Stuck and frustrated

[greatautismguy]

I am autistic and am having problems finding a flat to rent. I cannot go in a shared flat. I am where I am living until 30th July. I am in southwark london. I am looking up to £900 pcm.

Can anyone assist. I also have no local connections any where in the country.

Any advice on what I can do. The stress is affecting my autism.

[NotJim]

Hi greatautismguy,

Definitely feel for you. Finding somewhere to rent can be pretty stressful (even without ASD on top!)

I'm not London-based, and capital prices are of course a bit higher than elsewhere, but £900pcm in my experience can get you a 1 bed or studio flat without having to flat share.

You can adjust filters on property websites to include these specifications, specifically a non-shared basis. I would also suggest expanding a little beyond the Southwark area as well, for example by about 5-10 miles, as this will bring up more options (depending on how far you want to/are able to travel).

I would suggest setting property alerts on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, Purple Bricks and Zoopla so that you can get regular updates about when a new property becomes available. Estate Agents aren't always very quick at updating information online so it's often the case that older listings have already been snapped up, but haven't been taken down from the website.

The other thing I would recommend is that if there's several estate or lettings agents who you keep seeing when looking for properties you like, you can register your details with them so that they have the information needed to book viewings and placing offers quickly. (this can usually be done on the property search website). They usually want to know things like what your income is, if you have pets, if it is just you renting and so on. It can be a bit of a pain filling in the details first time, but once that's done you shouldn't have to again and it can help speed things up.

If there is a particular area you would prefer, then I would recommend visiting that area to see if you like it and if you're able to, pop into any local estate agents you find (it can be more than one) and tell them "Hi there, I'm interested in renting in this area. I'm looking for (1 bed/2 bed/garden/flat/semi-detached, etc., whatever your specifications are), and your price range. Then they can tell you what they have available, and if you give them your contact details they can also keep in touch to let you know if something new becomes available. In my experience it can take a little while for them to start sending things, but once they do it becomes pretty helpful.

If there is anyone you know who can go with you for support, so you have someone with you, that can also be good. Alternatively, what I sometimes do is have a pre-planned script in my head or jotted down beforehand so I know what I need to ask for and don't forget anything if I start to feel flustered.

If you see something you like, it's best to act quickly and phone the estate agent (emails in my experience take too long at the speed the rental market moves. I'm not comfortable with talking on phones but it did mean I got a quicker response), and say you would like to do a viewing. This does require some spontaneity - the sooner you can view the property the better, I wouldn't leave it more than a few days between finding the one you like and going to see it. I've found some desirable places can be snapped up in the space of a week.

Although it means a bit of travelling viewings are definitely worthwhile, as places always look bigger than they are online, and you get to find out what the neighbourhood is like and any hidden pitfalls that aren't in the listing like mould, work needed, locks working etc. Of course, 90% of the time, these problems aren't there, but it's always worth checking. You can then also ask the estate agent what the Landlord/landlady is like too, whether the Estate Agent knows them and if they seem good to work with and responsive to any problems.

I know it's not for everyone but if you're fond of lists or spreadsheets, then these are a great way of keeping track of the properties you like, that you've viewed, where they are, how much they'd cost, and so on.

I hope this can help in some way, and I wish you the very best with the property search.

[greatautismguy in reply to NotJim]

Thanks for your comments. I am on benefits and not working at present which makes landlord not take me on.

[NotJim in reply to greatautismguy]

There's a section here on Citizen's Advice about what to do when trying to rent while you're on benefits -citizensadvice.org.uk/housi... (under "If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit") Getting references that emphasise that you do pay rent on time (for example if you have any previous landlords or ladies. You can also get a guarantor, which is someone (for example a parent or relation) who agrees to take on payments if you are unable.

[greatautismguy]

Thanks so far for all your advice. Sadly I have no social worker. I will use the advice so far given.

[Bee-bop]

Hi there grestautismguy,I am wondering if citizens advice can help you work out some options as you say in your bio you have mobility issues too so this may be important for when choosing a flat ?