Renting on DSS

Svenena

I'm not sure whether this should be in this section or the benefits one, so sorry if it's in the wrong place.

I've put in an application for JSA and I'm now looking for somewhere to live. I've found a couple of LLs willing to accept DSS tenants and have set up a couple of viewings, but I'm not sure how to proceed if I want one of the properties, and was wondering if someone who has done this before could help? I've rented privately before, but always been employed, so have been able to have checks done on that, but I'm not sure what happens when I'm planning on claiming LHA. To fill in the LHA app form, I need proof of tenancy, but how can I get a tenancy without proof of income (LHA)? Surely the landlord would want to see some kind of proof that I was entitled to LHA before they'd be willing to let me sign a tenancy agreement? I'm not sure in what order I would need to proceed with things. Should I put a deposit on the property and then get a letter off the landlord or something to use as proof of tenancy for LHA? Would that be acceptable to the LA?

I appreciate any advice you can offer, thanks.

clutton_2

this is one of the catch 22 situations landlords are in - they cannot get proof (for a new claimant) before signing a tenancy agreement - that is one of the reasons why so many landlords are no longer taking on DSS tenants.

however, i take benefit tenants and if you have found one who will they will understand the difficulties of the whole process and will advise you accordingly as to what they will want.

i now want every benefit tenant to have a separate bank account to have their benefit paid into and then standing ordered over to me - so that it does not get mixed up with other benefits.

but other landlords will require different things

goo d luck

talk to them and be utterly honest - even if you have CCJs - what LLs dont want is to find out that tenants have been lying to them

Jowo_2

You may find the following Shelter info on applying for Housing Benefit helpful, plus any info provided on the local council website.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance