Housing to Rent, RightMove ain't cutting it, other suggestions?

Hey all,

I am trying to find a place to rent in Castle Douglas/Dumfries.  Right move has about 6 properties listed in a 20 mile radius only two of which will consider pets.  Are there other sites?  I also tried Zoopla and that literally gave me one option.  I have tried to google search but can't seem to find anything.  Any help will be much appreciated!

Rightmove is king.  Zoopla is queen.  They are the only two I know of.

It's best to contact local estate agents direct.  A bit 1980's but that's how it's done here.  Also, you would need to contact multiple estate agents as they can only show "their" properties.  No MLS like the US.

Pets will REALLY limit your options.  You'll have options, but it will be a very small pool.

I'd try calling estate agents direct as, if rental property goes quickly, they may not bother to list it on Rightmove. Also I expect you've tried google search but I found the following, perhaps these are private landlords?  http://www.newsnow.co.uk/classifieds/houses-flats-for-rent/castle-douglas-and-glenkens and http://www.gumtree.com/flats-and-houses-for-rent/castle-douglas

Good luck!

Thanks, I just Googled estate agents in Castle Douglas and got some to contact. My hubby's new boss was/is going to get him in touch with letting agencies but I he hasn't yet and I am not one to let the grass grow under my feet!

Just out of curiosity what is DSS? Usually where it says "no smokers, no pets..." it also says "No DSS".  I am blown away that they can exclude certain people (not the pets, I get that, that happens here too).  As you all know that would never OPENLY fly in the US. I actually saw a listing that say no children!

Just out of curiosity what is DSS? Usually where it says "no smokers, no pets..." it also says "No DSS".  I am blown away that they can exclude certain people (not the pets, I get that, that happens here too).  As you all know that would never OPENLY fly in the US. I actually saw a listing that say no children!

DSS is an old term that used to mean those on benefits who claimed from the Department of Social Security. That department has been replaced but the term is used now to to refer to those claiming Housing Benefits. Some insurers won't cover the landlord if they let to a Housing Benefit claimant. Others would just rather not take on housing benefits claimants but if a tenant they have lost their job they often make an exception for a while.

The nicer rentals tend to be reserved for non-smokers in fulltime work, with no children or pets. More chance of getting the rent, no lingering smells and less chance of damage. It's not easy to remove tenants who fall behind on their rent or who damage the property.

In Scotland, most properties are sold through solicitors property centres than 'estate agents' like Rightmove, etc.

Solicitors property centres do rentals as well, so you should check there!

http://www.dgspc.co.uk/rentals.asp

In Scotland, most properties are sold through solicitors property centres than 'estate agents' like Rightmove, etc.

Solicitors property centres do rentals as well, so you should check there!

http://www.dgspc.co.uk/rentals.asp

Thank you! I have contacted a solicitors for both Dumfries and Castle Douglas.  Fingers crossed I'll get a response! Thanks for your help

DSS is an old term that used to mean those on benefits who claimed from the Department of Social Security. That department has been replaced but the term is used now to to refer to those claiming Housing Benefits. Some insurers won't cover the landlord if they let to a Housing Benefit claimant. Others would just rather not take on housing benefits claimants but if a tenant they have lost their job they often make an exception for a while.

The nicer rentals tend to be reserved for non-smokers in fulltime work, with no children or pets. More chance of getting the rent, no lingering smells and less chance of damage. It's not easy to remove tenants who fall behind on their rent or who damage the property.

Wow, ok.  Well, good to know and curiosity is now sated

We have found that the "no pets" is often negotiable depending on the type of pet.   We have two cats and we just go accepted on a rental that had advertised no pets, so I wouldn't let that stop you.  There's a big difference between a small cat and a large dog and if landlords / letting agents like everything else about you  (and don't have any better offers) they can often come to an arrangement with the pets.

We have found that the "no pets" is often negotiable depending on the type of pet.   We have two cats and we just go accepted on a rental that had advertised no pets, so I wouldn't let that stop you.  There's a big difference between a small cat and a large dog and if landlords / letting agents like everything else about you  (and don't have any better offers) they can often come to an arrangement with the pets.

Thanks, that's a great point.  We have two small dogs but they are extremely well behaved and stay in their crates when we are not home, so maybe that will give us a chance.  Much appreciated!