Having problems downsizing.

oliveoil99

At present I am receiving LHA for 1 bedroom as I am in 2 bedroom making the shortfall up, if I move into a room with shared facilities will I still get the 1 bedroomed rate of LHA or the shared rate? Yes I am over 35 infact 60, didn't want this but cann't find a landlord who will take housing benefit claimants but just this week found 2 that will accept for shared accommodation and I'm getting desperate.

sleepless_saver

You'd get the shared accommodation rate as "you are 35 years or over and rent a room for your sole use in a shared home" . http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/RentOfficers/LHADirect.html

mark24c

Get a lodger?

oliveoil99

mark24c wrote: »

Get a lodger?

What are the implications of having a lodger, do I become their landlord with an income from them? My landlord is not of the approachable kind will not even allow permission for me to have a water meter, it's getting to me I need to get somewhere I feel settled and live within my means.

oliveoil99

sliverman wrote: »

which could cause further problems if the poster is in receipt of means tested benefits. The rent paid by the lodger will be treated as income.

I don't receive means tested benefits a widows pension and a small private pension as the amount comes to £21 over JSA I have a large shortfall to pay.

Ms_Chocaholic

oliveoil99 wrote: »

I don't receive means tested benefits a widows pension and a small private pension as the amount comes to £21 over JSA I have a large shortfall to pay.

You do, you receive LHA

oliveoil99

oliveoil99 wrote: »

I don't receive means tested benefits a widows pension and a small private pension as the amount comes to £21 over JSA I have a large shortfall to pay.

Everyone I have spoke to have said it's a bad idea especially as both places that would accept me have no females, one house has 3 men and the other 7 men i.e. my safety and I would end up doing the cleaning in the communal areas. I don't see these worries as I will spend most my time in my room or will be out. Anyway am going to see both them after new year will make my own decisions I'm not senile just yet.

xylophone

Is there any chance of your qualifying for a one bedroom council or housing association property which might have a rent at or close to the LHA?

pmlindyloo

I see from your previous thread that taking in a lodger is not a possibility.

Given your difficulties have you tried exploring the possibility of becoming someone else's lodger? Do you know anyone who has a spare room?

You would still be eligible for HB in this situation (shared house rate)although your 'landlord' would probably have to provide a lodger's agreement or write a letter confirming your rent.

This might be better option than sharing with lots of strangers.

sammyjammy

oliveoil99 wrote: »

Everyone I have spoke to have said it's a bad idea especially as both places that would accept me have no females, one house has 3 men and the other 7 men i.e. my safety and I would end up doing the cleaning in the communal areas. I don't see these worries as I will spend most my time in my room or will be out. Anyway am going to see both them after new year will make my own decisions I'm not senile just yet.

What a sexist thing to say! Also why would your safety be at risk because there are no other women in the house? If you have your own room presumably it would have a lock on the door.

lighting_up_the_chalice

xylophone wrote: »

Is there any chance of your qualifying for a one bedroom council or housing association property which might have a rent at or close to the LHA?

I would second the suggestion to approach social housing providers.

LHA is for private rent, HB is for Social Housing and is more likely to cover all/more of the rent.