this government are cutting welfare benefits and bringing in indirect rent control
As inflation and cost of living increase , your benefits won’t match up to the market rent and impending regulations, put on landlords, that will need revenue to keep up with MEES
Although the government says they are there for people in your situation they have made it much worse because you are about to take a huge hit in payment in real terms
Im also struggling with the same issue, All I can see from the new renting bill , is a whole host of ‘backdoor’ exclusions… A landlord may not be able to discriminate in an advert, but he/she sure as hell isnt going to play fair… Im on benefits and I have dogs… I can apply for property and this is what Im told… you don’t pass affordability, not suitable for dogs.. do they really think im looking for unsuitable accommodation for the dogs?.. I am 60… and facing being homeless! I read what landlords have to say and I see no empathy or understanding and defiantly no willingness to help… a working person is no guarantee that a landlord will have a good tenant nor is a healthy bank account… Im stuffed and have no idea which way to turn…
No question, I’d find alternative homes for them. I have pets myself (cats) and while I love them and they provide a great deal of emotional support, they’re not my priority in life, certainly not to the detriment of me finding a home to live in.
I know how you feel.
We have been trying for over 2 years now and am registered with every estate agent in the Lincolnshire area. We apply daily fill in all the preliminary applications then never hear back, we contact them to be told properties are gone or we can’t afford it lol. I wish I could give you better advice other then keep trying and try not to let it get you down, I know it’s hard I feel I have let my family down trying to get them a better life. Fingers crossed and good luck.
you are not letting your family down. All the recent goverments have let you down . Allowing local councils to sell off thousands of council houses, STILL allowing social houseing providers to sell them off. ! Mad . Then pushing the blame on to private landlords Many of us selling up . It will get worse
To be honest I have just about given up! As you say you jump through hoops to only be stonewalled! We’ve not let anyone down we do our best. Whats letting us down are the systems Private & public!!! I wish you & yours much luck, stay safe.
I’m in the same position about the excuses estate agents or LLs give. I’ve been applying for 3 years now and I pretty much know the answer before I even enquire. I get carers and PIP although looking for remote work so I can do both (care for someone and mange my disability). I won’t give up though x
I’m in the same boat, and I’m just trying to play to my strengths.
Yes, I’m a high-risk tenant, and I can’t escape that. Yes, the market is saturated, and I have to compete with hundreds of others.
What I realised, during my conversations with LLs, is that many of them are often unaware of my entitlements, and it’s in my interest to establish consistent communication.
One example, as I don’t want to write an essay. A situation that took place yesterday. I applied by sending my template message explaining that I’m on UC with LCWRA and PIP, etc. The landlord got back to me, saying that one of us (we’re two people applying) is under 35 and would be entitled only to a shared LHA rate. I replied to them, politely explaining that it’s not correct as PIP claimants receiving the Daily Living component are entitled to a 1-bed rate regardless of their age. The LL thanked me for making them aware.
After that conversation, I updated my template, sat down and thought about how many times someone automatically rejected my application, assuming the same.
I completely understand your frustration. It can be hard enough to find a place without added barriers. I had similar issues when trying to rent a house in Texas — landlords often judged upfront without even giving a chance. Keep pushing, gather solid references, and maybe try smaller landlords who are more flexible. Hope it works out for you soon!
Renters are having these issues because of a number of factors including government policy in the form of the forthcoming RRB and mass immigration be it legal or illegal. The RRB has caused Landlords to sell up and leave the sector and invest elsewhere, immigration In huge numbers puts more pressure on the remaining available property to rent. Everyone who arrives here needs somewhere to live.
I think a government contractor recently offered Landlords 5 years guaranteed rent to house asylum seekers. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see where the problems are.