Is it possible to rent a room/studio without a job?

Question

How hard do you think it is to find a room or a studio flat if I'm not employed at the moment but have some money set aside? What do you think I should offer the landlord (increased deposit, more rent in advance, etc.) so that s/he would feel more secure? Thanks!

Answer 1

Scotland - references,1 months rent in advance with 1 months deposit, I done it when unemployed with no problems, I sublet 2 bed flat £350 per months which DSS paid.

Answer 2

deposit and 6 months rent should get you in the door

Answer 3

Yes. Otherwise, it is pure discrimination. Takes any independent observer back to the 50's and 60's. "No kids, no dogs, no Blacks, no Irish." (Come back Peter Rachman and Michael X, all is forgiven!) "Landlord"s (what a saluation - one ought listen to "the fields of Athenry" to understand it all a little better) are nothing other than 'economic parasites.' They want it all 'in', and, they put nothing 'out.' You are not there to fund these peoples' lifestyles, only to pay a fair amount of rent, for accomodation fit for humans - in other words; light, air, space, and hygiene. Thank you for a well thought out question.  

Answer 4

I know, from experience, that it is very diffiuclt to get an apartment/studio without a job. That is, unless you have a co-signer (i.e. your parents). I don't know where you're from, but in Texas, you have to earn at least 3 times more than your monthly rent in order to get approved. With that being said, I still think it's possible to negotiate with your landlord, especally if you have enough money to pay in advanced. If I were you, I would try to pay as much rent in advance as possible. Don't pay an increased deposit-- because you're going to get your deposit back when you move out, and I don't think that would be very appealing to your landlord.

I have several friends (both wealthy and not so wealthy) who don't have jobs, yet they were still able to rent an apartment or condo. If they can do it, I don't see why you shouldn't try. Good luck!

Answer 5

In this case an advance of six months would probably be required. A normal contract is an AST Assured Shorthold Tenancy that guarantees occupation of the property for at least six months even if you fail to pay the rent. If you offer an advance for this period then the landlord will in all likelihood accept with a break clause to end the agreement. But as long as you can prove you can cover the rent and your living costs from this money you have set aside then it would be the landlord's choice to accept the information as a reference.

Answer 6

It's not that hard to just get a room!  A studio will be harder though, because you'll have sole responsibility for the place.

I'm not sure where you're located but in London, have a look on Gumtree and you'll find loads of houseshares advertised.  Basically, to get any of these places then you'll have to meet the current housemates and ensure that they like you, but as long as you have the deposit to put down, they're not bothered about checking any financial information.  Certainly no-one would ever call an employer.

I've lived in seven different houseshares in London over the past six years and except for the place I'm in right now, I have never once been asked to provide references or employment information.  Let's put it this way - London is full of immigrants and most of them come here with no job and no place to live.  It's usually easier to find somewhere to live first, so there must be loads of people in exactly the same boat.

If you do find a landlord that's worried, then I would say it would be fair for you to offer a larger deposit so that they could use that against rent if you do fall into arrears.

Oh if you have a guarantor then that's totally different - if you can't pay the rent then they become responsible so that guarantees that the rent will get paid - so no-one will refuse to rent you anything.

Answer 7

one of the qualifications of renting a room/studio is income whether its a job or other means...however if you can show documentation that you have some time of flow of sufficient cash it is acceptable...not everyone that lives on their own have a job...some receive income thru bonds, inheritance, etc....

Answer 8

Well I think your going to find that quite tricky, some people have a problem with accepting housing benefit, plus you essentially need references for properties, however if you've got a guarantor as stated they may be willing to help. I think your best bet is to look at private ads in the paper, phone them up and see what they say, I'm sure though that a lettings agent won't be able to help because they do lots of references checks and income checks.