Renters Rights Act and savings England

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I am a long term renter, but was handed a S21 just before the RRA came in. I have a tiny income that consists of maintenance payments from my children's father and DLA for one child, I have a decent cushion of savings that I cover all other costs with, including rent. I am awaiting tribunals for PIP but due to savings am ineligible for means tested benefits such as UC, however I am chronically ill/disabled and unable to work.

I am finding it impossible to get anywhere at all finding a new home. My MP wrote to the Ministry of Housing for me who replied that I am still able to offer rent up front, however no estate agents will allow this as they have been told by their regulators that it is illegal (and with no precedent having been set, no landlord wants to put their neck on the line and risk a fine). I do not have anyone to act as guarantor, but have suggested a paid for service, which estate agents and landlords all seem to be similarly wary of and refuse to communicate with them or me in that respect. My local authority do not know what to do, they advise that I have too much in savings to qualify for social housing and are adamant that I should easily find a home, however I've had so many rejections due to being unable to pass third party affordability checks that I've stopped counting. I do not have enough to buy a house outright, and due to little to no income I do not qualify for a mortgage or a shared ownership scheme. Holiday rentals won't entertain me as I cannot give a leaving date, and the static caravan parks are all seasonal here so I would be unable to reside in one all year round.

Where can I go with this? I feel like I've exhausted all options and my situation is one that hasn't been thought of in the drafting of this new legislation.

Posted Jul 9, 2026, 7:47 PM UTC

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