housing benifit can i get a better place and pay the difference??

Chrysalis

GOOD BOY from my own experience I reckon 9/10 landlords will reject DSS outright, they would probably only do expections if you offered year rent up front or something. The remaining 10% are hard to find but probably usually properties that for reasons are hard to get rid off.

When I moved I stuck with my current landlord, he doesnt know I am on DSS but I did tell him I work from home so he doesnt ask why I am always in and that was the end of the matter. When I initially moved into my first property with him I was working and did need proof of my employer for him to accept me.

So their is nothing saying you have to tell them you on DSS but then they will almost certianly ask you for proof of employment, only way around that I can see is you did a fake letter (fraud illegal) or just said you using savings to pay your rent.

The private rental market is a joke for claimants and I wonder why noone seems to even care as the system clearly doesnt work, landlords dont want DSS tenants because of the unreliability and slowness of the housing benefit system, their is also the problem of having to find own deposit and pay rent whilst waiting for months for the claim to be processed.

My own council, I had 2 get my MP help on 2 occasions, first was the first original claim (took 14 months to process, after MP letter done week later) then another occasion when I got suspended for a unknown reason and nothing done for 3 months so MP needed to prod them again. When ringing them the guys on the phones can never process claim all they can do is forward info, same if you go in guys at desk. So the guys processing claims are not customer facing which is probably a deliberate tactic.

If and when all this policy changes so housing benefit garantuees payment for length of tenancy and covers deposit then landlords may be more friendly towards DSS tenants.

Chrysalis

also to add avoid agencies altogether they will never accept DSS and too many stupid extra fees. Look in paper for landlords advertising direct.

GOOD_BOY_3

thanks everyone it has helped a lot.

nicola

Chrysalis

According to this url it says their is no time limit of councils to assess claims, but if nothing is awarded within 14 days you are entitled to a payment on account this isnt automatic you have to ask for it.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-123.cfm