On Local Rent Allowance - can't afford house and can't afford to move!! HELP PLEASE!

red_devil

re housing payments you were turned down for did appeal? you can appeal and ask them to look again?

starbella2004

You're right. I shall do that this evening - I guess it's worth a try. Thank you.

delain

A 4 bed house will be judged too big for you, even here (bournemouth so rents are high) you have to have 4/5 children to claim LHA for a house that size and you'd still be paying £200 a month on top.

Your best bet is to approach the council for a deposit and tell them you can pay it back as soon as your own deposit is released.

The biggest property you will be able to claim LHA for and expect it to get even close to covering the rent is 2 bedroom (if your children are same sex) or 3 bedroom (if you have one of each)

Check rightmove for your area, and also look up the LHA postcode calculator.

And hit ebay with a vengence, you'd be surprised what people will pay for things these days!

starbella2004

I know - I feel bad about staying in this house as it's too big for our needs but I'm in a bit of a catch 22 as can't get another tenancy because of my appalling credit unworthiness now, and it's difficult to find properties where landlords are willing to accept housing benefit payments. Plus I can't afford food like I said previously, let along embark on deposit/moving costs. I have tried ebay and have sold everything I have that's worth anything. I'll def approach the council re the deposit though saying I would pay it back as soon as this house had been finalised by the agents. Thank you for your help.

delain

Have you got anyone who could act as your guarantor? This can be helpful.

missmontana

As others have sugested, if you are going to have to down size then have a good clear out, Gumtree and PreLoved are great for selling things, or even swapping, maybe someone who has transport would give you a hand rather than having to pay for something.

If your ex is unemployed now, then how about he has the children more often so maybe you could do a few extra hours work?

Even is he is not working, he should still be contributing, perhaps think about contacting the CSA?

If you are on benefits, you could apply for a budgeting loan for help with removal costs etc.

Check the classifieds for rental ads, I'm sure if you explain your situation, someone out there will be able to help. Good Luck and keep us posted

jdturk

starbella2004 wrote: »

I wouldn't expect maintenance if he didn't have an income but I know his old boss gave him a very nice £40,000 pay off as he wanted him out! And he can't even use a little of that to help with his children's daily life!!

Ah well you never put that in your first post. I would be chasing him for 15% of that to be honest but remember it won't actually be 40000 as there is tax on some of it etc

Oldernotwiser

If you really can't move, have you considered taking in a couple of lodgers as you have so much spare room?

missmontana

That would be classed as sub letting, probably not allowed in the terms of her tenancy agreement.
Plus a bit risky with 2 small children in the home.

mattcanary

One warning - if you ask your current landlord to get evicted and then apply to the council under homelessness legislation, you may be found as intentionally homeless. The council would then have no duty to house you under the homelessness legislation - even though you have children