How easy/hard is it to secure a rental in the UK before actually returning.

Has anyone done it without having employment to go to or 6 months rent up front.

Also the whole schools, job, employment thing seems like a vicious circle. You can't get school places unless you have a uk address, you can't get a job unless you are in the uk, you can't afford a home unless you work etc etc

I doubt it will be easy and straight forward. Every house we looked at wanted 6 months upfront. So that's what we had to do in the end.

Hi bramblebush,

I'm in the same situation as you. Once I can decide where I want to live in the UK. I'm going to call a local agency to ask whether they'd except 6 months rent up front without a job. I also have a 12 year old, so I need to find a good school in the area too. Good schools tend to have a long waiting list too. Plus without a car to begin with, it would be handy to have accommodation and school close together. Obviously, commuting to work needs to be considered aswell. For now, although the list is long, our reasons for moving are for better education and the free NHS. So the rest can follow.

I called several estate agents/letting agencies today as we are going back early March. The general outcome from most was that they would want six months up front even though I would have a job (nurse) prior to renting a property or a suitable guarantor who should be a homeowner and could prove their monthly income was 3 x your monthly rental payment. Only one estate agent said that six months in advance was just in extreme cases and probably wouldn't be necessary if you supply a job reference.

Gosh. It's not easy is it! How long have you been out of the UK? I must call them too and find out. Where are you returning to in the UK?

Been out of the UK for 5 years. Returning to East/West Sussex depending on where I find a suitable position.

Hi Patzy,

thanks for that, I am pretty worried now I must admit, it is a bit of a catch 22 situation isn't it.

I also called some agencies today and they're asking for 6-12 months rent up front plus 1 month deposit. If you don't have this then a guarantor who is a homeowner and employed would suffice. Plus they run a credit check and a job reference, but in our situation this can't happen.

Mishmash

Hi there my partners son has just done this he was in NZ and organised a rental through an agent via the internet. Because he has no job over there yet they required 6 months rent in advance.

There were also other fees ie inspection fees and paperwork fees so make sure that you read all costs involved for each place you try for some can be very different for their extras they charge..

Also, and this is really important to anyone renting, take photos of all the rooms as they are before you move in and also any damage to carpets curtains or structure because if you dont when it comes time for you to leave if you dont have a record of previous damage you can be sure they will hold it agains you and make you pay for it. Give them a copy of the photos (dated) even get the agent to sign the back of each photo and you also keep a copy

Good luck with it all
Cally

I am going through the process at the mo. Been back 2 weeks today and taking it bit by bit. I have been coming over fairly reguarly in the last few years so fortunately, managed to get the cottage I have rented in the past, for 1 month. That allows me a base, to get somewhere more permanent, which I am working on now. I have used this as an address for car insurance etc and will get that changed once I move.

The 6 months rule does apply . I called a few agencies yesterday and they confirmed that. Some allow you to get a guarantee form signed by someone in employment in which case it brings it down to 6 weeks rent.It all depends on the agency and landlord I guess. Good luck !