confused.com

yved33

Hi, my husband and i have been living in privately rented accomodation for nearly 3 years, we have a 13 year old daughter. My husband moved out last week, so now i am in the house with my daughter (and the dog). My husband works full time but i don't have a job atm. We have informed the managing agent that my husband has moved out and the landlord is happy for myself and daughter to stay for the time being, as long as the rent is paid. We were getting a small amount of housing benefit before and the council have informed me that they will pay housing benefit to cover all but £100 of the monthly rent, but i have just found out that that won't arrive until 21st of this month, and then only half of it, my rent is due in 2 days time, on the 9th. I am waiting to hear about child tax credits and have registered for income based jsa and have just asked for an application form for a discretionary housing payment to cover the rent shortfall ( don't know if i'll get it). I know i have to inform the managing agent but i don't know what to say to him. :sad:

pandaspot

Why are you only getting Half of the housing benefit, you should receive more now if your husband who was earning has moved out and you have no income

Jowo_2

The Shelter website has good advice on how to prevent rent arrears, including the suggestion to keep communicating with the landlord. Do it in writing, keeping a copy, in order to keep good records.

Look into applying for an interim housing benefit payment - if you have submitted all the correct information and it's just the case that the council are slow to process it, then after 14 days you can apply for an interim housing benefit payment. How many days ago did you submit your application? If you have this option, then make clear to the agent that you are pursuing it, plus the other steps you have taken to sort out your income.

Can you borrow the money from your ex and you pay him back promptly - he should be paying child support so can he give you an advance on that? What plans are you making to transfer the tenancy agreement into your sole name if it isn't already?

Rent arrears are a serious matter and the failure to meet the rent payment could have serious consequences so do explore ways of trying to meet that deadline if you can.

yved33

Pandaspot, sorry i wasn't very clear :-) The housing benefit is paid fortnightly in arrears, so although in total, it will cover all but £100 of the rent, on the 21st i will only get 2 weeks hb, not enough to pay all the rent. Sorry my brain is struggling :-) . Jowo, thankyou, i will look at the Shelter website. i notified the council on the day husband moved out, a week ago today, so they have been very quick to process the decision. My husband and i have come to an agreement re child support and he has paid this months to me. As he has paid his deposit, rent etc he has no money left until his next payday. The landlord wants to leave my husband's name on the tenancy until September, as a safeguard i suppose. Just to add to the mix, my brother is guarantor for the rent, but atm has money worries of his own I will tell the managing agent what steps i have taken, i just hope he's ok with it. x