Paying 6 Months Rent In Advance - Housing Benefit??

LoopyLu

We paid 6 months upfront with a loan from a relative - we get LHA. It even stated on the AST that we paid upfront. I actually asked the exact same question here myself 3 months ago lol!
Good luck!

[Deleted User]

Petridish.., be careful. I am aware u say u will be working within the year.., but that can't be guaranteed, even with the best will in the world. And if you work, u have to take into account the increased costs of child care, increased transport costs when calculating how to pay your father back. Also, if you are moving furniture etc, moving costs can be quite difficult to budget for on benefits (been there, done it).

U say your father will lend u six months rent .., but wants it paid back (over what term?). Think about it.., u are dependent on benefits right now.., and will have to use your benefits to pay off your father.., and possibly save up another six moth's rent in advance. It will be like paying rent twice.., out of benefits. Although u will almost certainly get LHA for half of that (although u may have to top it up depending on any difference between rent and LHA awarded).

Be careful. I'd advise, however much u want to move.., it might be best to wait for a while as finding a landlord who will accept benefits is difficult. I had problems even with my council giving me a loan for the first month's rent and deposit. And I also have a landlord who won't do much in the way of repairs etc.., but I am able to do most things myself, accept that at this level of rent its just the way life is.., at least I have a roof over my head and I didn't a year ago!

I know its not 'fair' but assess the risks very carefully. With benefits, u have to assess risks on the basis of 'what's the worst that can happen' because unfortunately, worst can and does happen and with no spare money, worst can be quite difficult to climb out of. However much you want to move, however much its annoying to be treated like a second class citizen because you are on benefits.., assess the risks in your plans carefully. It can actually get worse. I am sorry to be defeatest.