Hello, sticky situation, good advice very welcome.

Dan_mc · 14 February 2009 at 2:20PM

Hello, i'm Dan

OK, so here's my story. I'm in the RAF i got posted so had to up sticks to another part of the country and was left with the dilemma of selling or renting my property. Basically my sister needed to move on so i accepted her offer of becoming a lodger/tenant/someone to look after my place. Anyway, she moved in and paid me Board for the last year...however, last week she tells me she's pregnant!!! eek! Uncle Dan! however after initial excitement the reality of life has kicked in! so i have a few questions.....

She's going to want to claim housing benefit to cover her board costs, i dont think she can do this being a relative in my home..... so.... this leads me to the next question..

Can you privately rent to a Sister? therefore allowing her to cover her rent etc... :S

i dont want to end up with her turfed in to a council house and myself without a reliable tenant!

Any help much appreciated

Dan

eho · 14 February 2009 at 2:35PM

Hi

You can rent the property to your sister and she can claim benefits, however she must have a proper tenancy agreement which the benefits people will want to see a copy of. My partner and I rented his house to his sister last year and had no problems.

Hope this helps.

Swipe · 14 February 2009 at 2:39PM

Years ago I rented a house from my parents after graduating from uni. Whilst I was looking for a job I claimed housing benefit for a month or two when my mother was my landlord. It was all above board. Maybe the rules have changed but I'd make some enquires though.