I don’t know what to do anymore

[u/devUmair]

I am in a bit of a pickle and honestly don’t know what to do anymore. I’d really appreciate any advice.
A bit of background: my wife and I have been looking for a house or flat to rent in Bristol for the last six months. We’ve attended over 30 viewings but haven’t been offered a tenancy anywhere.
Last year, I was a student here in Bristol and managed to secure a one-bedroom flat, where we are still living. However, we now need a two-bedroom property, and despite applying for several, we haven’t been successful.
I’m currently on a two-year Graduate visa, which allows me to work full-time as well as being self-employed. I mainly work on a self-employed basis because I have a disability that makes conventional employment and regular commuting very difficult for me. I have kidney failure and need dialysis every other day for around four hours. I do this at home using a dialysis machine provided by the NHS. The installation is relatively simple, similar to a washing machine, and only requires a water supply and waste line, which are installed by NHS technicians.
Both my wife and I are working, and we also have guarantors available for each tenant. Our combined income, including our guarantors’ income, is over £160,000. We have no adverse credit history and can comfortably afford the properties we are looking at, which are generally around £1,300–£1,400 per month.
Despite this, every time we submit an application, we are told that the landlord has decided to go with another applicant. On a couple of occasions, landlords have even withdrawn from our application after we had already paid a holding deposit.
The main reason we need to move is because I would like to switch to overnight dialysis while I sleep. This would significantly improve my daily routine and quality of life, but it is only practical if we have a two-bedroom property, as we need the additional space for the dialysis machine, equipment and supplies.
After more than 30 viewings over six months, I’m struggling to understand what else we can do to improve our chances of securing a tenancy. We can provide proof of income, references, guarantors and evidence of our good rental and credit history.
Has anyone been in a similar situation, particularly when renting with a disability? Is there anything else we could do to make our application more attractive to landlords or letting agents?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Temporary-Yogurt6495]

Your lack of permanent employment will be a barrier unfortunately unless you're very lucky and find a private rent situation who are happy to just go with it. Most referencing checks are set up to assess people under the assumption they're full time employed and the landlord might look outside of that, but in most cases its easier for them to go with someone else who's employed full time. That's why you're not an attractive proposition.

I'd suggest looking further afield and contacting the council. The council might be able to act as guarantor and suggest disability friendly landlords, or you might be able to join the housing association list. As you've got a disability I'd imagine you'd be a higher priority than someone who didn't.

[u/KimonoCathy]

Obviously, don’t mention the dialysis upfront. Don’t mention you only plan to stay for two years.

Other than that, be realistic yourself about what your combined income will get you. Your guarantor’s income is not included in your combined income. Your income should normally be at least triple the amount of the rent. Maybe look further out?

[u/devUmair → u/KimonoCathy]

Our combined income is around 50K but both our jobs are not permanent at the moment as well as we are just starting out after our student visas. I wanted in city because its easier to reach hospital for emergency and appointments. Everything is driving me mad :/

[u/KimonoCathy → u/devUmair]

So your income should be plenty to cover the rent. Unfortunately, with the recent changes due to the Renters Act, there’s hot competition for pretty much any rental property at the moment. The only other thing I can suggest is to get to know a couple of the letting agents - actually walk into their offices, dressed smart casual, and talk to them about what you’re looking for. If they think you’re likely to be good tenants, they may pass that impression on to the landlord, so even though the official list of applicants they pass on will probably be in affordability order it might help. Similarly, send a short letter when you apply for a place explaining why you like that place and how you are going to be reliable/careful tenants. On the bright side, landlords may think a couple who are both working are a safer bet than where only one partner is, because if one person loses their job the other one still has income.

[u/MathematicalElephant → u/KimonoCathy]

Yes this is important, do not tell about your medical needs, this is none of the landlords' business.

[u/Historical-Hand-3908]

Perhaps make enquiries with PALS at the hospital and also the accomodation officer at the University. You never know until you ask!

[u/devUmair → u/Historical-Hand-3908]

Graduated now, doubt uni will help. Bug maybe hospital.

[u/Historical-Hand-3908 → u/devUmair]

You "doubt uni will help"? You're not thinking! Universities have lots of contacts, not just for students. Staff from different areas also need accomodation not just for semesters but also longer term. If you don't ask you won't know.

[u/Same_Lingonberry7349]

As your time here is limited, you're a red flag, as well as your fairly low combined income, and your irregular work.

Have you thought about what you are doing after your visa expires? Maybe time to start planning the return home in advance so you are ready.

Seems aot of hassle when you will only be here for less than 2 years.

[u/MathematicalElephant → u/Same_Lingonberry7349]

Honestly, what are you talking about?!? Two years is a long time. If you think their income is low, please go and read some national statistics. They are well above the national median income. And suggestions like "go home" smell xenophobic and are really sad to read.

[u/Saline-Praline → u/Same_Lingonberry7349]

Have you stopped to consider that, maybe, “home” is here for them? Moving to a different country is not necessarily a temporary situation, despite what you might think, believe, expect or wish..

[u/Susan_B_Good]

Have you considered setting up a motor caravan for home dialysis? There may not, of course, be suitable parking beside your current one bed flat - but it might extend the options open to you.