Local Housing Allowance Advice Pls

newbie1981

Hi All,

Just wondered if anyone can help me - we are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) currently living in a 2 bed council flat - I am currently self employed and my partner works full time, and as we live on the 4th floor with 3 small children (all under 4 years) we are thinking of private renting, it is just too much to bear with, we live in a great area for commuting to the city etc but it is too cramped, and I'm totally paranoid my children will fall out of a window.
We would not be able to afford the rents in our area. So was wondering if anyone would know a) if it is possible to move out of our council flat and private rent and b) does the LHA rate of £467 per week for our area mean this is what will be paid? c) can we pay our deposit on a home and then apply for LHA - as probably 99% of landlords will not even consider any form of benefits?

Many thanks!!

[Deleted User]

LHA is based on a number of things - because you are both working I doubt you would be entitled to the full amount of LHA per week, but you might be entitled to some.
We live in Leeds. For our household - 2 adults and 2 children, different sex under 10yrs old we are eligible for LHA up to £116/week for private renting. Try this benefits calculator to give you some idea of what you could get - see if there is a calculator for your local council:

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Advice_and_benefits/Benefits/Benefits_calculator.aspx

We moved from our council house (bad area) into private renting. Our letting agents don't take on people with benefits, but that doesn't mean you can't claim once your're in the property - the money can be paid to you and as long as you pay the rent then they never need know! As you both work you should easily be able to take on a property. You will need one months rent up front plus a deposit which is usually about £100 more than the rent. Bear in mind that you have to give 4 weeks notice to leave a council place (might depend on local councils).
I know what you mean about young children with no space and added dangers of being on a 4th floor - I would fully recommend moving to a better place/area with more space if you can afford it - it was the best decision we did this year. That and becoming debt-fee of course!
Good luck! x

lil_me

Some landlords are not, due to restrictions on mortgage or insurance, allowed to rent to tenants on benefits. Many credit check and ask for proof of how you will pay the rent, if your outgoings are more than income they might question how.