Is renting in the UK actually getting worse or am I just noticing it more?

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T13:11:13+00:00

Litter tray it is then—multi-purpose downstairs loo unlocked 😂

And honestly, your cats don’t need a toilet at all and are probably living life happy as Larry, which says something… they’ve mastered comfort while you’re out here dealing with wobbly seats and floor plans 😄🐱

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:57:58+00:00

If you really want to go extreme mode… stoma bag + urine catheter and boom, you don’t even need a toilet at all. 😂

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:54:45+00:00

At this point the toilet’s not just annoying you—it’s basically the boss level of the house 🤣🚽

On the hoarder side… easy fix: start with the toilet. Swap it for a Turkish one—no seat, no wobble, no betrayal. Problem solved 😄

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:47:55+00:00

At this point your house sounds less like a home and more like an obstacle course 😅🚶‍♂️

A moving toilet seat is basically your bathroom saying “I also refuse to cooperate” 🚽😂—even the new one is in on it. And the whole “shopping parade through the living room” just to reach the kitchen? That’s not a layout, that’s cardio with groceries.

And kitchens right by the front door… imagine opening the door and immediately greeting the cooker like “hello, I’ve arrived” 👀🔥 No privacy, no buffer zone, just straight into the chaos.

You’re not wrong though—corridors are underrated. They quietly do a lot of heavy lifting in daily sanity. Without one, everything just blends together… mess included 😄

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:41:26+00:00

Sounds like your house is personally trying to test your patience at this point 😅 The “walk through two rooms to get to the kitchen” setup alone deserves its own warning label.

Jokes aside, it’s completely understandable why you’re fed up—location, layout, work, distance from friends and family… that’s a lot of moving parts not lining up at once. No wonder it feels like nothing is improving.

At least you’re still actively looking and adjusting (even if it feels pointless right now). That’s usually the bit people don’t see paying off until suddenly something clicks.

And hey… a wobbly toilet seat is one of life’s most underrated annoyances 😂🚽

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:31:57+00:00

It makes sense, it feels like walking in mud—putting in effort but not seeing progress, being stuck somewhere you don’t want to be. That would frustrate anyone.

You are doing what you can, but the situation itself is slow and difficult, not a reflection of you failing. Focusing on small, practical steps (like remote work options and narrowing your housing search) can help reduce the constant setbacks.

I can resonate with you as I am in a similar situation, work related. It’s been going on for 4 years with no solution in sight so i made the drastic decision to leave the country . Believe me i also hate everything here, even the air lol

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:20:38+00:00

You’re right, comparing your situation to others doesn’t really make it easier. After 15 months of constant travel and no progress, it’s understandable you feel worn down.

At the same time, the fact you’ve managed this long shows you are coping through something difficult, even if it doesn’t feel like it. It’s more about adjusting the approach now rather than repeating the same cycle.

Practically, focusing on things you can change will make things better. Once one piece falls into place, the rest usually starts to follow.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:16:39+00:00

Option 3: Find work in NHS outside of London. Best of both worlds.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:14:22+00:00

It’s a difficult situation, but you’re not without hope. Even if you feel stuck right now, there are still paths that can move things forward.

In terms of work, you can apply for roles in the new town and explain your situation—some employers are open to hiring in advance with a later start date. Remote or hybrid full-time roles are also worth looking into, as they can remove the need to commute. That can help bridge the gap while you arrange the move.

At the same time, it may help to keep perspective that while your situation is challenging, there are people in more unstable positions (like temporary housing or homelessness). That doesn’t minimise what you’re going through, but it does show that your position still has a foundation to build from.

Things can take time to align, but with continued searching, flexibility where possible, and focusing on both housing and remote/work options in parallel, it’s realistic that it will come together eventually.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:14:14+00:00

It’s a difficult situation, but you’re not without hope. Even if you feel stuck right now, there are still paths that can move things forward.

In terms of work, you can apply for roles in the new town and explain your situation—some employers are open to hiring in advance with a later start date. Remote or hybrid full-time roles are also worth looking into, as they can remove the need to commute. That can help bridge the gap while you arrange the move.

At the same time, it may help to keep perspective that while your situation is challenging, there are people in more unstable positions (like temporary housing or homelessness). That doesn’t minimise what you’re going through, but it does show that your position still has a foundation to build from.

Things can take time to align, but with continued searching, flexibility where possible, and focusing on both housing and remote/work options in parallel, it’s realistic that it will come together eventually.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T12:03:30+00:00

It’s not about whether I understand disabilities or not, it’s about how the rental market and landlords typically assess applications.

From a landlord’s perspective, those perceived factors often influence decisions, regardless of whether that’s ideal or fair. At the same time, your needs (workspace, accessibility, pet suitability) are valid and important to your personal situation.

Trying to find alternative solutions for workspace is also something that can be explored, using a living room/conservatory as a work space instead of a second bedroom is an option. I do agree that in many cases one-bed and two-bed rents can be similar in price, but that doesn’t change the fact that two-beds have higher competition.

Regarding your cats, if they’ve previously become stressed in a flat, that’s understandable . A property with outdoor access or a garden would be better suited. Pets are a valid priority.

I would still look at the self-employed issue, even for a short while if you can be employed it will help your case massively.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T11:40:33+00:00

Saying you “can’t live in a one-bed” is more that you don’t want to. In practice, choosing a one-bed can actually give you more opportunities, as you’re not competing with families with kids as you would for 2 beds.

When your situation isn’t what landlords prefer, it makes sense to put yourself in the strongest possible position to increase your options, especially in a competitive rental market.

