Hb tenants question

mysterywoman10

I think sterotyping is a very dangerous route to go. There is also a very strong case for discrimination in the case of someone who is disabled and "unable" to work through a severe disability, therefore has no choice but to claim Housing Benefit in order to live independently.

My advice is look at each prospective tenant very carefully check their background etc.

My daughter until she sadly passed away just over a year ago lived independently in her own flat with very severe disabilities and the flat was splotless and very well cared for. The previous tenant a Dr. had trashed the place and it was filthy and it cost £4000 to put right. So you cannot be guaranteed a good tenant just because they are a so called "professional".

I also think a lot of landlords need to work a lot harder to maintain good working relationships with their tenants..it's a two way street.

tim123456789

Somerset wrote: »

Mind expanding on this tom ? It sounds like something (the impact of) landlords should be aware of.

Recipients of UC are no longer going to get their payments paid to them in "packets", one of which has "housing" written all over it.

They are going to get a lump sum for everything and will be "encouraged" to prioritise their spending themselves.

Now whilst some will be able to do this and prioritise the rent properly, and there are probably already some who spend the rent on something else, there is certain to be a large increase in the numbers who do the latter, out of stupidity.

And presumably this new method will make the option of council paying rent direct to LL, completely impossible (should you want to go down that road)

tim

Hatrick24

I currently have two properties let to tenants on housing benefit and they are no problem at all.

I work closely with the local council. They provide the deposit and pay the rent directly to me every four weeks in arrears. In addition, they make a separate one off payment at the beginning of the tenancy for one months rent, so that in effect I am receiving the rent in advance. Initial payments come through within a week of the tenants applying and the council are never late in paying me! Neither of the tenants has a guarantor, however, both are single mums with a young child, so I judge the risk of them losing their housing benefit to be very slim. They both keep the properties clean and tidy.

I did have a previous tenant (on housing benefit - same system) who I gave notice to. The council were excellent in helping the tenant to find alternative accommodation and worked with me in regard to the move out date, ( I agreed a small extension to help them.)

So, I have had no problems to date. My suggestion would be to contact your local council -who, if they are anything like ours, are probably desperate for properties and will bend over backwards to be flexible and helpful. The only downside I have found, is that letting to benefit tenants increases the cost of your buildings insurance.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

ylesia

Hi there

My mum has just moved into a rented flat and will be claiming HB. We had a nightmare trying to find properties through agencies as they all said blanket no to benefits. We found my mum's flat on gumtree and although the ad said 'no benefits' I called the landlord (private let) and she was more than happy to meet us.

My mum took the flat, she is retired on a basic state pension and her hb will fully cover the rent. I deal with all my mums finances (got POA) and her rent will be paid every month without fail and she will be there until she can no longer manage to live independantly (so hopefully a good 20 years!). The landlord has no intentions of selling and intends the rent to eventually be part of her pension.

I know things change and you never know what is round the corner but you can find the perfect tenant that happens to be claiming benefits.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do