Want to claim JSA / Housing Benefit, Landlord says no?

wtang00

Hi all,

I've just finished my studies in June, and I wanted to claim Job Seekers Allowance and Housing support whilst I look for work. I just had a telephone conversation with my Landlords agent and I've been told that they 'don't accept DSS'.

I said, 'does that mean I have to move out if I claim?' and he replied 'well hopefully you'll find a job soon'.

As an Architecture graduate, with the construction industry suffering, I know already that I won't be getting work immediately and it may take a few months for me to do so.

So where does this leave me? Am I able to move and then claim immediately at my new address? Or is it feasible for me to process a claim without my landlord finding out...?

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Will

mynameistallulah

Depending on what type of tenancy you have, they may issue you with notice to leave - this notice would normally be two months, but can be shorter.

If you sign on for JSA you will be expected to do sufficient job searching to give you a good chance of finding work - I expect they will tell you to expand your job search outside of architecture.

marybelle01

It is possible to have rent payments sent to you and then you pay the rent. Of course - you do have to pay it! But there is no reason for the landlord to know where the money comes from.

BrettMorganxD

marybelle01 wrote: »

It is possible to have rent payments sent to you and then you pay the rent. Of course - you do have to pay it! But there is no reason for the landlord to know where the money comes from.

as mary says. You can tick/sign something to say not to inform the landlord the HB is then made to you every fortnight by bacs (was fortnightly for me). You just have to make sure you budget and that it is their every months and u dont spend it on somethin' else

emsywoo123

But am I not correct in thinking that LL have a different insurance requirement for tenants in receipt of housing benefit/LHA?

PrincesaGuerrera

I'm just claiming for housing benefit just now and I had to have a signed copy of my lease and I'm sure when I went to the council offices with all my documentation they had already been in touch with my landlady to verify the details. I am getting the payments made to me as I don't think there is any other way if getting them paid direct to the landlany. I don't remember seeing a question on my JSA application about 'opting out' of the council contacting the landlord/lady. If you ask me they are probably doing something dodgy which is why the say 'no dss'. I don't think your landlord can stop you getting JSA tho that is nothing to do with him/her

colino

It is much more basic than that. The landlord wants their rent and some areas (Like good old Glasgow when they decided that every private landlord was a crook) are so wilfully incompetent it can take up to 6 months for them to get their cash. The landlord doesn't care where the money comes from, but perhaps they have had a poor experience of HB?

ktothema

colino wrote: »

It is much more basic than that. The landlord wants their rent and some areas (Like good old Glasgow when they decided that every private landlord was a crook) are so wilfully incompetent it can take up to 6 months for them to get their cash. The landlord doesn't care where the money comes from, but perhaps they have had a poor experience of HB?

My sister and several friends had issues renting to the council in that they found they couldn't reclaim their properties as the tennants had to be rehoused,many councils weren't tremendously speedy in regard to this (whether due to lack of housing or wanting to I don't know). I appreciate this is different to being on housing benefit but none of these people will deal with anyone related to the council or benefits thanks to being burned. Can't say I blame them, but its a shame.

PrincesaGuerrera

colino wrote: »

It is much more basic than that. The landlord wants their rent and some areas (Like good old Glasgow when they decided that every private landlord was a crook) are so wilfully incompetent it can take up to 6 months for them to get their cash. The landlord doesn't care where the money comes from, but perhaps they have had a poor experience of HB?

Oh no, I'm trying to claim from Glasgow city council, doesn't bode well for me then? They have already stalled once!!!

wantsajob

My opinion is it's a "your sort can't live here". That's all it is. As above, apply, get money to you, pay landlord.

emsywoo123 wrote: »

But am I not correct in thinking that LL have a different insurance requirement for tenants in receipt of housing benefit/LHA?

Yes you are incorrect.

Sharon87

Your landlord can't stop you claiming JSA and HB. Especially not JSA. You are entitled to claim these benefits. What the landlord doesn't know can't hurt him. I've claimed JSA and HB in the past without informing my landlord, and on the massive application for HB I had to fill in there was a box that says 'don't declare this to Landlord', that was Brent council's form anyway. Put in an application as soon as you're able to claim (the day after you officially finish college). You may need to take proof that you've finished college into the job centre though, I had to. Also don't forget if your name is on the council tax you can claim council tax benefit too.

Good luck with the job searching.