O,R rent allowance

mug098

Is there a percific figure that the o.r allows for house renting ?
Oviously not that i would but if i was to rent a nice 4 bed house to use up my remaining surplus money each month would they make me find some cheaper accomadation.

If they were to set a payment order up for me to pay a certain amount each month of my surplus funds then i am aware that would be for 3 years. I am going to have to look into renting for at least 3 years so surely one would be no worse off going for a nicer house aposed to a cheap ex council house.

Thoughts welcome

JCS1

There is no specific figure, but instead the OR will look at what is reasonable.

So if there is only you, they wouldn't be too impressed if you rented a 4 bedroom house. But if it was for a family of 6, then it may be allowed.

mug098

thanks for that. there is me and my three lads, i was looking for 3 bed house but they are very hard to come by in my are so i have upped the stakes to possibly a 4 bed house.
Rent is ranging from £600 to £700 a month in my area but wasnt sure if the o.r would find that excessive or not.

Ineedaname

At least two of your boys will be expected to share so the OR would probably allow you average local rent for a 3 bed house. Anything over that price you will need to find from within your other allowances.

JCS1

Also, renting whilst BR can be difficult as you will fail the credit check, though some landlords can be more understanding than others.

So it might not be the case of finding the best house to use up your surplus, as you may have a limited number of rental properties available to you.

silvercar

How old are the lads. LHA guidelines suggest that children shouldn't share a room once they reach 16.

mug098

the boys are 13,14,16

Ineedaname

In which case the OR could expect the 13 and 14 year old to share for another couple of years. The 16 year old is entitled to his own room. So for now you'd be allowed comparable rents for a 3 bed house. If you rent a 4 bed house for a higher rent the OR might not give you the full rent in your allowances.

dojoman

If there are no 3 bedroom houses to be had, you should not have a problem with a 4 bedroom one as long as the rent is comparable for the area. I rent a 3 bedroom house but only 2 are used, the OR said as the rent was average for the area it would not be a problem.

fiveyearplan

The OR would not consider it excessive if you are paying the market rent in your area. This varies greatly depending on what part of the country you live.