Finding a HB landlord

Dognobs

There is a reason landlords don't do HB myself included is bad experances! I had the !!!!! kicked out of two propertys by people on HB however the 10 or so working tenents left the propertys perfect. I think it is the "I am not paying for why should I respect it?" Attude

[Deleted User]

Dognobs wrote: »

There is a reason landlords don't do HB myself included is bad experances! I had the !!!!! kicked out of two propertys by people on HB however the 10 or so working tenents left the propertys perfect. I think it is the "I am not paying for why should I respect it?" Attude

your usual rubbish

planetred

BigAunty wrote: »

I don't know what the scope of their services are but there are some details here. Come back to the forum and let us know once you've had the initial assessment.

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/housing/housingoptions/hphoptions/if-you-may-become-homeless/

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/housing/housingoptions/hphoptions/

Still worth getting into contact with Shelter - councils are notorious for not meeting their statutory obligations to the homeless and it is especially pronounced when it comes to single applicants without dependents. They will tell you your rights and the councils responsibilities (which may differ from what Westminster tell you...).

Crisis did a 'mystery shopping' exercise of London councils and found most were very obstructive and not meeting their basic minimum needs in around 90% of the homelessness applications.

Be sure you outline your qualities on the wanted ads. Even if you see 'No DSS' on the advert, be sure to outline why you are the ideal tenant and can offer a guarantor and excellent landlord references, that you are only claiming HB for the first time due to health issues, etc.

There are a myriad of reasons why landlords do not accept HB claimants. They are considered very risky tenants - note that due to HB changes, you are at a strong risk of going into rent arrears!!

Thanks BA, you've been such a big help! I'll try my luck down each of the avenues recommended (council and Shelter) and report back.

Interesting to see you recommend I apply for any and all ads within the price range. I just assumed that the housing of GB tenants had to be hard-coded into mortgage/insurance contracts the landlord has and therefore it would be illegal to let to a HB tenant. I.e. a landlord is either willing to accept HB tenants, or not, rather than it being a case-by-case basis.. Is my assumption incorrect?

Dognobs wrote: »

There is a reason landlords don't do HB myself included is bad experances! I had the !!!!! kicked out of two propertys by people on HB however the 10 or so working tenents left the propertys perfect. I think it is the "I am not paying for why should I respect it?" Attude

Sorry you experienced that. Fortunately we're not all like that! So do you dismiss ALL HB tenant applications as a rule of thumb?

Dognobs

planetred wrote: »

Sorry you experienced that. Fortunately we're not all like that! So do you dismiss ALL HB tenant applications as a rule of thumb?

Well I sold the house that was ruined by a HB tenent (who refused to move out for two months!) and left 3 skips of rubbish and car parts in the garden then there was the lovely single mum who had fallen on hard times who loved to have parties every weekend and her drug dealing boyfriend also the house got raided twice smashing the door in and left in a very bad state I don't think the kitchin ever was cleaned (she did end up in a nice new build house bless her!). Yes that is just "my usual rubbish" coming out, No I WOULD NEVER TOUCH HB PEOPLE AGAIN! you will find alot of landlords like me. I use a agent who does full checks now and never had a problem.

BigAunty

planetred wrote: »

..
Interesting to see you recommend I apply for any and all ads within the price range. I just assumed that the housing of GB tenants had to be hard-coded into mortgage/insurance contracts the landlord has and therefore it would be illegal to let to a HB tenant. I.e. a landlord is either willing to accept HB tenants, or not, rather than it being a case-by-case basis.. Is my assumption incorrect?

I don't really know. I should imagine that it varies by lender or insurance provider. To get accurate information, you could post a query about this on the housing forum as that's where a number of landlords are regular posters.

BigAunty

planetred wrote: »

...


Sorry you experienced that. Fortunately we're not all like that! So do you dismiss ALL HB tenant applications as a rule of thumb?

I've only known 3 landlords personally who let their properties to housing benefit claimants and none would do so again. Two rented their properties out via social housing landlords and got them trashed. Another let theirs out directly and got their property trashed and had rent arrears.

However, another friend used to be a letting agent and said single mothers on benefits often made ideal tenants.