This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
Hello!
I need some advice if anyone can give me some...
My tenancy aggreement runs out in November, my landlord has informed me that he is selling the flat i rent, and so i have to move out when the aggreement runs out :(
I'm literally devastated about this, as i know its not ours but it feels like ours, me and my son are really happy here and never saw this coming. We moved here originally and the flat was an absolute mess, and i spent a lot of money decorating it etc... because we thought we'd be here for years as i want my son to go to the school near by. I didnt think it was the end of the world though, as there are a few flats near by offered for rent. Now - I've been to see a few, and felt rather relieved when i found one that was suitable for me and LO and i could afford.
When discussing this with the lettings agent, he then told me that if i want to rent any properties from them i'll need to proove that i earn 3 times the monthly rent, and they won't take into account Tax Credits or CSA. I don't earn anywhere near 3 times the rent on any property in the whole of Newcastle... - i didn't have this problem when we moved here as i was working full time then, but now i'm only working part time.
I rang the council to see if i could get a council property - they said they would try and help but i could expect to be waiting for 6 months... Where are we going to live for 6 months?
Does anyone know any ways around this? I don't understand how we're going to find somewhere - and now it does feel like the end of the world.
Any advice appreciated...
K x
I'll try the other agencies. Maybe its not the same everywhere, but the lettings agent that i was speaking to said it was common practive. Im absolutely gutted. Did you get sorted quite quickly? It just seems so unfair - i no longer have the option of working full time, so there is no way i can ever earn 3 times the rent. Its impossible. Plus theres the extra costs involved in moving.
I'm sure there must be something i can do/somewere that can help me, as i bet this happens all the time, i'm just so stressed now- it just seems so unfair. I've never ever missed a rent payment ever. It makes me think that the agents don't want anyone on a low income living there. This doesn't make sense to me, because the way i see it, i don't have much money so i look after everything really well, knowing i'll really struggle to replace things. If anything, if i was a landlord i'd want a tennant like me! Bahhhh!
I'm sure i'll get sorted, i'll speak to the council again, and ask some differant agencies. Thanks for your sypathies though!
K x
No I didn't get sorted and we went through a lot, sadly. It was six years ago, and there were not so many rentals available. I was even gazzumped when I did find somewhere!
We were fortunate in that we were allocated a housing association house - but were declared homeless first.
If you can call in to the housing dept with a letter from your landlord that will help with your case to get on their list.
I had to have a guarantor too, and was lucky that my friends agreed to this.
Hi Kay, I'm sorry that you're going through this. It must be a terrible worry for you. I would do as Sparkling suggests with a letter for the housing dept. I'm sure Louise or Anna will be able to offer some more good advise for you tomorrow, so do stay with us, and keep posting. Take care. xx
Hi again Kay. Is it possible to spread the word that you are looking for a place to rent rather than using an agency? Perhaps check shop windows etc for ads. I'm probably not being very helpful here, sorry. Are you not entitled to any other benefits if you are on a low wage?
Have a look at this link about becoming homeless here
Hello Kay87
The others have posted some good comments for you. I think it is unlikely that all private rented accommodation in your area is only given to those with three times the income of the rent level excluding benefits!
As well as trying the different agents and looking privately in windows and the local paper, do get in touch with your local Citizen's Advice Bureau to find out what there may be in your area in terms of providers and if there is a bond guarantee scheme, for example.
Hi Kay87, have you tried Shelter? They have a free advice helpline on
0808 800 444, it might be worth giving them a ring.
Let us know how it is all going.
Thanks for all your help- it is appreciated.
I've spoken to a few different agencies, and they've all pretty much said the same thing- Need a salary that's 3 times rent. One even said 4 times... They said that I should look for flats for rent with DSS welcome cos they do allow benefits like tax credits and CSA into the calculation
I've also spoken to he council- they said I I take the letter from the landlord asking me to leave I'll be treat as priority, but apparently demand for council housing is too high- and they would still expect me to be waiting a few months- allow they did say if I couldn't find anyfriends to stay with they could put me and A in a hostel. This scares me.
Ill def try and find some flats for rent not through an agency- maybe I'll have more look with that. Thanks again for all your comments and support- I'm sure we will get sorted in the end x
Hi Kay87, have you looked on gumtree? There is I think one in your area and they do ads for just about everything and do have specific sections for houses to rent etc, if you arent sure what gumtree is google it and you will find it. Good luck xxx Found it for you, you can also look around others areas if you look to the left hand side it gives you other options xxx
http://www.gumtree.com/newcastle
You can also advertise for free on there so might be worthwhile placing an ad xxx
Hello Kay87, any further news or updates?
private landlords are cut-throats and just interested in money at the end of that day-not a person's welfare. i too am in private accomodation which i had to take as an emergency-there's repairs that need doing which have taken ages to get sorted after much nagging to the negligent landlord, even though he know's i have a 6 month old daughter!
if applying for a council place they may take your case into consideration and get you in somewhere more quickly, i doubt they would leave you homeless, especially if u have a child!
Hi misha1983
I suggest you get in touch with our Housing Expert to see what rights you have in regard to the repairs.
I'm really sorry as I can't help you here. When I was looking for a private rent that request wasn't made. Are all the letting agencies asking for the same?
If your landlord gives you notice in writing you can take that to the Council as proof that you are having to leave your address.
When I rented privately my landlord did the same. It is a dreadful shock and devasting. I still miss that place almost six years on...
Sorry you're facing this though K, I really am.