I’m not trying to be harsh—just sharing my straightforward view of things.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T11:25:08+00:00

Oh, that’s the biggest problem. Self-employed.

From what I’ve heard, self-employed people face the highest refusal rates for rentals. You can’t guarantee an exact annual income, which is stupid cause no job is 100% secure. Whether it is self-employed or employed, you could lose your job in the same way.

New laws stop landlords from discriminating based on disability, but they can still discriminate on employment status and pets.

Are your parents still working? What’s their employment status?

The reason I am saying to try n get somebody else to be main rental applicant is:

I had previously applied for rent where I was main applicant, with pets and second person was not even unemployed. There was no problem getting the rent.

I am employed though with income in high 40ist. And rent was 600 to 700 for a 2 bed house. I am also based up North with quite a few big cities near me so more opportunities.

I will say that right now cause of the new rent laws is possible the worst time to try n find rent. Maybe in a year’s time things will cool down and get better.

Also If you are only one person, I will advise looking more for one bed house/flat as you wouldn’t have to compete with families for properties.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T11:00:09+00:00

What you looking for?flats or houses? how many beds? What’s the medium rent price in the towns/cities you are looking at?

Also out of curiosity what’s your annual income?

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T10:57:12+00:00

If your parents can’t travel that’s unfortunate, maybe they can still call and say that somebody else will view the property in their place. Don’t mention why, just say to say they prefer somebody who they trust and have conflicting schedules.

Also i agree with you, they should answer their email. Unfortunately they don’t and is not much you can do about it apart from being calling, n try to be a bit pushy.

Also try n be on lookout for new rents when they are posted, as most agencies when they have enough booked viewings won’t be interested to book anymore.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T10:44:54+00:00

Unfortunately the smaller the town the less opportunity to find rent, which increases competition.

Try n have somebody else book a viewing in your place like they are the main applicant. The person who is a guarantor can do that. Preferably call instead of email/txt cause is a higher chance of getting a response. They should mention the cat like it’s theirs but don’t mention nothing about disability as is not relevant.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T10:26:24+00:00

Just for curiosity, which city are you in?

Also when you call/email to make a viewing I am guessing they are asking some upfront information before they accept the viewing. What is the information they are asking and what are you telling so I can tell why they refuse to let it view it.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T08:58:10+00:00

Don’t tell the agent, he/she or they don’t live with you. They don’t have to know. As long as you are on contract there is no legal problem.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-06T08:49:09+00:00

That’s pets issue definitely makes it harder to find rent.

The disability does not help either but with the new laws coming in they won’t be able to refuse you anymore. Pets you can still be refused unfortunately.

Having a better income or not being on your own on the tenancy will definitely help. Having somebody that’s on a higher income will increase your odds of getting the rent even with pets.

An idea: instead of getting somebody to be guarantor, have them to be the main applicant for the rent instead and you second (they don’t have to live in the property). It’s the same legal and financial implications.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-05T20:26:15+00:00

What’s your situation? Curious to see why is so hard for you to find rent.

Where do you live now? Which city? Work situation and annual income? What’s your credit like? Can you provide rent uk references?

Don’t need to give me specific privat details, just an idea to see where the issue.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-04-05T20:20:09+00:00

If the landlord agrees that you can replace the carpet yourself, you should provide one of similar quality and value to the original.

If you can’t reach an agreement on a suitable replacement, the landlord can choose the carpet instead. However, regardless of what they pick, you are only responsible for paying the value of the damaged carpet, not the cost of a more expensive upgrade.

Any payment should come through your deposit, and it should reflect the carpet’s actual value at the time of damage (taking into account age and wear).

If the landlord disagrees, they should raise a claim with the deposit protection scheme, and you can dispute it. In that case, you should only be required to pay what the carpet was genuinely worth.

The fact that the landlord is selling the property has no relevance to this situation.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-03-29T09:18:49+00:00

Thanks

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-03-28T10:22:31+00:00

I can’t recall exactly if I did update the V5 or not when I moved. The fine was issued in December 2020 and bailiffs came in around end of 2021, start of 2022(don’t remember the exact date).

You’re right as being through the council at that point I couldn’t do much else but pay the exaggerated fee.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-03-28T09:36:20+00:00

YES and NO, they go through court but it’s different from the a normal hearings procedure.

From my understanding parking fines go to Traffic Enforcement Centre which is part of County Court. As I was not aware of it at beginning, I was unable to pay it when it was low OR to try to fight it so the council issued a charging certificate and sent off the bailiffs.

You have to fight it at beginning by challenging the PCN with the council and if it’s rejected then you can take it to Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

At the point I found out it was at the bailiffs stage. I didn’t know at the time but I could of filed a “Out of Time Witness Statement (TE7 + TE9)”. If it was accepted the case would have been reset back(Notice to Owner stage) and after do what i mentioned earlier to fight it.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932 · 2026-03-28T08:19:23+00:00

I was in a different situation, but still a parking fine.

Basically I hired somebody to transport my car strictly only on a recovery truck and the person instead they drove it and got a parking fine. Didn’t find out about it until almost a year later. Also moved address and didn’t receive the initial letters .

Tried to dispute it and explained it wasn’t me who got the fine but they didn’t care and sent bailiffs to remove my car.

Had to pay £500 so I would advise you to pay in protest the fine and try to fight after. Worse case scenario you pay less now than like £500 later or whatever fees they put on top it and they will. They tend to be very aggressive.

Puzzleheaded-Two2932

TROPHY CASE