Do I have to inform my new landlord of my pregnancy when I sign the agreement? UK

[jess181989]

I have just signed a property agreement for a rental house. I didn't even think to tell the estate agent that I was pregnant. The house has two double bedrooms so space isn't an issue. I move in October, and give birth in December.

There was nothing on the advert to say 'no children' so I'm guessing its ok? Does she have grounds to refuse me the property if I tell her now?

xx

 

[sophshaun]

I have just moved in to my new apartment and didnt tell the estate agents i was pregnant as it would say no children on the contract as my old apartment didnt allow children which was on the contract. IV had to sneak my cats in tho lol :-D xx

 

[flippityflop]

I don't think so, although I'm not 100% sure. It's not like you'll be subletting the other room to the baby and making money out of it! If she were a dog or a cat then I'd understand. Did you meet her in person? Would she have seen you were pregnant? You could just say..."well, it was quite obvious!".

 

[spykey_uk]

I am having this dilemma as we have to renew our place around January (baby is due in mid-Feb) so I don't want her to boot us out on the basis that we are having a baby and have to find a new place a couple of weeks before the baby is due. I don't know whether to tell her now to get any concerns out of the way.

As long as the advert didn't say "no children" then I'm sure it will be ok. I'm hoping I'll be the same as my landlady has been pretty laid back so far x

 

[jess181989]

Ok, so it should be ok then? She won't be able to throw me out on the grounds that I have a baby? There was nothing to say that no children were allowed in the contract as well xx

 

[jess77]

I am glad you have found somewhere to live as i remember you posting something about your problems. I privately rent with my hubby and we are in a one bed maisonette, and quickly got pregnant- planning to have one but got caught on first month lol, so we thought we would be moved by the baby is born. However this is not the case for us as we cannot afford a 2 bed privately with me on maternity leave. Our agents know about the pregnancy and are fully aware of our situation and have no issue of our living arrangements as babies stay in the same room typically for 6-12 months anyways. Legally you cannot be kicked out if your pregnant, your not subletting, and I wouldnt keep it a secret espech u say that there is no restrictions on what the landlord wanted for tenants- that is when legally you have 'broken contract'.
Were on the council list as were classed as over crowded now, but our house is quite large just missing the 2nd bed for the baby, so were in no rush to move at the moment, if a house comes up that we like we will take it but only if we like it, we dont want to rush into anything, and council are much cheaper.

 

[jess181989]

Thanks everyone, was getting a little concerned as was suddenly thinking 'Ahh what if they see it as me 'withholding info!' Anyone else's input gratefully recieved xx

 

[mummy2be362]

I don't think it should be too much of a problem, however some landlords are picky and don't allow children in their flats for some reason, but they will always put that on the advert for the flat.
Think if you want to put your mind at ease you could let your landlord know. I highly doubt it will be a problem but they'd probably be happy to know of your little one I'm sure, just so they know who's in their flat as I think it can change their landlord insurance.

Lastly, big congrats on finding yourself a new home, and hope all goes well for you xxxxxxx

 

[emma.c89]

Id ring her up and tell her you forgot to menton it but you thought it might be obvious. you dont want her finding out later on and having to find another place it will be too stressful

 

[_Lexi_]

I'd say something. Generally they want to know exactly who will be living in the property. I know I've looked at a few places, and they've only mentioned no children once I told them I was pregnant and asked. Just be in the safe side and give them a call, stopp any unnecessary worry x

 

[xsadiex]

On my contract it says no children under 16 are allowed to stay here. So I rang them and told them I'm having a baby and they were fine and said it's all good.

So if your contract says nothing about children I am sure it will be even more fine, they can't chuck you out if you have a baby, you've signed the contract and if it doesn't say anything it should be fine.
You should ring them up and tell them though anyway i'd say.

 

[lellis82]

I live in the US and have never heard of a place that doesn't allow children unless it is a retirement community. Is this common?

 

[emma.c89]

I live in the US and have never heard of a place that doesn't allow children unless it is a retirement community. Is this common?

yes private landlords can state whatever they like really. lot's say no kids because they want their houses back in pristine condition but they also have a deposit to cover things like that.

 

[heaven]

In the states, it is illegal to discriminate with children. I am sure it is the same there, unless space was an issue. For example, here we can have 4 people in a two bedroom apt. Enjoy the new space!

 

[lellis82]

Yeah in the US there are all kind of discrimination and rental laws that protect against that. Sorry to hear that is a fear there. : ( Hopefully your landlord is nice and fine with it.

 

[beanfluff]

We have the same problem. Due dec 17 th and due to resign on dec 4 th. So far we have managed to keep the pregnancy from our neighbours and the agent. Although it didn't mention no kids on the advert it was actually bought up when we signed by one of the agency women who asked how old our 2 girls were then said it would be fine as they were older. Children at 9 and 11 . I was sitting there 3 months preg at the time biting my lip. As far as I'm concerned they should have stated no kids in the advert and contract if that's what they wanted not mentioned it the second after we handed over our life savings.
I think it's more they don't want someone home all day not out working than the actual child that is an issue. My point will be if Asked is that while I'm on maternity leave I see myself as still employed full time and as long as we continue to pay the rent on tome I don't see what the problem is. The old couple below us are a hell of a lot more noisy than we are anyway and I don't see why we should have to move jus because as a young couple we are having a baby. That all said we will be keeping it a secret as long as possible in the hope we can resign before they find out.

 

[fallenangel78]

We rent a house out and I'd never expect them to tell us if they were pregnant. We've stipulated no smoking/pets but it would never even cross my mind to include no pregnant people.

We were a bit naffed off when one lot of tenants redecorated the spare room to be a nursery without asking us but other than that...

You should be absolutely fine x

 

[MLS]

Seems like it would be against the law to not rent to you or sell to you because you have a child... I dont see what having a child or not would change anything. And it if does, I think thats silly.

 

[jess181989]

Gosh its so so nerve wracking!! Thank you for all the advice. x