Housing benefit for lodging

planetred

Hi guys,

As a result of the recent HB caps, there are no properties in my area accepting HB.

I've asked a friend who has a spare bedroom if I can lodge with him.

Would I still be eligible to claim HB as a lodger? His rent is £121 p/w and he would request rent of £100 p/w (make of that what you will).

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Mike

RAS

What is the shared room rate for your area?

HappyMJ

If the rent of £100 a week is all inclusive which would be a reasonable figure you need to know what is included. If council tax is included then that is fine. If gas/electric/water/telephone/broadband is included they will adjust the figure to only take into account rent, council tax and wear and tear on his furnishings. Landlord's are responsible for council tax in your situation so as he the lead tenant and your landlord then he is responsible for the council tax. I would ask him to add the two figures together and add £10 a week for wear and tear then submit that figure and the rest can a seperate amount for paid for the all inclusive bills.

Single room rate LHA allowances in my area are about £65 a week so paying £65 a week rent plus £35 a week bills would be quite reasonable and much easier to explain to council when they ask for a breakdown.

planetred

Thanks for the quick replies, as always! Love MSE!

I checked on direct.gov.uk and can confirm their shared room rate for this area is £123.50 p/w. Not sure my friend/potential future landlord is aware of that, but I think my question was answered regardless and you CAN claim HB as a lodger... Right?

I will ask him to confirm his calculations are inclusive of contributions to council tax and wear and tear..

Cheers,

Mike

Yorkie1

If he is in fact renting the property, he will need to obtain his LL's consent to sublet the room to you. Don't get your hopes up too soon ...

rentergirl

And make you discuss all pitfalls upfront. How long do you envisage this lasting? And things that cause tension, like your being at home all day in Winter and maybe having heating on (my advice - blankets and woollies!)