References needed to rent a property - help!

[Hermia]

I am (finally) about to leave home, but I've hit a brick wall in that the landlords I've spoken to want a reference from a previous landlord. I've never rented before so what do I do?

[Octavius]

Ask the landlord whether a reference from your employer will suffice, or doctor etc.

[miss_chase]

You can use your a parent as a guarantor. This means they guarantee to pay your rent if you run away and join the circus. This is what I did when I rented for the first (and second time in fact). Use my Dad as a guarantor I mean, not join the circus...

Hope that helps.