Starting to think we're in a real predicament.

BitterAndTwisted

I bet you've got a stash of microfibre cloths secreted about the place as well, haven't you, you clever minx?

Elkiemoo

Oh yes - I like cleaning, me!

Fire_Fox

Elkiemoo wrote: »

Thank you, I do feel a lot better ... but I'm still having palpitations imagining all the worst case scenarios which may or may not happen. I've gone the other way entirely and am now finding it hard to pace myself. I'm more than tempted to stay up until the early hours cleaning, but I know if won't do me any favours.

More cheerleaders cos you are doing soooooo well!
:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

Elkiemoo

I'm not sure whether I should be starting a new thread. This is turning into a bit of a novel...
Anyway, BF and I went to HB office yesterday, lots of waiting around, but we were able to have our claim processed immediately (apparently a new thing they only starting doing on Monday). We didn't have to hand in any of the dreary forms I spent hours filling in, just provide them with our tenancy agreement and proof of identity for them to start. Payments begin on 25/01 and we have a month to hand in further evidence like proof of JSA once we get it. HOWEVER, our tenancy agreement still has my brother's name on it. I've tried every which way around to see if we can try and prove that he doesn't live here, including a letter granting him EMA in Wales (kindly scanned and sent to me by my Mother), but they refuse to take anything other than a Landlord statement, filled out and signed by the Landlord, or a new tenancy agreement, issued by the Landlord. As we have already paid rent up front AND given our notice I worry that the Landlord won't be very amenable. Also, we never informed the Landlord that my brother moved out, it didn't occur to us to do so as he is a minor and his moving out didn't affect the LL directly. This is a conversation I am not looking fwd to having...

In addition I had to call up and get my Mother's name removed from our Council Tax bill - no idea what it was doing there in the first place. I was asked to request it in writing, which I have just done. Hopefully this will be straight forward.

The house has been cleaned top to toe for the photos by the Estate Agents today. They assured me on the phone that they wanted some shots with furniture in, that is all. Even more confused as I found out from our local branch of the Estate Agents that they have already let the property!

We were intending to call around for DSS properties yesterday but our progress was cut short when BF's Mum rang to say she'd been rushed into A&E. She's okay now, but we suspect her symptoms were brought on by stress. Perfect reminder that we need to CHILL OUT. We will make some calls later today, and the dreaded call to the Landlord by the end of the week... just need to find some courage.

Any advice on how to broach this particular topic would be much appreciated.

BitterAndTwisted

Darling, just lay all of your cards on the table and make as compelling as case for their cooperation as you can. Either way, it won't make any difference to them directly so try and make a personal connection with the person you are dealing with. Most people, when asked for help in the politest way possible, will usually try and give it if they can. Ask if there's anything you can do to make it as hassle-free for them as you can.

Sometimes the process and outcome is worse in our heads that it turns out in actuality, so try and not think of the worst-case scenario. Easier said than done, I know!

Elkiemoo

The landlord said : Unfortunately, we are unable to adjust any tenancy agreement within the fixed period, this being the first year. We are clearly unable to issue another tenancy agreement to suit your application, as this could be deemed as fraud by the Council.

Apologies we are unable to assist you further with this matter. Your written notice expires on 6th March, when we will take possession of the property as we have new tenants moving in.

The Council specifically requested (I have the receipt in my hand) that we have been advised to provide another tenancy agreement stating that my partner and I "are only liable for rent at this address"... I think she means claimant and partner ONLY are liable for rent at this address...

We got also got a call from the Council to say that the same lady forgot to get us to sign the declaration last Monday. We were told we'd get paid this Monday regardless of the evidence we have yet to provide, but we haven't been. Both have to go in to sign the declaration...but it seems a bit pointless without requested evidence. We will call them tomorrow to explain the circumstances AGAIN and the fact the Landlord is not willing to sign anything.

We applied for joint claim JSA on Jan 11th... and have heard nothing back. BF has received one payment since that date for his previous contributions claim. So we need to chase this up too.
We have asked a few local estate agents about DSS tenants, but haven't had any promising feed back yet. We will be calling CAB telephone advice line on Friday re Housing Benefits and DSS properties

The Tesco online order I made last week with online vouchers never showed up. I had a tantrum and told them to cancel the order and reimburse me, so they proceeded to take the money out of my account... Need to get this back asap as supplies are running seriously low, as is morale...

Fire_Fox

If your brother is a minor, I don't think he can legally have signed the AST or be held liable for any rent anyway! Do the council know he is a minor? Someone previously on this board had a parent named on the tenancy agreement tho not living there (a sort of guarantor thing) and still got full LHA by proving the parent had never had lived there.

BitterAndTwisted

It's a minor, temporary setback not a complete disaster yet. I reckon you and your b/f should really be contemplating flat or house-shares rather than a new tenancy going forward. You should still be eligible for LHA once your current tenancy ends so ALL IS NOT LOST!

Elkiemoo

Well, exactly Fire Fox. I did tell the Council he is a minor, TWICE, but they still requested confirmation from the Landlord... My brother's name is only listed on the TA, but he never signed anything. Only mine and BF's signatures are on the TA.

BitterAndTwisted I'm confused by your reply... we are actively looking for flat shares. We are definitely moving out of this flat by 6th March, one way or another! Are you suggesting we leave the claim for this property, and start a new one once we find a new place? We are even contemplating claiming separately for JSA and HB and each letting a room in the same house, or close by. It's too complicated with our finances combined. Especially with BFs DRO (he's still waiting to hear back from CCCS). If I start earning over our budget, the DRO will be compromised and I will essentially be paying back his debts.
I just really don't understand how we move with NO savings - surely rooms/flat shares that accept DSS tenants will still demand a deposit and some rent to be paid up front... what do we do until we get paid HB. Or do we just claim LHA and get paid a fixed amount, then change our address once we find a new place. Sorry if I'm not making much sense, or repeating myself, can't think in a straight line.

BitterAndTwisted

Elkiemoo wrote: »

BitterAndTwisted I'm confused by your reply... we are actively looking for flat shares. We are definitely moving out of this flat by 6th March, one way or another! Are you suggesting we leave the claim for this property, and start a new one once we find a new place? We are even contemplating claiming separately for JSA and HB and each letting a room in the same house, or close by.
I just really don't understand how we move with NO savings - surely rooms/flat shares that accept DSS tenants will still demand a deposit and some rent to be paid up front... what do we do until we get paid HB. Or do we just claim LHA and get paid a fixed amount, then change our address once we find a new place. Sorry if I'm not making much sense, or repeating myself, can't think in a straight line.

I assumed, incorrectly as it turns out, that when you mentioned "agents" and "properties" that you were looking for a flat between the two of you. House and flat-shares are generally not found via agents.

I agree that you two should contemplate getting separate rooms in the same flat or house-share to simplify your benefit entitlements. The very last thing you need is to have your own financial affairs inextricably intertwined with your boyfriend's in his current parlous position. One half of a couple is expected to support the other half when claiming any benefits and your entitlements will inevitably reflect that especially should you find work

And YES, what I am suggesting is that you claim the LHA as soon as you are eligible (hopefully before your tenancy ends) and use that money to fund a deposit and whatever rent in advance you will have to find. Once you are in receipt of LHA I don't believe your entitlement to it or the amount changes unless you circumstances change, like finding work but not necessarily if your address changes. LHA is a fixed maximum I believe but please don't quote me on that as I've never had to claim it.