Renting a Property - On Housing Benefit

Morglin

theartfullodger wrote: »

Agreed:

Many councils/housing associations have housing specifically zoned for over 50's, 60's , 65's etc.. and very often (but not always..) there is some spare property or a short waiting list. Definitely worth a try: Ensure the council understand the full circumstances and why Dad should perhaps be classified by the housing system as "vulnerable" (eg disabled, - there are many other reasons). This does not mean he will regard himself as vulnerable...Ensure he (& anyone else who might need rented property) is on the housing waiting list... Re vulnerability etc. the council has to publish their housing allocation policy: Ask for a copy before applying and you might find something in the (usually large, boring & badly written) document that helps Dad's case....when he does apply. If you know a local council (look 'em up..) see if they are sympathetic...

Hope it works out...

Cheers!

Lodger

(PS "Private renting's a dirty, dirty, expensive business" - yes, of course it is, and of course most people think it is: For the record I charge tenants no fees... )

Many councils built too many sheltered blocks for need, have now converted them to HOP's (Housing for older people) with no warden etc., and are happy to fill those places with those classed as 'vulnerable, over 50').

Worth asking before going down the private route.

I have to say that when I explored private rentals, it wasn't the fees etc., which put me off - it was the state of some of the properties.:rolleyes:

For what we were offering for a 2 bed (£1300 pcm), I felt they could have been painted and cleaned - we looked at virtual hovels, with dirty underwear left in one place!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

Makes you wonder how they live, if they find that acceptable.....:eek:

Some of these LL's really do take the rise lol

Lin

Jowo_2

Have a look at the Shelter website on homelessness (approximately defined as someone who has no accommodation in the next 28 days) and how the local council should assist someone applying to themselves as homeless - they have a statutory obligation to house the homeless.

The forthcoming sale of the property where he is living could make him a priority for assistance, added with his disability. Depending on the availability of social housing in the area, they may do anything from pairing him with a LHA friendly private landlord on one of their schemes to giving him a secure council or Housing Association tenancy.

Oldernotwiser

Morglin wrote: »

I would contact his local council housing department first, as your post suggests he is over pension age and disabled in some way.


Lin

Where did you get that from - have I missed something?

Jowo_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Where did you get that from - have I missed something?

Yes, its tucked away but the first post mentions "he is on Dis Benefits and Pension Credits" though not really clear if its ESA or DLA really.

Morglin

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Where did you get that from - have I missed something?

The first post states he is on Pension credit and disability benefits:

(...........How do I go about finding a property to rent, in the past I have always seen no DSS and for obvious reasons he will not do well on credit-checks (although he does not owe any money or have any defaults, he also doesn't earn any money as he is on Dis Benefits and Pension Credits.........)

Lin