Relationship ended, rented property, we have a daughter...advice needed!

burning_beacons

Hello everyone, i've always been a keen reader of these forums and i know there's some really good advice given out, so i wonder if you could help me with my 'problem'.

I currently rent, through an agency, a 2 bed property for myself, daughter and partner. My partner does not work, and my daughter is not quite 2 yet. I pay the total rent, £700pcm and all the council tax bills etc.

Summary:

Me and my partner recently decided that we would break up, no more love etc etc. We are still 'best friends' yet believe that continuing to live in our current situation (i have slept on the sofa for the past year) would be to the detriment of all concerned, especially our daughter, for whom we are trying to lessen the the consequences as much as possible.

Here's the problem:

Obviously, we need this situation sorted with regards to housing and so fourth. My partner met with the CAB yesterday who informed her that the council may take over the rent/tax on the property in my absence. Of course, this would be much more preferable than going down the council housing route, but i was wondering if anyone has any kind of experience with this kind of situation? My partner is making an appointment with the Council and the Dept. of Work and Employment, but i would just really like to know if there is anything i should be aware of? How long does this process normally take etc?

Fire_Fox

I don't think the council/ benefits agencies will entertain anything until you have actually left the property AND had your name removed from the tenancy. Have you asked your letting agency/ landlord if this is possible? Do you know how much child support you will be expected to pay?

burning_beacons

I have left the property, i am now living back with my parents, at least until i get myself sorted.

I did a assessment online through the CSA the other day and it works out around £200 pcm, but i would imagine this is probably variable depending on other contributions etc.

gizmo111

Look on your loca lcouncil website to see what the local housing allowance is for a 2 bed property in your area - this will determine how much the council will pay.
They won't start paying until you have left and she can't claim any income support until then, but it will be backdated, and you will have to take your name off the tenenacy agreement.
You may find that you have to pay an extra months rent while it all kicks in as LHA is paid in arrears.

burning_beacons

That's kind of what i thought. Thanks for your help! If anyone else has some nuggets of info that would be great!

Fire_Fox

burning_beacons wrote: »

I have left the property, i am now living back with my parents, at least until i get myself sorted.

I did a assessment online through the CSA the other day and it works out around £200 pcm, but i would imagine this is probably variable depending on other contributions etc.

Unless you have been removed from the tenancy agreement you are jointly and severally liable for the rent. A copy of the tenancy agreement must be submitted before any housing benefits are paid - thus you need to be taken off ASAP. You must also get yourself removed from the council tax bill, utility bills and electoral roll. You need to be added to the council tax and electoral register at your parents address. I would also recommend you stop receiving any post at your old address, as councils can use this as 'evidence' you still live there.

Also your ex-partner will need to declare all her income on the benefits forms and this will include child support. AFAIK the amount of child support is based on your income, what else the other party receives or what else you pay out (except for other children) is irrelevant. You may well need to have a formal agreement in place before your ex-partner receives any benefits.

Both child support payments and benefits can be backdated once you have dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's but that leaves your child in the proverbial in the meantime. If the rent goes unpaid your ex may be evicted and/ or you may be taken to court to recover the lost rent plus costs.

goldbyron

Could you ex not move to a one bedroom flat in the interim to save some money pending benefit claims? The council would be more likely to cover the rental costs of a one bedroom flat as opposed to a two bedroom especially as your daughter is still very young. Meanwhile obviously ensure that your daughter doesn't go without (I think you seem to be the kind of person who wouldn't do so) - couldn't she spend some time in your parents home to relieve both childcare worries and allow you contact. I would also advise your ex does apply for council housing if she is not intending to return to work for some time.

angrypirate

Moving out wont lessen the impact on your daughter - it will increase the impact on your daughter.

This is a prime example of how the UKs benefits system encourages relationships to break up. By splitting up your partner gets a council house and benefits, and you can get your own place, smaller and cheaper and be quids in having lower outgoings.

burning_beacons

Interesting. I've already spoken to the letting agency regarding myself being removed from the tenancy agreement.

My daughter is currently spending a couple of nights a week at my parents house, and i would have her more if could...unfortunately, my job means i work late most nights. However, i do see her more days than i do not. Of course, i have no issues whatsoever with paying above and beyond the required amounts.

AngryPirate, I get what you are saying re the influence of the benefits system in the UK. However, please do not think that this has been an easy decision to make, because you would be entirely wrong. Money has never really been an issue and we whilst we have struggled I don't think we were in a position where we ever thought going cap in hand to the council/government would be preferable. In truth, the ease with which some people are allowed to go down this route has often left a sour taste. I never thought that at 28 years old, having left home at 18 for uni, I would be back at parents house, so I am gutted that it has actually happened.

Castleman

Really feel for you mate and can't really advise beyond other peoples thoughts.

One thing though - and I know this is a public forum and you only posted minimal information - have you considered marriage counselling? I know quite a few couples who have benefited from it when they were at the 'no more love but still friends' stage and it made quite a difference. It can help with understanding how to best support your daughter too as you move forward whatever your decisions.

good luck with the future! :beer: