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Housing benefit when paying 6mths rent in advance
redbicycle
Posts: 35 Forumite
Most of the private landlords in my area don't accept tenants on housing benefit.
Although I am in the position of having fairly substantial savings, and a guarantor in case things go wrong, I have had more than one possible tenancy fall through on this issue, because my current lack of a fulltime job means I would be claiming HB. At least I got all monies back from the one that fell through after paying agent.
Since I do have the savings, I am considering whether it is possible to still receive housing benefit, after paying 6mths rent in advance - I have heard that this is possible, but thought I should check with your experiences in case there had been a change of policy or something. Is this something that can vary between one council and another?
Although I am in the position of having fairly substantial savings, and a guarantor in case things go wrong, I have had more than one possible tenancy fall through on this issue, because my current lack of a fulltime job means I would be claiming HB. At least I got all monies back from the one that fell through after paying agent.
Since I do have the savings, I am considering whether it is possible to still receive housing benefit, after paying 6mths rent in advance - I have heard that this is possible, but thought I should check with your experiences in case there had been a change of policy or something. Is this something that can vary between one council and another?
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Comments
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By rent in advance you mean that you will pay the 6 months then pay nothing for 6 months?
(and yes it's usually possible subject to 'savings limits' to claim HB in these circumstances)0 -
Yes, 6 months in advance then nothing for 6 months, by which time I plan to be in employment sufficient to proceed to a normal monthly payment cycle.0
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What will your savings be after paying 6 months rent?0
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The threshold for reductions due to capital is £6k isn't it? I seem to remember it was for means-tested JSA, ESA etc.0
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We did this. It even stated on the AST that we had paid 6 months. I sought help on here and was told that HB is given by entitlement. So yes, it is possible
Good luck!0
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