Issues with finding a place to let.

So.... my boyfriend and I want to get a flat/house to let, but I have a few questions to ask first.

As a student, I am unemployed.  I'm looking for a part-time job.  My mother has agreed to pay half of the rent due to the fact that she is not paying for university accomodation, and this way it is much cheaper.  My boyfriend is employed and works full time, and has agreed to pay the other half of the rent.

In terms of places that want "strictly employed" tenants, do I stand a chance of passing that requirement? 

Susan_O

not sure if this is information that you're looking for...but as a student you may have access to private landlords who wouldn't normally let to students (i.e. because of the non-fulltime employment issue).  These are landlords who register their property specifically with universities...not for the university to let out, but just to recommend to their students so clearly they know the market that they're advertising to.  The university itself isn't involved in any of the contracts etc, that's between the tenant and landlord but they come with a recommodation from the university?

I would ask your university accommodation office.  I know that there's a few websites around - http://www.studentpad.co.uk/ - is one that i'm familiar with?

It might help you get around the normal stumbling blocks if you're not in full-time employment?

Hi Susan O

One way of making sure your status doesn't possibly reduce the chances of finding a nice place to rent is to have your 'better half' ( )  do everything in terms of the rental contract, references thing etc etc. I'm sure any landlord will agree to rent based on his credentials/situation. If he then mentions to the landlord you'll be living there as well and will be contributing and will be willing to get a letter from any employment that you find to show him I'm sure any landlord would be fine with that.

I've previously done something similar when renting my flat out, based it on that person and made them liable for anything/everything in case their partner/other/better half wasn't capable enough etc.

There are quite a few private landlords out there who'll be willing to rent their places to you in this sutuation, it's a known and distinctly common thing for landlords to knwo about potential tenants - I wouldn't worry too much.

Also, enure you get a landlord with a good solid contract, discuss eveything including exit strategies etc in case of issues later - there are idiot landlords out there too (as well as plenty of idiot tenants!) so hopefully you'll find one as good as me!!

Hope this helps a bit!
Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Thanks for the help.

Dennis, my husband and I only have fair credit ratings - my husband, due to previous financial issues and myself, due to my lack of time in the UK, not being on the electoral roll, and being linked with my husband.

Will we have any problems if we try to find a place to let? Our last tenancy agreement is expired, so the landlord can know boot us out with 2 months notice if he chooses, and I want to be prepared just in case. Our household income isn't much.

I have the savings to pay for 6 months rent in advance, if it comes to that - but I would rather keep it in my savings account, earning interest, if possible.

Slightly veering off topic...
If you say you are letting a property, you own it and you are 'letting' someone live there...   the person who is paying rent is 'renting' it... not 'letting' it.

Or have i got that wrong?   

I just let and rent interchangably.  Rent seems encompass both "renting out" and "letting" a flat or house -- back in America, at least.

As for my situation, I'm just hoping that we come off as a professional couple who can financially afford to keep up the flat.  If somebody is being sent income from overseas, I don't see what the problem is, as long as there is a steady income at least on one part. 

No, if you're paying rent, you're renting. If you're receiving rent on your property you're letting. That's why agents who deal with rental properties are called letting agents ... because they act on behalf of the lessor not the lessee/tenant.

No biggie, just might help to avoid misunerstandings. 

Slightly veering off topic...
If you say you are letting a property, you own it and you are 'letting' someone live there...   the person who is paying rent is 'renting' it... not 'letting' it.

Or have i got that wrong?  

No, if you're paying rent, you're renting. If you're receiving rent on your property you're letting. That's why agents who deal with rental properties are called letting agents ... because they act on behalf of the lessor not the lessee/tenant.

No biggie, just might help to avoid misunerstandings. 

You guys got there before me!

lack of time in the UK and not being on the electoral roll were not issues for my husband and myself when renting. They were more concerned with cash flow and the dogs.

Hi Sweetpeach,
I'm a private landlord and as such, I've not been so 'fussed' about potential renters credit scores/ratings. As already said, I'm more interested in having them pay on time every month - I've gotten tenants privately so there is a percieved increased 'risk' in that the renters may not be able to pay on time, but thanking me lucky stars, every tenant I've had (3 long termers) have all been utterly awesome in paying the full amount on time each month.

I did have one guy pay me 6 months in advance one time, which meant I didn't have to 'worry' as such, I popped in every now and again to check and he had the place spotless.

So, if you are lucky enough to find a private landlord, so long as you show you are capable of paying on time you'll find your credit rating doesn't really matter as such. Letter's comfirming employment are usually enough as well - as it proves they're working and earning.

If you go through a professional agency/letting place then they will probably ask for more ID to check more thoroughly on you but nothing too intrusive unless you've got a super bad score or record of bad tenanting etc.

Speak to some local agents lettings places and see what they say as well - it's all well me sitting here and saying x and y (which helps a bit!) but see what the actual people you'll be dealing with say to get more of a better understanding. Stick adverts out in local papers or freeby websites, I for one used to check them to look for potential tenants and I did get the guy who gave me 6 months in advance off the Gumtree site after he saw my advert....

Hope this helps ! Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

No, if you're paying rent, you're renting. If you're receiving rent on your property you're letting. That's why agents who deal with rental properties are called letting agents ... because they act on behalf of the lessor not the lessee/tenant.

No biggie, just might help to avoid misunerstandings. 

Thanks... that's what i thought, but wasnt 100% sure!
It's one of those things that niggles at me...