Flats advertising "No DSS" & LHA.

markob

If I hold a full time but low wage job would the landlord mind or notice if I was claiming LHA? As far as I know the LHA gets paid straight into your account and the council have no contact with the landlord. Also, does the "No DSS" thing apply to council tax benefits and other things like that?

Most flats I see advertised have the "No DSS" rule.

dmg24

It really depends on the individual landlord. Self managing landlords tend to be more flexible than agencies, with the former being more likely to consider your individual circumstances.

It is up to you if you tell the landlord/ agency that you are claiming LHA, however many will require you to have a certain level of income to prove that you can afford the rent without govt assistance.

healy

This is just my opinion but I always thought the "no DSS" referred to people who were only on benefits and not those who were working and receiving a small amount in benefit.

real1314

I think for agents no DSS means any HB, but for a private landlord it's always worth a go (maybe with some agents) - there are plenty of working people I wouldn't trust with a dolls house and plenty of people on benefits I'd trust a hell of a lot more.
Sometimes it helps to have a guarantor available to ease the way - they'd need to be in full time work or a homeowner.

ianian99

There a box to tick on the form that says PLEASE TICK IF YOU DONT WANT US TO CONTACT YOUR LANDLORD or something very similar.
As long as you have copy of tennancy agreement, rent book etc then they dont need to contact him.
I think a lot of landlords so no dss as they are afraid the tax man will find out about them renting houses.
Also there hasn't been any dss for god knows how many years.

markob

Thanks for the help everyone. My income is low but it could cover the rent given other circumstances so the landlord wouldn't reject me for that.

Is there any reason that not telling the landlord is a bad idea? I wouldn't want him (or myself) to get into any bother over it.

healy

There could be a problem with the Landlords insurance if there is a clause saying not to be rented to DSS etc.

tom9980

Some buy to let mortgages dont allow you to let to those on benefits and it does effect some landlord insurance policies i believe. Personally when i did this i was honest and upfront about my illness with the letting agent and my landlord and we have had a pretty happy 2+ years living here with no problems. That said we did have some issues finding a flat 2 of the 3 lettings agents we contacted were fine about it when told the whole story but one was a bit nasty frankly but its their loss not mine. Honesty is the best policy in my opinion.

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sorry crossed posts with healy a bit not feeling my best again today a bit slow!

ianian99

You dont need to tell lies. He will ask if you are working and you say yes.
job done

ianian99

Are you already renting or planning on renting?

markob

ianian99 wrote: »

Are you already renting or planning on renting?

Planning on renting. I'm still with parents but I may have outstayed my welcome. I don't even know if I qualify for LHA yet. The Entitledto website says I should be able to get help with council tax though.