Finding somewhere to rent

LittleKitten

Hey, I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to find somewhere to rent in the UK, with a friend of mine.
(I'm on benefits, and she's working, and I use a wheelchair quite often, including indoors, but I can't do so where I live currently).
Thank you all, in advance.

woodbine

Could where you live currently not be adapted for a wheelchair?

poppy123456

Use google to search the areas you want to live. If you're going onto the tenancy agreement then it may not be easy finding a landlord that will accept someone claims for help with their rent through benefits.

LittleKitten

It is possible that where I live could be adapted, but it's my parents place, and I really want to move out, and have that independence.
I've been looking on google and searching for rentals, but the area is expensive, and none of them are very clear as to their accessibility, either.

Alex_Scope

I've very recently been going through this process as a wheelchair user @LittleKitten and it really is pot luck with accessibility information on listing sites like Rightmove and Zoopla, even on the estate agent websites themselves.

When I had a bad experience viewing an inaccessible rental property, I tried to explain the importance of accessibility info on a listing to the agent- it's vital information we need to know before a viewing, like the number of steps to the front to, or if there's a lip on the door etc., and we are put at a disadvantage by having to enquire before we can consider booking a viewing. 

I don't think there's any legal requirement for providing accessibility info at the moment, which is frustrating as you'll find information on energy efficiency and local schools very easily.  

Additionally, the legality of 'No DSS' requirements from landlords is certainly questionable. If you are trying to rent a property and see ‘No DSS’, it means that the landlord or letting agent won’t rent to someone on Housing Benefit.

DSS stands for the ‘Department for Social Security’, a government department which no longer exists. You can read more about this on the Turn2Us website.

I would recommend that you contact any estate agents in the area you're looking to move in, and explain your requirements to them, so they understand exactly what you're looking for.

Once you're registered with them, they can hopefully contact you with any rental properties they think might be suitable. Be prepared to move quickly when it comes to viewing properties. Often when something is listed, a let can be agreed the very next day. 

I've quickly realised that something like a flat, has the best chance of level access or even a lift. I wish you all the best with your search  


If you have any questions that come up in the meantime, please ask.

Alex