Fao - Landlords

jordan_gibson

Hi,

Me and me now ex have just recently split and we are finding that the vast majority of landlords just simply say no DSS. Neither of us have ever claimed 1p in benefits before but my ex will now get housing benefits to pay her rent.

My question is...if an advert says no DSS is it worth calling any way to see if the landlord will change his/her mind?? As soon as a landlord sees my ex, me and our son they will know that we are not full of drugs and going to trash the place. (from speaking to some landlords this is their biggest fear!)

Is there anything else I could do to show the landlord how genuine we are???

Cheers

gbmacqueen

I know people that never tell the landlord they are DSS. They have the cheques sent to themself and pay that way. You will need cash to get the ball rolling as most cliams are not settled that soon. Just an idea if you are having problems.

lynzpower

YES, its definately worth a phone call

Many LLs refuse DSS, as the housing benefit takes aeons to come though.

ONe thing you can do is speak to the housing dept see if theres a private lettngs officer, they often have relationships with letting agent who will accept HB, and that theres a prefential relationship that means the LL gets paid pronto from HB

jordan_gibson

Thanks for the advice. I am fortunate in that I have quite a bit of cash saved up so will be able to pay bond etc etc to get the ball rolling until the equity in our house comes through from the sale.

I don't suppose anyone knows any landlords in the Rotherham area with a 2 bedroom house/flat to rent? If not, any ideas where to look for places that will accept DSS?

silvercar

I have my first BTL property and have taken a DSS tenant. I wouldn't accept one where the DSS paid me directly as landlords have to agree that the housing benefit can be clawed back if the tenant is found to be falsely claiming. My tenant was able to pay a deposit and has someone to act as guarantor. She is able to pay me and sort her benefit claim out herself so I was happy.

As others have said its better to meet a person and then make a judgement.