Can I afford to rent this property?

HappySaver1968

Hi,

I posted this on the wrong forum and was asked to repost it here instead. Today I found a property which I like and the owner is willing to take me on as a tenant because I explained my situation and he said he appreciated my honest, but that he didn't usually take people on benefits and so I'm very lucky. The property I have found is £500pcm and has two bedrooms but I also went to my local council and they said I will only receive in total about £365 per month (I think it was) in Housing Benefit and so I will have to make up the shortfall myself if I go ahead with this. I was also told to be wary of private lets as I did mention my CPN was discussing moving me into amenity housing and I was told amenity housing is more secure than a private let.

The lady also told me to be very careful as I'll have to pay Band D (?) Council Tax in this property which is a little bit more expensive and to think things over before signing any contract. She also said because it's a two bedroom property, I should budget for gas and electricity costs as they'll be a little higher than with a one bedroomed property. I know this is probably said by everybody but I really liked this property, have set my heart on it and I got a good feeling when I viewed it. I would have the peace and quiet I need there and there'd also be a spare bedroom for my children if they decide to come over and stay with me, or at least I'll have a place to take them when they visit.

I've not been on these forums very long but the people I've came across have been really helpful to me and I can't thank them enough. I hope that someone can guide and tell me if this letting is feasibly in my circumstances if I lay out my income and outgoings for you all to see? Would I be entitled to full Council Tax benefit in this private let or would there be a percentage to pay seeing as it is Band D? I'm desperate to move forward with my life and think that a move might just be the best thing.

OK, here is my income:

ESA/DLA - £238.05 per week (£1031.55 monthly)
My total monthly outgoings are less than £300 for everything - gas/electricity/bills, all the usuals. I'm not a big spender.

Is it feasible? can I go ahead with this? if there's anything else you want to know then ask and I'll tell you. My CPN was really pleased to hear this and told me she will support me every step of the way and she said that she can inform my social worker who can talk things over but it would be good to know now what others think as for the first time in a while, I have home and something to be excited about. I will also add the house just for your own chance to view it. Thanks.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-35560688.html

John.

LadyMorticia

Hey HS1968.

I don't really have any advice for you but the property looks nice and cosy.:) I wish you luck in whatever you choose.

x

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

John you need to be careful about posting so much personal information about yourself on a public forum. Take that link down and stop putting your name on your posts, sorry to be blunt

just wanted to add, that property is LOVELY

HappySaver1968

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow wrote: »

John you need to be careful about posting so much personal information about yourself on a public forum. Take that link down and stop putting your name on your posts, sorry to be blunt

just wanted to add, that property is LOVELY

Thank you for this good advice. I just wanted to let people see the property because I really like it and I hope that others can give me their view on things because I really want to go ahead and make the move.

John.

chris1973

Also dont forget to factor in the fact that, according to the listing the central heating uses heating oil and not Gas, so I would double check that with the agent as Oil CH tends to be expensive, and you also have to buy it in 500 litre deliveries, often meaning a big expenditure in one go.

Hammyman

You are on ESA. You won't pay any council tax as you'd get Council Tax Benefit. Heating oil is damned expensive though.

skibadee

John...be very careful...just been having a look around and I fear this cottage may be holiday let, therefore they may just be looking for a tenant for the 6mth period when its out of season....I don't want to disillusion you...but I don't want you taken for a ride either!!!

mealone

Hammyman wrote: »

You are on ESA. You won't pay any council tax as you'd get Council Tax Benefit. Heating oil is damned expensive though.

So everyone on ESA gets council tax benefit then!!!!

Dont be so stupid, just because you get sickness benefits doesnt mean that you get any income based benefits and even if you did it might not be for the full amount.

And we have found oil to be no more expensive than it costs our friends in comparative gas powered cetrally heated homes.

skibadee

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/benefits/help_with_your_council_tax_council_tax_benefit.htm

This link may help you.

HappySaver1968

skibadee wrote: »

John...be very careful...just been having a look around and I fear this cottage may be holiday let, therefore they may just be looking for a tenant for the 6mth period when its out of season....I don't want to disillusion you...but I don't want you taken for a ride either!!!

Thank you for your concern, I really appreciate this good advice. It is good that you can be so honest with me. What I will do now is I will copy what I just posted on the other section here:

I just wanted to check back before bed, really overwhelmed at the level of support I've been given, can't thank you all enough. OK, would I be right in saying that I need to find just the £135 per month and that my Council Tax would be paid in full by Council Tax Benefit? I can see myself managing OK and even if this letting lasts for just six months then that's better than nothing because it will give my nurse/doctor/social worker and so on time to get things sorted out and for me to try and sort out myself. I understand I have a very complicated situation and I just hope I haven't overwhelmed everyone by it! Goodnight, hopefully things will work out for me.

John.

Fiver29

skibadee wrote: »

John...be very careful...just been having a look around and I fear this cottage may be holiday let, therefore they may just be looking for a tenant for the 6mth period when its out of season....I don't want to disillusion you...but I don't want you taken for a ride either!!!

Indeed. On the letting agents website it says 'Winter Let'.