Housing Benefit and Tenant Rights

BigAunty

You can claim housing benefit - HB (local housing allowance) is paid directly to the tenant and it's not up to the landlord or agent to make the decision.

A dislike of HB is common - some landlords will serve notice rather than have a claimant as a tenant. I assume the agent will tell the 'landlord', whether this is the owner or someone that is subletting it with or without the knowledge/permission of the owner.

Their reaction - to pay you off with free rent and returned deposit - is uncommon and I'm not surprised you are suspicious.

In a historic thread you indicated that you are studying for a BTEC - is this a part time or distance learning course, for example? Because full time students without dependents or disabilities are generally not eligible for HB.

Cpcompany

BigAunty wrote: »

You can claim housing benefit - HB (local housing allowance) is paid directly to the tenant and it's not up to the landlord or agent to make the decision.

A dislike of HB is common - some landlords will serve notice rather than have a claimant as a tenant. I assume the agent will tell the 'landlord', whether this is the owner or someone that is subletting it with or without the knowledge/permission of the owner.

Their reaction - to pay you off with free rent and returned deposit - is uncommon and I'm not surprised you are suspicious.

In a historic thread you indicated that you are studying for a BTEC - is this a part time or distance learning course, for example? Because full time students without dependents or disabilities are generally not eligible for HB.

Its actually a part time course which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. I am working part time, doing 25 hours a week. I am currently looking for a second part time job or preferably, a permanent full time position.

silvercar

The agent said I can't claim housing benefit and has offered t let me leave without paying this months rent and giving me my deposit back.

Are you already behind with the rent?

If so I can understand that the landlord doesn't want you to stay.

Cpcompany

silvercar wrote: »

Are you already behind with the rent?

If so I can understand that the landlord doesn't want you to stay.

No, rent is paid up on time.

I did tell the agent that I might not be able to afford the rent if they attempted to block my housing allowance application.
Since then I have mailed back and assured the agent that I will have no problems paying my rent that is due in 2 days.

The agent has pretty poor English, so I often wonder if she fully understands what I write. The quality of my written English doesn't help the cause though !!

Notmyrealname

The problem I think you have is that many insurers that provide LL insurance will not allow tenants on social security and if a tenant is, it would invalidate any claim made on such a policy.

RAS

Do you have a rental agreement? What address is on there for the service of notices?

Cpcompany

RAS wrote: »

Do you have a rental agreement? What address is on there for the service of notices?

Yes, I do have a rental agreement.

There is no address on the contract for service of notice and the property owners names aren't on it either, just the agent.

jamie11

Notmyrealname wrote: »

The problem I think you have is that many insurers that provide LL insurance will not allow tenants on social security and if a tenant is, it would invalidate any claim made on such a policy.

That may be so but I would like to see it tested in court. A tenant may be in work when he takes the tenancy and through no fault of his own be forced to apply for benefits. I doubt that a court would consider this unfortunate event would be enough to allow an insurance company to void a 'paid for' policy

Cpcompany

jamie11 wrote: »

That may be so but I would like to see it tested in court. A tenant may be in work when he takes the tenancy and through no fault of his own be forced to apply for benefits. I doubt that a court would consider this unfortunate event would be enough to allow an insurance company to void a 'paid for' policy

A quick point to add. When I moved into the property, I wasn't actually working and I made this pretty clear when I viewed the room and moved in.

A couple of weeks later I started working part time. I havent been able to get a second part time job, so now I am looking for full time work. Hence the housing benefit application.

How the agent thought I was going to pay the rent when I specifically stated I wasnt working, God only knows !

jjlandlord

There are plenty of such dodgy arrangements in London, and certainly Tower Hamlets.
Of course the landlord/agent is dodgy but tenants are apparently happy to move in properties without proper agreements, etc. Of course there's a price to pay when things turn sour or, as here, interaction with the council is required.