Updating post from Reddit.
My friend is looking to rent with her two young kids but it is hard to find a place. So I am wondering what else can we offer to be accepted.
If there is employment or proven income history then I'd consider her.
Single or not wouldn’t be a main concern. It’s ability to pay that is always the first question. If they have good employment history and/payments history then thats good. A guarantor can add to that security as it gives a LL a 2nd avenue to get paid if there are any financial troubles.
Passing references / having a decent guarantor
If they meet the affordability checks, then it's theirs.
The ability to pay.
You’ve no way, or right, to know the reasons they’re a single parent.
Do they pass the affordability checks required of potential tenants, do they pass the “smell” test, if so it’s theirs as it would be any other tenant type that met the requirements.
Same as anyone else. Can they afford it?
I have such a mum, works part time and has two kids one who is severely autistic. She had two guarantors as well with high incomes. She has been a dream tenant, two years in and reports issues in good time and fixes small stuff and lets us know first. Only down side is inspections having to be arranged when the kids are out but honestly for a good tenant I am happy to move things round to inspect while they are at school
Landlord here - Does she work full time or close as possible to it? Does she have a reliable guarantor? If I visited her current home what would it tell me about her? Single parent mums can be some of the hardest working, socially responsible people you will ever meet.
Or is she on benefits and sits at home watching loose women while smoking and getting angry at immigrants? Context is all.
A strict no Chavs rule will always be applied no matter what the law says.
Unfortunately, she is in a bad situation. Her ex-partner stole her money and abused her to the point of being in debt. She is slowly paying it off and she is on benefits. She isn't working now as her ex sister in law was her boss. So now we are trying to find a place for her away from him. She will have a job as soon as she moves closer. The issue is finding a place as she has a bad credit score.
I get it as a landlord I do not want her but she still needs a place and she will get better in life. My question is how to convince a landlord to give her a chance? Paying rent in advance? Guarantor?
I genuinely feel sorry for her. Like countless other women they have had dreadful lives that some of us can barely even imagine and literally been left holding the baby. I've heard many similar stories and it is frankly tragic. I can't offer advice - sadly the rental sector is full of shady and rather obnoxious people that put money before humanity. I do wish her and her children the very best. Scant comfort I realise.
Good credit check / guarantor scheme. Are the kids of an age where they'll damage the place - maybe the deposit needs to go higher if the risk is higher..?
If she can pay & the kids seem OK, go for it. My sister's a single mum of 2 & she's always paid hers on time & always left properties in a decent state. She's a bit untidy when she's in them, but she gets professional cleaners in, never left anyone angry with her.
Thanks, everyone, unfortunately, she has a bad credit score but would a guarantor and 6months advance convince a landlord or is she screw?
Do yourself a favour and don't be that guarantor.
Oh, don't worry I am not about to risk that! Her brother will be the one doing it. I'm just helping her with research and advice.
A lot of landlords do credit checks, I guess it's on a case by case basis , but it's tough renting in this economy and with the new rules, it's only going to get harder..
They could have a bad credit score but that won’t be the main thing checked and honestly isn’t usually an issue as it doesn’t necessarily indicate anything, then check is for more serious issues like CCJs. Only public information is seen, so CCJs, IVAs etc, no defaults or arrears can be seen as they are not allowed to access that information during referencing.
They could ask for an open banking check, which could also bring up issues if a lot of money is being paid out to various credit cards etc.
6 months payslips if she is working with a landlord reference. I would give her a place in a heartbeat.
If she is not working then need the UC to show she can afford payments and Guarantor with landlord reference. I would give her a place in a heartbeat.
Never had an issue as a single parent of 3. Same checks 'convincing' as everyone else... employment, ability to pay rent, history of low/zero debt
not a landlord but realistically if I was I'd only look for two things 1) can she pay 2) guage wether you think she'd be a good tennant
basically the stuff you'd do for anyone, not just a single mum
Ok this is AWFUL but a single mum applied for mine and her husband had just died! So obviously I said yes.
So maybe say that?
Usually aren’t the strongest applicants
You can ask for a guarrantor but I think even this is going to be made illegal under the renters rights act
What do u mean illegal?
Against the law. Yet another well intentioned regulation that will screw over decent tenants and landlords.
Can you explained? I'm not familiar with laws
Are you asking what a law is?
I am asking what is illegal in this situation. Sorry im half asleep so my brain isn't working properly 😅😅
It's not currently illegal to use a guarantor to secure a rent. But they are planning on writing a new law that would make using a guarantor not allowed.
Ah I see. Thanks i get it now
Is she fit? Does she have an emotional bond with the kids?
Edit: I don't rent property because I am not a scumbag.
Absolute dick comment, feel ashamed.
Am as ashamed as your mam was when she shat you out
this is about renting not about social services. twat.
Who said anything about social services. Do your kids refuse to see you and it makes you irrationally angry? I wouldn’t see my dad if he liked Limp Biz x
Probably best you don't rent property, because you sound like you would be an absolute predatory scumbag.
Please Keep it Civil