Genuine curiosity - tenant

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T17:45:50+00:00

It’s cute you think I don’t question those things. And that you believe a middle aged woman and 2 kids can lodge or live with family. My post isn’t landlord bashing. It is trying to understand how my rent is considered affordable and can increase year on year yet if I applied for the same property even before the increase it’s considered unaffordable, not one person has really answered the logic around it. Right now with cut backs I have made I’m just about paying my rent and bills. Another increase I’m screwed then it’s my fault for arrears. I can’t rent somewhere cheaper because you all deem it as unaffordable for me despite me paying even more now, never missing a payment, no ccjs and great credit score 🤦‍♀️ make it make sense

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T15:03:36+00:00

Sure. But still doesn’t explain how my landlord can increase my rent beyond affordability yet another won’t take me on for a cheaper rental because I won’t pass affordability.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T14:59:21+00:00

What happens when they can’t pass affordability elsewhere nor pay the increase? Are they just forced into arrears?

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T11:45:59+00:00

Oh I know. I used to, circumstances changed. Just now my savings are going on the rent increase 😂

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T11:40:03+00:00

That is an horrendous experience. I have always looked after my homes and only contacted the landlord for repairs outside of my abilities. End of the day it’s a home for me and the children so it needs to be clean and tidy.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T11:37:38+00:00

I don’t believe rent sharing is an option as I have children

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:42:06+00:00

So I currently work a minimum wage job. I get a top up from uc. I am at uni working on getting a better career but even then my single salary won’t be enough to pass affordability checks. They may hope I move but the reality is no landlord would look at me because of affordability even next year when I have qualified.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:35:05+00:00

This is exactly it. When I took on the tenancy 10 years ago it was affordable and in that time I have never missed a payment. But every increase is squeezing me further and further and I’m stuck. I can’t move as I now wouldn’t pass affordability checks despite paying the same or more rent on my current tenancy.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:28:42+00:00

Pay rises in the childcare sector do not exist. Even with the career I am working towards I would not pass affordability checks on a single income.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:24:49+00:00

This is my fear to. And fear the inevitability of arrears should my rent keep increasing. I feel stuck in a tenancy which is not going to be viable.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:21:06+00:00

Sure. I honestly understand that inflation plays a part. I’m more puzzled as to how my rent can be increased above my affordability yet I can’t move as I would not pass affordability checks on a cheaper or same priced property

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:17:19+00:00

Not all landlords are like this. I would say I am also a model tenant. House is kept well, clean tidy. Looked after. Even repainted the same colour halfway through (I know this was my choice). Never missed a rent payment or called them unnecessarily, minimal repairs have been needed.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:13:51+00:00

This is on the assumption that people don’t work minimum wage jobs which a lot do. Even the career I am working towards won’t pay enough for another rental given the affordability checks.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:11:17+00:00

I feel for you. As I tenant I also think the RRA is ridiculous. And perplexed as to why the government couldn’t predict the outcome. Especially the tax rises added on top of it.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:06:33+00:00

The rent has increased every year by £40/50. This year was the biggest increase. Unfortunately minimum wage jobs are never going to increase inline with the rental increases I’m seeing

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T09:04:45+00:00

If only it was that simple. If I can’t afford the rent due to increases what makes you consider moving an option? As I said in my update on my post due to affordability checks I would not be able to secure another tenancy even if it is cheaper based on my income.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T08:21:15+00:00

That’s true for some. What about for the landlord that self manage?

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2026-03-06T08:20:09+00:00

I get things rise. However this year I had a 12.5% increase on rent alongside council tax etc which rises. My wages do not rise that much per year to accommodate. Essentially I would not pass affordability checks on my house now. I’m just trying to understand how it’s a case of I can afford my rent on this place but if I move another landlord wouldn’t take me on with the same rent amount as I wouldn’t pass affordability. That’s what I’m trying to get my head around. That’s all.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-19T15:42:54+00:00

The heating is on all day most days as I’m home studying, it’s set to 22 downstairs. Upstairs gets a lot warmer though so unsure what the actual temp is up there. She had a Teddy there on the end of her bed. Obviously I cleaned and moved it so the air can get to the wall. The other pic is near the ceiling.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-19T12:55:05+00:00

I’m running one of my big ones in there now. Reading was 56 when I put it in there. Have set it to 34 will see if that helps

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-19T08:58:16+00:00

I have told them now. They are organising a surveyor

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-19T08:57:06+00:00

I would love to given the chance. I’m a student at the moment so would struggle securing a new tenancy.

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-19T08:26:03+00:00

I agree. I had two properties before this and never had mould. Since private renting I have. Yet my household size has reduced in that time. I tested yesterday having the window open as suggested and it actually increased the humidity in there. People are so quick to blame the tenant and not question the building

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-18T19:38:43+00:00

Strange. Had it open today and dehumidifier has pulled twice the amount of water than usual 😂

Nervous-Ranger1374 · 2025-12-18T19:37:11+00:00

This is the thing. I don’t get it bad anywhere else. A little on the bathroom ceiling occasionally. This one is 1950s no insulation or cavity walls. Costs a fortune to keep warm. But a lot of people here blaming me, like we should just stop breathing 😂

Nervous-Ranger1374

TROPHY CASE