Advice on private renting

[hissie]

I'm seriously considering private renting as it's not looking like I'm going to get a move into another social housing property anytime soon.

I have seen a couple of properties on Rightmove website, but they are quite pricey.

Just wondering if Landlords/agents can be haggled down to a more affordable rent or will I be wasting my time?

Also, it's been quite a lot of years since I rented a private property, so some general advice would be appreciated.

[magicma]

Hissie, have you tried a SWAP through Social Housing. My daughter did and each are very pleased with their swap. It was all over and done within one month. They both put their places up on a special website for exactly that. Worth a try.


I'm still no nearer myself - there was one flat I would've like to see, at least, but I was 5th in line and think No1 must have said yes. Oh well! new list next Friday.

MM

[hissie]

I've been on the swap list for ages mm & no offers. I think it's because I live in a rough part of town & I only have a 2 bedroom house. Most people are generally looking for 3 & 4 bed properties.

[Hanow]

Hissie, I don't know a great deal about renting I am afraid - but that said, I have friends who do, and one thing I know you have to bear in mind is that with private landlords, I don't think you have quite the same kind of security as you so with Associations. For example, the landlord can give you notice because he/she has decided to sell the property. Just something to bear in mind perhaps.

[AndnAnge]

Tend to agree, our son and his partner private rent and I worry, but they are happy and tbh the landlord seems nice, no plans to sell etc...but as Hanow said it can change as quick as....
But trying to buy nowadays is mental! especially for the first time buyers. Stick to associations for longer term security, but I'm no expert on the matter.

[Perpetua]

You could apply for Housing/Council Tax Benefit Hissie which would make renting in the private sector a bit more affordable for you.

I think most Local Authorities will give you a guide as to what help you could reasonably expect with the expense . . . there used to be a form, which I'm sorry I forget the name of now . . . but have you a 'One Stop Shop' that you could go into for advice, they're run by the local Councils.

But as everyone has said, finding a good landlord can be a bit hit and miss.

[hissie]

Thanks all. What you have all said has gone through my mind & it is off putting definatly. However, I am in social housing house at the moment & it's not looking like they will transfer me to be closer to my family.

I need a 2 bed house (illness reasons). Also, I have my 19 yr old kitty, & flats don't allow pets. I am not preapred to give my cat up to move home.

[magicma]

Awe Hissie, I feel for you - it is so difficult. MM xx

[Chrissie]

((((Hissie))))

I'm a private landlord(lady) & rent out a couple of houses. So can sort of help you from that side of things. However, sadly, I'm not the norm as I am more than happy to take on tenants that have pest &/or are claiming housing benefit. I also rent out way below market value as i would rather have lovely happy tenants than ones struggling to meet the payments.

As for why so many private landlords don't accept pets - it's beyond me! OK maybe they are worried about damage, but IMHO, some humans can cause far more damage than pets & true pet lovers are caring folks.

I can sort of understand however why so many landlords don't accept tenants on benefit. The majority of building insurers on buy to let properties, stupidly, don't allow the landlord to rent to anyone on benefits However, insurers can be found that do so, premiums are higher but not that bad. I actually think it is despicable that insurance companies are allowed to discriminate in this way

[bluecow1980]

I rent privatly, and I'm hugely lucky with my lovely landlady... however I believe landladies like her are few and far between.

I've been on the social housing list (its an ebay bid scheme here) for 3 years, and in all that time only 3 properties have been suitable for our needs.... needless to say they are also suitable to about 15000 other families, so the chances of me getting one are very very slim.

Stick to where you are, and keep looking for a housing exchange.

[hissie]

Thanks Chrissie...wish I lived closer to you. I have emailed a private landlord as they have a property advertised which would be great for me. However, the rent is higher than what I can afford, so am going to ask if they'll take a reduced payment. Not expecting they will, but worth asking.

It's also social housing flats which don't except pets & yes it is silly. They could at least check out the tenant & assess how they look after their current property.

Blue it's the same stupid bidding system here aswell & hardly any properties become available in my town. Same with the swapping system, noone wants to swap with me. Also, the swapping website is now going to charge a subscription & I just can't afford it + I'm not seeing the benefit of being on the website.

[moviemad]

Hessi Iam a landlord have 2 houses and myself i would consider a tennent on a good refference .... Also consider reduced rent to have the right ppl in my house . My first house was a night mare 3000 sq new build rented to a single man Manager of local kitchen company , thought i had a winner omg was i so wrong .....He wrecked the place i just spent 20 k on it carped all 5 bedrooms tiled hall kitchen sunroom 2 bathrooms 2 ensuite etc etc he left week early arrived at house i almost cryed . Needless to say next time i seen him i beat 10 lumps out of him jk someone else did lol

SO i would defo not turn anyone down , but qute alot of factors to be involved area ,,,,,, Rental price ..... etc ,,,I now have a lovely women renting if from me she gets housing benefit house is perfect everytime i call i rent my house to her for 110 a week could get 140 to 50 a week but iam happy with her ...

[hissie]

Oh wish I could find a landlord like Chrissie & Moviemad.

I think part of the problem in the town where I live is there is a major housing shortage, so landlords/agents can pretty much charge what they want & do what they want.

Also, as I found out yesterday, many private properties do not rent out to claiments of housing benefit due to mortgage arrangements.